CLEVELAND, Tenn. - Lee University Athletics and Hardee's are pleased to announce a continued corporate partnership agreement for the 2025-26 season.

Hardee's, operated by J& S Restaurants, Inc. locally, signed a two-year expanded partnership with the Flames. They will continue to serve as the official sponsor of the Lee Flames mobile app but will now also be the presenting sponsor of men's and women's soccer, baseball, softball, women's lacrosse, and men's and women's tennis.

Nicole Moorshead, the Director of Marketing for J&S Restaurants is excited to continue the partnership. "At the heart of J&S Restaurants, Inc. and the George R. Johnson Family Foundation is our continued commitment to serving the communities where all J&S family owned and operated Hardee's restaurants are located, especially when it comes to education and athletics. For over fifty years, built on pride, lots of Made from Scratch biscuits, and a long tradition of excellence, we are excited to continue our partnership as a Premiere Sponsor of Lee Athletics for another season. Like Hardee's Biscuits N' Gravy, we are a perfect match! Go Flames!


"We are excited to announce our continued partnership with Hardee's and the Johnson Family.  This partnership has a major impact on our student-athlete experience at Lee University and also our Cleveland community," said Lee Athletic Director John Maupin. "It's a win for us to partner with an organization that operates with excellence and believes in the Lee Athletics vision: to develop and graduate champions in the classroom, in their sport, in their faith, and in the community. Go Flames!"
 
Hardee's support has played a major role in the development of the Lee Flames app, and is the presenting sponsor for men's and women's soccer, baseball, softball, and lacrosse. It has allowed Lee athlietcis to offer free admission to the community for our home events in those sports.  

The Johnson family's involvement with Hardee's dates back to 1965. George R. Johnson opened his first Hardee's on White Street in Athens, Tennessee and later opened his first Cleveland location in 1967. Still family owned and operated today, Hardee's continues to be a customer-driven company, with over thirty locations throughout East Tennessee and Northwest Georgia.