I had never been to Mississippi. So, I recently took a long weekend road trip to drive through the Magnolia State.



Ward's is a Mississippi-based regional fast food chain that specializes in chili burgers, chili dogs and root beer.



"In December 1957, twins Richard and Ed Ward opened a New Orleans-based Frostop franchise in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Frostop served chili dogs, orange soda, and root beer in frosted glass mugs. On May 28, 1978, the Ward brothers opened the first Ward's restaurant at 40th Avenue and Hardy Street in Hattiesburg. By the early 1980s, the first franchised Ward's was opened in nearby Petal. The Ward brothers started Ward's Food Systems, Inc. in 1985 to manage the franchise. In 2004, Glen and Shelley Sullivan became the owners of Ward's and combined the franchise and restaurant companies. Richard Ward passed away in 2019 and Ed died prior to 2017," reads Wikipedia.



"After opening their own restaurant, the Ward brothers brought similar items from Frostop to their new menu, including chili burgers, chili dogs, and root beer. Today, Ward's offers chili burgers in two sizes: the larger burger is known as the "Big One" while the smaller option is known as the "Lil' One". Other options include the "Ward's Quarder", (which includes tomato and lettuce), wraps, chicken sandwiches, salads, hot dogs, catfish, and various sides. Various desserts include floats, ice cream, milkshakes, and fruit smoothies. Ward's also serves breakfast, including made-to-order eggs and a variety of biscuits and breakfast wraps."



I had to try the "Little One," which usss their homemade chili and sauce, plus an order of cheese sticks.



This burger was messy, but pretty tasty. I'm definitely glad I got the Little One because it was hefty. The cheese sticks were decent; if they were piping hot, they'd be better.



Grade: B