Remembering Burger Burger: A Biloxi Icon Closes Its Doors
A beloved hamburger joint in South Mississippi has closed its doors for good. Burger Burger, located at 1039 Howard Ave. in Biloxi, has shut down as the owners, a division of Sablich Enterprises, have decided to retire. The restaurant was known for its signature Burger Burgers and Southern cuisine, leaving a void in the local dining scene.
Biloxi Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich expressed his fondness for Burger Burger, stating that the restaurant had been an integral part of Biloxi's community for many years. The history of Burger Burger dates back to the post-World War II era when Abbie and Mildred Brunies from New Orleans introduced their famous Burger Burger recipe to Biloxi by opening Abbie’s Little Diner on Benachi Avenue. The 18-inch burger, covered in a secret sauce and topped with mustard and onions, quickly became a local favorite.
In 1987, Martha Ann Ebberman, a Biloxi native, acquired the diner and the trademark Burger Burger recipe from the Brunies. Ebberman, also known as Ann Rae, had a colorful past, having met Elvis Presley in 1955 during a show in New Orleans. She continued the legacy of Burger Burger until 1993 and later served the iconic Burger Burgers at a restaurant in Ocean Springs. In 2001, Ebberman partnered with Coast businessman Jamie Sablich to open Burger Burger on Howard Avenue, bringing back the nostalgic charm of the original diner.
The cozy atmosphere of the Burger Burger house on Howard Avenue offered a taste of the past, with classic burgers, sandwiches, and breakfast options that delighted customers. Ebberman's culinary skills extended beyond Burger Burgers, with dishes like fried pork chops, cabbage dressing, and unique breakfast biscuits like hamburger steak biscuit with brown gravy or creole crawfish etouffee. Daily specials included fried bologna, Catfish on the Bayou, chicken and dumplings, liver and onions, and crawfish pasta, providing a diverse menu for patrons.
Whether enjoying a root beer float or indulging in one of Mrs. Martha’s homemade pies, cakes, or cobblers, Burger Burger offered a comforting dining experience that will be missed by many in the Biloxi community. The legacy of Burger Burger and its delicious offerings will be remembered fondly by those who had the pleasure of dining at this iconic establishment.