Valerie Knospe of West Union, Iowa, won the 2026 Hardee’s National Biscuit Baker Competition and its $10,000 first prize. She advanced through a series of local and regional rounds to reach the four-person national finals, which took place in October. One of the other finalists was a Tennessee baker from Hardee’s in Dayton. More Business News
How the Hardee’s Biscuit Baker Competition Works
Every competitor had 15 minutes to make 52 biscuits from scratch, so the contest tested both speed and precision. Bakers first went through local and regional competitions, and the top four advanced to the national finals. Knospe’s technique and consistency earned her the title of 2026 Hardee’s Biscuit Baker Champion.
Prize Money for the 2026 Champion and Finalists
Knospe received a $10,000 cash prize for first place. The bakers who finished second, third and fourth each received $2,500.
Valerie Knospe Represented Northland Management in West Union
Knospe competed for the Hardee’s in West Union, Iowa, which is run by Northland Management LLC. The company owns and operates 120 Hardee’s locations. Before the finals, Knospe competed at the regional biscuit baker competition in early September.
“The key to a great biscuit is to be thorough, follow every step, and take pride in serving biscuits that are of high quality,” Knospe said. “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.”
Hardee’s President Congratulated the Finalists
Alisa Gmelich, president of Hardee’s, said the competition highlights the employees who bake biscuits each morning.
“Our biscuits start with the talented team members who bring pride and care to every batch they bake before dawn,” Gmelich said. “The Hardee’s Biscuit Baking Competition celebrates the skill and passion behind every biscuit, from its golden color and fluffy texture to the unmistakable taste our guests love. Congratulations to Valerie and thank you to all our finalists for sharing their talent with our guests every day.”
The 2026 National Biscuit Baker Finalists
Four bakers reached the national finals, each representing a restaurant and its operator:
- Valerie Knospe, West Union, Iowa – Northland Management LLC (champion)
- Diego Ramos, Lexington, Ky. – John McGinnis Group
- Amanda McIntosh, Dayton, Tenn. – J&S Restaurants Inc.
- Dwight Henry, Jefferson, N.C. – CKE Restaurants
The announcement did not say which finalist placed second, third or fourth.
Where to Try the Champion’s Biscuits
Hardee’s serves Made From Scratch biscuits every morning at its restaurants. To see Knospe’s work in person, visit the Hardee’s at 117 IA-150, West Union, IA 52175 during breakfast hours. More information about Hardee’s and its biscuits is available at www.hardees.com.
Source: Hardee’s via PR Newswire
About CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc.
CKE Restaurants Holdings Inc. is a privately held company based in Franklin, Tenn., and a parent company of Carl’s Jr. Restaurants LLC and Hardee’s Restaurants LLC, which franchise, own and operate these two well-known quick-service brands which offer premium and innovative menu items such as charbroiled burgers, Made From Scratch™ Biscuits and Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders™.
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