Ford’s Garage Revs Up Franchise Growth Momentum In Q1 of 2026

Vintage-Inspired, Full-Service Restaurant Exceeds 2025 Development Goals, Expands into New Markets, and Sets Sights on Strategic Multi-Unit Growth

TAMPA, Fla. // FranchisePR.com // April 27, 2026 – Ford’s Garage, the full-service, 1920s garage-themed burger and craft beer restaurant inspired by the heritage of The Ford Motor Company, is hitting the gas in Q1 of 2026 after a standout year of franchise growth and expanding nationwide demand.

2025 by the Numbers:

Six new multi-unit franchise development agreements signed

• New Jersey – 3
• Northern Virginia – 3
• Houston, Texas – 3
• Nashville, Tennessee – 4
• Des Moines, Iowa – 3
• Milwaukee, Wisconsin – 3

New markets awarded in Tennessee, Iowa, Wisconsin, and New Jersey

Three new restaurants opened in 2025

• Lexington, KY
• Utica, MI
• Avon, IN

“We have seen remarkable growth this past year and are so excited to have more customers fall in love with Ford’s Garage,” said Dave Ragosa, Vice President of Development and Franchising at Ford’s Garage. “As we look ahead to the rest of 2026, our focus on smart, strategic growth centers on supporting our operators, expanding into the right markets, and delivering a memorable guest experience that keeps guests coming back.”

Ford’s Garage is gearing up for a major growth year, with six new locations scheduled to open in 2026. Strong franchise demand and an exceptional start to January 2026 are fueling continued expansion plans in the Central and Eastern Time Zones.

Ford’s Garage leadership team expects technology to play an increasingly important role in the restaurant industry in the year ahead, particularly as operators look for smarter ways to improve efficiency and elevate the guest experience. The brand is focused on leveraging technology to enhance back-of-house operations, streamling kitchen workflows, and creating easier, more intuitive ordering and payment experiences for guests.

“The past year reflects the strength of the Ford’s Garage brand, and the strength of our franchisees, teammates, and the system,” said Billy Downs, President of Ford’s Garage. “In 2025, we partnered with experienced operators, entered markets we believe in, and continued refining the brand. We’re excited to continue that momentum into 2026 and continue to position Ford’s Garage for long-term success.”

To support this next phase of growth, Ford’s Garage strengthened its leadership team with the addition of Ben Bowman – Director of Culinary, Jessica Shishler – Director of Training and Sam Dawson – Director of Purchasing. These roles further reinforce the brand’s commitment to menu innovation, training, operational consistency, and a reliable, scalable supply chain as the system continues to expand. While expanding its footprint, Ford’s Garage also sharpened its business model to meet today’s restaurant realities:

• New ‘Fuel-Efficient’ menu offerings, including bowls designed to give guests more choice
• Increased focus on second-generation restaurant conversions, creating faster, smarter openings
• Smaller-footprint restaurant designs, without sacrificing the brand’s signature atmosphere

Ford’s Garage continues to expand its national footprint while delivering great food, drinks and hospitality in an immersive vintage environment that guests love. Poised for even more growth in the remaining quarters of 2026 the brand is actively seeking franchise candidates across the U.S. who are entrepreneurial, community-minded, and growth-focused.

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 34 locations across eight states and is eager to find qualified franchisees to help bring the brand to more communities. For more information, visit www.fordsgarageusa.com.

SOURCE Ford’s Garage

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