If you have a penchant for mayonnaise and hail from South Carolina, it’s highly likely that you’re a devoted fan of Duke’s. However, for those who might not yet appreciate this third-ranking mayonnaise brand in the country, here’s a quick overview that could inspire you to give it a try:
The story of Duke’s begins with Eugenia Duke, who settled in Greenville with her husband in 1910. Eugenia discovered her knack for crafting delectable sandwiches, which quickly became popular, prompting her to open a small sandwich shop at the historic Ottaray Hotel in downtown Greenville in 1920.
But before that, she spent three years (from 1917 to 1920) delivering sandwiches to the soldiers stationed at Camp Sevier, where her culinary creations were a hit. By 1918, she had sold an impressive total of 11,000 sandwiches! What was the secret to their success? It was her exquisite homemade spread, which, at that time, didn’t even have a name.
After establishing her reputation as a sandwich maker, Eugenia made a pivotal decision in 1923: she would shift her focus entirely to her beloved spread. Initially produced in her home, demand for her egg-based creation quickly outgrew her kitchen, necessitating a larger facility.
By 1926, Duke’s Mayonnaise began full-scale production in a factory located in Greenville’s industrial area, right on the banks of the Reedy River—an area that locals easily recognize.
The legacy of Duke’s is so well-established that in March 2018, the city honored Eugenia Duke by naming a bridge after her to commemorate the 100th anniversary of her sandwich shop.
Duke’s Mayonnaise has been such a staple that it’s nearly synonymous with South Carolina itself. To learn more about the backstory of this beloved condiment, check out Duke’s official website.
Did you know that Duke’s was first mass-produced in what is now known as the Wyche Pavilion at the Peace Center? What’s your favorite mayonnaise? Just a heads up—if your answer isn’t “Duke’s,” your loyalty might raise some eyebrows!