If you've been in Downtown Whiteville after 7:00 a.m. on a day Ward's Grill is open, the aroma will lead you to 706 South Madison Street. Today when you open the door you will most likely be greeted by Kandle McKeel Rogers. But, if the walls could talk you would hear pride in the history of this small space in Columbus County.
Ward's Grill was opened in 1947 by F. K. "Kermit" Ward. Junior McKeel started working with Kermit at the age of 16. Throughout high school Junior worked at the Grill, but eventually joined the Navy and proudly served his country. On Junior's return to Columbus County he made his way to the Columbus County Register of Deeds to take appropriate action with his DD214. While there, he bumped into Kermit's wife who asked what he was doing since his return. As their conversation ended, she told him to be at Ward's Grill at 6:00 a.m. the next morning. Little did she know that over 50 years later, Junior would have missed only 5 days of work due to illness and their encounter would ensure the future of Ward's Grill.
Kermit sold Ward's Grill to Junior and Buddy Horne in the early 1970's. Buddy passed away a couple of years later and Buddy's wife was a silent partner until around 2005.
Columbus County has not been able to keep Ward's Grill a secret. The Grill has been featured in Our State Magazine several times, reported on by WECT, featured on Tarheel Traveler on WRAL, featured on NC Folklife Institute online and Coastal Review online. As recently as last week a Facebook post shared the news that 44 hamburgers were picked up at Ward's Grill to make the journey back to Raleigh, NC! If you were unfamiliar with our area and made an inquiry on Yelp looking for the perfect burger, you would see shining reviews on Ward's Grill.
Columbus County still mourns the death of Junior in June, 2020. Kandle picked up the reins of the grill along with her husband, Tommy and children Shay and Bella. Kandle continues to implement her father's steadfast views on the operation of the grill. Junior believed simplicity was the key to the Grill's success. The menu is simple. They specialize in burgers and hot dogs. But, if you're there early enough in the morning you can score a ham and egg or an egg burger. Don't bring your debit or credit card, Kandle continues to follow in her Dad's footsteps, and it is cash only.
If by some chance you haven't tasted a burger or hot dog from Ward's Grill, put it on your to-do list. You won't regret it! As for the locals we will continue to enjoy our own little taste of heaven from the second and third generation of a simple and delicious tradition.
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