Hardee's general manager retires after 43 years

A part-time job turned into a 43-year career.

Brenda Dukes, general manager of the Hardee’s in Barnwell, retired on Dec. 30, 2022, after 43 years with the company. Though she was too young to work when Hardee’s first opened its Barnwell location in 1972, she was hired in April 1979, just before she graduated from Barnwell High School. She worked part-time the first year while attending Denmark Technical College and Voorhees College, but later moved into a full-time role.

“Hardee’s pretty much adopted me from that point on and became a second home. I never thought it would be a career for me. I was just trying to earn some money for school,” said Dukes, who lives in Williston. She stayed with Hardee’s because they worked her schedule around her classes.

She started as an early morning backline cook, which allowed her to work before school. She later learned to bake biscuits after the biscuit maker left, but later returned to the backline and helped in other areas when needed.

After graduating from college with an associate degree in business, she interviewed for office jobs with several companies. Her manager at Hardee’s asked her about moving into management.

“I was young and timid,” said Dukes, who didn’t think she had what it took to be a manager.

Her manager saw she had the qualities needed to be a successful manager, including a good work ethic. She turned down the initial offer, but accepted it the next time there was an opportunity. Dukes realized her classes had prepared her for this next career move.

“My course study entailed me being good with organization and accounting,” said Dukes.

She entered management in 1984 as a shift leader, the entry level of management. She moved to breakfast manager where she opened the store at 4 a.m. but later changed shifts after Hardee’s briefly moved to a 24-hour operation. She later became assistant manager, which provided better hours.

“I became more and more familiar with things. I liked working with people on both sides of the counter,” she said.

After her general manager left in 1991, Dukes was promoted to the Barnwell location’s top leader. Though being general manager meant going in early and leaving late, she had her husband’s blessing. She stayed in that position until her retirement.

“Brenda has set an example. She’s been like a mother to her Hardee’s family. The respect level is mutual,” said Dwayne Searson, senior district manager for Boddie-Noell Enterprises, which owns the Barnwell Hardee’s and 350 other locations around the country.

“I manage with love. I’ve tried to lead with a caring heart and treat others with respect. When I correct you or tell you something, you know I want you to be good at what you’re doing, even if you don’t do it that long,” said Dukes.

Just as she’s given her job her all, she’s also tried to instill that mindset in her employees.

“Brenda Tilley Dukes has been a patient, kind, understanding, and definitely caring person for the 15 years I have been working with her,” said new general manager Jenice Jones, who was previously assistant manager.

Her coworkers surprised Dukes on Dec. 28 with a party complete with food, cake, and kind words about her impact on them. Several former coworkers also attended, including biscuit maker Liz Ingram and breakfast manager Connie Hammond who both retired in 2022. Searson presented her with a plaque and gift on behalf of the company.

In addition to expecting employees to show up on time and do a good job, Jones said Dukes also had the patience to effectively deal with customers. “Dealing with people most definitely is a challenging job and a lot of people don’t have the patience,” said Jones.

Customer Valenda Black said Dukes has always been a hard worker and “always made sure things were done as they should be. She will be missed.”

Leon Holloway and Ronald Kelly are long-time loyal customers of Hardee’s. They said they’ve enjoyed getting to know Dukes over the years and watching how she treats employees and customers.

“She’s been a good manager,” said Holloway.

When asked what she will miss most about Hardee’s, she said it’s the people, including her customers and employees.

“First and foremost, I love God. Because I love God, I have to love his creation (people). I try to see the good in everyone and point that out to them. Being the boss doesn’t mean you don’t have to be nice to people. It’s important to invest in them as a person then you can get more of what you need from them,” said Dukes of being open-minded, loving, and kind.

She will also miss the Boddie-Noell company because the family-owned company has created a family atmosphere by how they’ve treated their employees, recognizing outstanding performance, and showing appreciation for accomplishing goals.

“They really do believe in people,” said Dukes.

Searson said the Barnwell Hardee’s has been in great hands with Dukes at the helm because he’s never had to come there for issues in two and a half years. He said they will also likely win the Founders Award for store performance.

“I thank God for giving me the strength to do this job this long,” said Dukes.

As she starts her new role, Jones said she will take everything that Dukes taught her and use it to help her customers and employees. She also considers Hardee’s her home away from home.

“Looking forward I hope that I can build a team that puts the needs of the customers first. To keep the patrons of Barnwell coming back and giving service with a smile. I have big shoes to fill; we will just take it one day at a time. She will be truly missed,” said Jones.

Speaking of her successor, Dukes said Jones has the same level of dedication as she does.

“She has been a great resource to me in meeting our goals, along with the rest of the crew. She has a passion just like I do for people and she gives it 100 percent,” said Dukes of Jones.

With her last shift behind her, Dukes said she looks forward to more family time, helping more at church, and “helping out any way God sees me to help his creation.”