#United States #Hardee's #Valerie Knospe #Biscuit Champion #West Union

Valerie Knospe Triumphs in Hardee's 2026 National Biscuit Baker Competition

Franklin, Tennessee is buzzing with excitement as Hardee's announces that Valerie Knospe from West Union, Iowa, has been crowned the winner of the 2026 National Biscuit Baker Competition. This distinguished competition showcases the exceptional talents of bakers dedicated to creating the restaurant's renowned Made From Scratch™ Biscuits.

The Journey to the Top
The competition was fierce, with multiple levels leading to this national stage. Valerie stood out among countless talented bakers, earning her place among four national finalists after several local and regional contests. Each finalist was tasked with a challenging objective: prepare 52 perfectly fluffy biscuits in just 15 minutes! This demanding task required not only speed but also a high level of skill and precision.

Valerie's performance was exceptional, showcasing her incredible technique and unwavering commitment to biscuit perfection. She ultimately secured her title at the finals held earlier this month and walked away not just with the title but also a cash prize of $10,000. The runners-up, who displayed commendable skills and creativity in their baking, each received $2,500.

With her warm smile and enthusiastic spirit, Valerie shared, “The key to a great biscuit is to be thorough, follow every step, and take pride in serving biscuits that are of high quality. I put lots of love into my biscuits. You must be patient and realize that you are preparing the biscuit to start the guests' day off on the right foot.”

A Celebration of Craftsmanship
President of Hardee's, Alisa Gmelich, praised all the finalists, highlighting the passion and craftsmanship that goes into each biscuit. “Our biscuits start with the talented team members who bring pride and care to every batch they bake before dawn,” she stated. Hardee's Biscuit Baking Competition is an event that celebrates the artisanal process behind the beloved biscuits, from their golden color and airy texture to the delightful taste that customers crave.

Valerie represented not just her hard work but also Northland Management LLC, which operates 120 Hardee's locations across several states. The other finalists included Diego Ramos from Lexington, Kentucky; Amanda McIntosh from Dayton, Tennessee; and Dwight Henry from Jefferson, North Carolina, showcasing a diverse range of talent from across the nation.

Bringing Biscuits to the Community
For locals eager to sample Valerie's award-winning biscuits, they can visit Hardee's at 117 IA-150, West Union, IA 52175 during breakfast hours. The restaurant serves Hardee's famous Made From Scratch™ Biscuits daily, providing everyone an opportunity to start their day off with something delicious.

Hardee's has a rich legacy of offering authentic menu items made with quality ingredients for over 65 years. Known for its sumptuous charbroiled burgers, hand-breaded chicken tenders, and of course, those delightful biscuits, Hardee's continues to be a significant part of the American dining experience.

For anyone wanting to learn more about Hardee's and their signature biscuits, further details can be found at www.hardees.com.

About Hardee's
Hardee's stands as a beloved quick-service restaurant brand, known for high-quality menu offerings crafted by hardworking individuals. They operate more than 1,400 locations in 31 states, dedicated to serving delicious meals that bring people together.

About CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc.
This privately-held entity is the parent company for both Carl's Jr. and Hardee's, operating over 3,600 outlets across the U.S. and internationally, offering a delicious array of menu items ranging from charbroiled burgers to Made From Scratch™ Biscuits. For more information, visit CKE’s website.