Duke's Chicken 'n' Waffles food truck opens — and could see national franchises

• The owners of Duke's Bakery in Fall River are starting a new food truck selling chicken and waffles.
• The owners have also partnered with one of the original "sharks" from ABC's "Shark Tank" to open franchises in all 50 states.
• All the recipes are gluten-free, as with other products from Duke's.

Duke’s Bakery and Cafe is branching out with a new venture: a food truck featuring their chicken and waffles.

The gluten-free eatery, 1082 Davol St., Fall River, will be dishing up its signature treat to go at Duke’s Chicken ‘n’ Waffles, starting this week.

Duke’s Chicken ‘n’ Waffles will be a permanently placed food truck, but also has the potential to go nationwide, thanks to a franchise partnership with a group led by one of the original sharks from ABC reality TV show “Shark Tank.”

In addition to chicken and waffles, there will be a few other treats on the menu, all 100% gluten free, in keeping with Duke’s commitment to the allergy-conscious.

When does Duke’s Chicken ‘n’ Waffles open?

Duke’s Chicken ‘n’ Waffles officially opened Tuesday, March 25.

Where is Duke’s Chicken ‘n’ Waffles located?

The permanently placed food truck will be at 147 Borden St. in Fall River.

What are their hours?

Their current hours will be Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Chris Holden, owner of Duke’s Bakery and Cafe, said she plans to open the food truck later and more often as the weather gets nicer.

What’s on the menu?

• Classic chicken ‘n’ waffles with fries, which comes with Duke’s signature Belgian waffle, paired with fried chicken, bacon, and drizzled with maple mustard.
• Baja chicken ‘n’ waffles with fries, which comes with tomato jam and avocado aioli.
• Buffalo chicken ‘n’ waffles with fries, drizzled with Buffalo aioli.
• BLT chicken ‘n’ waffles with fries, made with crispy fried chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayo, between wedges of Duke’s Belgian waffle.

There’s also a Not Chicken ‘n’ Waffles section on the menu, which includes:

• Chicken tenders and fries, which comes with four pieces of chicken breaded in their house breadcrumbs and fried until golden brown. Available sauces are Buffalo aioli, maple mustard, avocado aioli, and dairy-free ranch. For an extra charge, you can also get honey mustard, barbecue, or Buffalo hot sauce.
• A Belgian waffle, made to order, to which you can add blueberry, chocolate, or strawberry sauce.
• Fries, hand-cut and fried fresh and seasoned to order. You can order them loaded, with Buffalo aioli, avocado aioli, maple mustard, or dairy-free ranch for $1 each. Add bacon for $3.

They also have soda.

Duke’s partners with Harrington Franchise Group

Duke’s Chicken ‘n’ Waffles is the first food truck in what could be a nationwide operation: it’s available as a franchise in all 50 states.

Holden has partnered with the Harrington Franchise Group, which according to their website helps entrepreneurs build their franchise business.

It’s named for Kevin Harrington, an original “shark” from ABC’s smash hit reality show “Shark Tank.” Harrington is one of the partners in the group.

This food truck is the first in their newly created gluten-free chicken and waffles franchise. The food truck franchise is for sale across the United States.

In a promotional video for the food truck shared by Holden, Harrington discusses the project, calling it “a unique opportunity” and noting that the food truck market is “incredibly hot right now.”

“Duke’s has redefined gluten-free dining by providing an unforgettable experience that combines high-quality, allergen-free ingredients with delicious recipes,” Harrington said in the video.

For anyone who is interested in becoming a franchisee, Harrington also noted in the video, “Duke’s offers franchisees an established brand, a proven scalable business model, proprietary ingredients, and training, as well as ongoing support to ensure quality and success.”

How did Duke’s partner with the Harrington Franchise Group?

As much fun as appearing on “Shark Tank” no doubt would have been for Holden, that’s not how the partnership came about.

Holden applied for Santander Bank’s Cultivate Small Business program for food entrepreneurs in January 2024 and was accepted, learning new strategies about approaching different aspects of the business.

“When I started this journey with CSB, I had no idea what to expect or what I was going to learn,” Holden told The Herald News. “I can say I learned invaluable lessons and major thought-changing strategies.”

While working on the final CSB assignment for an action plan and pitch, Holden saw a marketing campaign for the Harrington Franchise Group, with an offer for a free commercial. Although Holden didn’t land the free commercial, Tony Greene at HFG liked Holden’s vision, which led to Holden speaking with Christen Hagan, a partner and member of the executive team.

“Four weeks later, I received an email letting me know that they researched me and my concept, product and brand and felt we were a perfect franchise model,” Holden said.

Holden signed on with the agency.

“Over the last six to eight months, we have created a full franchise company,” Holden said. “We are registered in all 50 states to offer the food truck franchise.”

More information about Duke’s Chicken ‘n’ Waffles, franchise opportunities

For those interested in a franchise opportunity, or to learn more, visit www.dukesfranchise.com or visit the bakery and speak with either Holden or Holden’s son Dennis, who is part owner and will be working the truck daily. There are also brochures available if Holden or Dennis are unavailable.

“We are very excited to bring this to market and help create a new food truck market designed to accommodate all allergies,” Holden said.