“Kermit Ward opened the Grill in 1947, with Buddy Horn helping, and the menu really hasn’t changed. I hand roll the burgers fresh every morning, and the chili is an old family recipe. Our hot sauce is homemade too. We use good quality ingredients, and serve our customers with friendly, efficient service that has an old-timey feel. ‘All the way’ is mustard, chili, and onions, with or without cheese, but we know what our regulars like before they walk in the door. We know a little about what’s going on in their lives too, we really care about and appreciate them. The loyalty goes both ways, it has from the beginning.

My daddy, Dallas McKeel Jr., started working here when he was in high school, and soon after he returned from the Navy in ’71, Mr. Ward sold the business to him and Buddy Horn. Later, daddy bought the rest of it, and was known and beloved as ‘Mr. Ward’s Grill’ by everyone for years.

In 2012 he sold it to me, but still worked here until just a few days before he passed. And it continues to be a family thing. My husband comes to work with me in the morning before he goes to his regular job, and our children, one’s in law enforcement and the other teaches, work here on Saturdays. I have three ladies that work with me during the week, and they’re like family, too.

There’s a real sense of community here, a true hometown feel that we think makes it special. We’re quick, because that’s what people want, but we still take the time to call you by name, and maybe ask how your momma and daddy are doing, or ask about your kids. We really appreciate each and every person who chooses to walk through our door. The internet has been great for us as well, with people searching for where to eat on the way to the beach, and word of mouth helps bring folks from out of town, too.

But it’s our regulars, who make coming to see us part of their daily routine, that make us eager to come to work in the morning. They’re such good people, the kind that don’t think twice about giving us a $20 bill and saying, ‘feed some veterans’ or ‘feed the elderly’, and so of course we do. And we try to say thank you to all of them by making the best hamburgers and hot dogs we possibly can, and serving them with a big smile – and the coldest bottled drinks in town, if you’re thirsty. Come see us!”