Ford’s Garage Announces Entrance into Tennessee with New Multi-Unit Deal

Vintage-Inspired, Full-Service Restaurant Partners with TN Legends Group to Develop Up to Four Locations to Nashville Area

TAMPA, Fla. // FranchisePR.com // Feb. 11, 2026 – Ford’s Garage – the full-service, 1920s garage-themed burger and craft beer restaurant inspired by the heritage of The Ford Motor Company – has just announced a significant multi-unit franchise development agreement that will bring up to four new locations to the Middle Tennessee area over the next five years. The deal is led by TN Legends, a Nashville-based development group with decades of experience building, growing and operating successful restaurant brands across the country.

At the helm of the group is Nashville native and longtime industry veteran, Ted Moats, whose dynamic career spans commercial banking, franchising, and leading national restaurant concepts. A Vanderbilt graduate and former U.S. Navy officer, Moats began his career in commercial banking before transitioning into restaurant lending, an entry point that launched him into franchise operations and multi-brand development. Over the last three decades, Ted has developed more than 100 restaurants across 10 brands in 20 states and held leadership roles that include Chairman, CEO and President of Logan’s Roadhouse, where he grew the brand to 65 locations across 13 states under his leadership.

Together with his business partner of 25 years, James Blaylock, Scott Estes, former VP – Development Ford’s Garage, and the Bozard Ford family, St Augustine, FL lead by CEO, Jeff King, the TN Legends Team is thrilled to lead Ford’s Garage’s expansion in Tennessee.

“Ford’s Garage stood out to me immediately with its timeless appeal,” said Moats. “It’s hard to stay relevant in the full-service industry, but Ford’s Garage has a uniqueness and staying power that immediately resonated with me. The atmosphere, the commitment to quality, and the guest experience are what set the restaurant apart from the rest, each location is meticulously crafted with care, and I think Nashville and surrounding areas will instantly fall in love with the concept.”

Ford’s Garage offers a unique blend of crave-worthy comfort food, craft beer, and vintage automotive nostalgia. Known for its signature burgers, over-the-top desserts, and themed décor featuring classic cars, gas pumps, and a true 1920s garage vibe, Ford’s Garage creates a destination for families, foodies, and car enthusiasts alike.

The group is targeting locations in high-growth suburban communities such as Murfreesboro and other key markets surrounding Nashville. In addition to the four units under the multi-unit development agreement, the group has plans to open even more locations in the future.

“There’s tremendous opportunity in the Nashville region,” he continued. “Full-service restaurant concepts perform exceptionally well here, but success requires understanding the community and the real estate. Ford’s Garage delivers a fun, immersive dining experience that I know Middle Tennessee guests will embrace.”

Beyond site development, TN Legends with the help of partner, Bozard Ford and Jeff King, will also be engaging in conversations with multiple Ford dealers in the region and is actively evaluating land acquisitions for standalone buildouts. Bozard Ford is the first Ford dealer in the country to develop a Ford’s Garage restaurant located on dealership property.

“Expanding into Tennessee has been a long-term goal for Ford’s Garage and partnering with a group as experienced and deeply rooted in the Nashville community as TN Legends makes this opportunity especially exciting,” said Billy Downs, President of Ford’s Garage. “Nashville is a vibrant, high-growth market that values great food, great experiences, and authentic brands, all things Ford’s Garage is built on. We’re thrilled to bring our unique blend of quality, hospitality, and automotive-inspired nostalgia to Tennessee for the first time and look forward to building meaningful connections in the communities we’ll serve.”

For more information on the Ford’s Garage franchise opportunity, visit www.FordsGarageUSA.com/franchise. To find the nearest Ford’s Garage location, visit www.FordsGarageUSA.com.

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About Ford’s Garage
Founded in 2012 and franchising since 2015, Ford’s Garage opened its first location in Fort Myers, Florida, less than a mile from Henry Ford’s winter home. Today, as the only official licensee of The Ford Motor Company, operators are able to use the company’s iconic logo and other brand imagery, to resonate with customers looking to have a true experience with their meal at the 1920’s garage-themed burger and craft beer restaurant franchise. The brand has expanded to include a total of 33 locations across eight states and is eager to find qualified franchisees to help bring the brand to more communities east of the Mississippi. For more information, visit www.fordsgarageusa.com.

Media

Ashlyn Jensen
ajensen@franchiseelevator.com

SOURCE Ford’s Garage