This BBQ restaurant in MS is the top small business worth a road trip in the US, survey says

Ocean Springs’ Shed BBQ & Blues Joint was voted the number one small business worth driving hours for, according to a new national survey.

The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint has earned the number one spot as America’s most-visited small business according to business financing company, Advance Funds Network, after surveyors polled over 3,000 people.

The Shed stands out with their loyal barbecue fans and with tourists willing to drive that extra mile. This family-run roadhouse, compiled from salvaged wood and quirky “junkstore” finds, has built its reputation on delicious brisket, smoky ribs and a calendar of late-night live blues.

The customers, affectionately known as “ShedHeads,” are loyal and have contributed to the authenticity of the vibe, which is not really a restaurant, but rather a “it’s a full fledged JOINT ... The Shed is an Experience, a Destination to enjoy!”

In the “our story” section of The Shed’s website, they give the patrons their due credit for shaping it into what it is today. It reads, “folks started volunteering to help. They would bring in more junk to spruce up the place, built additions on the building so they would have a place to sit and offered to do anything they could do to help [oc-owners] Brad and Brooke put out more BBQ to keep up with the crowds.” If you haven’t checked it out yet, now’s the time for a road trip. After all, it’s officially the most drive-worthy small business in America.

What is a place you wouldn’t mind driving a long way to visit? Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.

This story was originally published August 2, 2025 at 5:00 AM.