Wards BBQ has been a hometown staple since the early 1970s, when founder James Ward opened the first pit in Mississippi with nothing more than a smoker, a simple menu, and a passion for Southern cooking. Word spread quickly thanks to the slow-smoked pork, tangy sauces, and the friendly, family-style service. In the intervening years, Wards expanded across the region, building a loyal following that came for the barbecue and stayed for the sense of tradition.
The menu has grown beyond pulled pork plates to include ribs, brisket, chicken, and hearty sides that locals swear by. Yet, what many don’t realize is that Wards also has a “secret menu” — hidden gems like off-menu sandwiches and loaded plates that regulars whisper about. Still, through all the changes and additions, the original signature pulled pork sandwich remains the heart of Wards BBQ, loved just as much today as it was decades ago.
