#United States #Richmond, Virginia #Duke's Mayo #Culinary Event #Hot Tomato Summer

Hot Tomato Summer Returns in 2025

The much-anticipated Hot Tomato Summer has officially begun as of July 17, 2025! This marks a unique culinary festival where delicious tomatoes meet the beloved Duke's Mayonnaise. With a duration from July 17 to July 27, this ten-day event is set to excite food lovers across seven Southeastern cities. The festival promises to showcase special limited-time dishes crafted with peak-season tomatoes and the bold flavors of Duke's Mayo.

New City Joins the Celebration

This year’s highlight is the addition of Virginia Beach, VA, a new participant eagerly joining the ranks of previously involved locations like Richmond, Greenville, Charleston, Charlotte, Raleigh, and Knoxville. Each restaurant in these cities prepares a unique Hot Tomato Summer special for diners to enjoy. From classic tomato pie to innovative mayo-infused desserts and cocktails, there’s something for every palate.

Rebecca Lupesco, Duke's Marketing Director, expressed excitement about the tradition: "Hot Tomato Summer is our favorite kind of tradition – the juicy, joy-filled kind. Every year, restaurants have a blast putting their spin on the mayo-and-tomato combo, and diners can't wait to see what's next. It's grown into something bigger (and tastier) than we ever imagined."

A Culinary Sensation

Since its inception in Richmond in 2021, Hot Tomato Summer has evolved into a culinary sensation, with numerous restaurants joining and thousands of tomato enthusiasts participating each year. Diners are encouraged to support their favorite dishes by nominating participating restaurants at hottomatosummer.com. The restaurant that garners the most nominations in each city will receive the coveted Golden Tomato Award, which this year promises a refreshing new design.

In addition to awards and nominations, Duke’s VenMayo campaign returns by popular demand, allowing fans to win cash via Venmo simply by sharing their Hot Tomato Summer dish on Instagram and tagging both the restaurant and @dukes_mayonnaise.

Exclusive Merchandise and Influencer Involvement

Merchandise themed around Hot Tomato Summer, including t-shirts designed by Richmond artist Julie Roberts, will be available for purchase on dukesmayo.com and at select pop-up shops throughout the festival. Furthermore, local influencers in each participating city will collaborate with Duke's to promote standout dishes and create excitement within the community.

In line with past years, Duke’s and Sauer Brands are dedicated to supporting community food justice organizations. They are donating a total of $20,000 to notable charities such as Shalom Farms in Richmond and Mill Village Garden in Greenville, showing their commitment to making a positive impact.

So whether you’re a devoted fan of tomatoes, a lover of mayo, or an adventurer eager to try something new, Hot Tomato Summer 2025 promises to be an experience unlike any other. Dive into the deliciousness, help your favorite restaurant win, and enjoy the tastes of summer!

For more details about participating restaurants and their specials or to shop for Hot Tomato Summer merchandise, visit hottomatosummer.com. Let's celebrate the joys of summer with great food!