Ford’s Garage, the burgers and craft beer restaurant inspired by the heritage of The Ford Motor Company, is setting their sights on the Carolinas as part of their strategic expansion plan. The brand has officially announced their interest in finding passionate franchisees to help bring their first restaurants to Charlotte and Raleigh in North Carolina and Columbia and Charleston in South Carolina.
With more than 30 locations currently operating across Florida, Virginia, Kentucky, New York, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Texas, Ford’s Garage has built a reputation for delivering a delicious and nostalgic family-friendly dining experience. Now, the brand is looking to fuel growth by partnering with experienced franchise operators who are eager to help them introduce Ford’s Garage to the Carolinas’ dynamic restaurant scene. Ford’s Garage is hoping to eventually open up to 10 locations in North Carolina and four locations in South Carolina as both have been ranked in the top 10 of states primed for significant franchise business growth in 2025 according to the International Franchise Association.
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. The brand offers a unique franchise opportunity that blends an expansive menu of American comfort food and vintage automotive nostalgia. With a menu that features their famous burgers, wings, comfort foods, and irresistible desserts, there is truly an option to fit everyone’s preferences. As the only restaurant brand with an official Ford licensing agreement, Ford’s Garage stands out in its design, with the Model A over the bar and vintage-style décor, paying homage to classic car culture.
“The Carolinas represent an ideal fit for our brand, with their strong tourism sectors, thriving suburban communities, and appreciation for distinctive dining experiences,” said Billy Downs, President of Ford’s Garage. “We’ve identified Charlotte, Raleigh, Columbia, and Charleston as high-opportunity markets where Ford’s Garage can quickly gain traction and become a local favorite, and we can’t wait to start the process of finding the right partners to join us on the journey.”
As the full-service restaurant industry is projected to grow in the coming years, Ford’s Garage stands out by offering a unique dining experience that transports customers to a 1920’s garage. The brand is strategically positioned for heightened expansion while ensuring franchisee success remains a top priority. Ford’s Garage is looking for passionate franchisees to help them grow their national presence and are specifically targeting areas East of the Mississippi.
Ford’s Garage franchisees benefit from a multi-daypart model that includes brunch, lunch, dinner, and happy hour, maximizing revenue opportunities and enhancing return on investment. The brand also prioritizes innovation, featuring limited-time offerings to keep the menu fresh and exciting, helping to create repeat visits from guests. A dedicated leadership team, with extensive experience in both the franchise and restaurant industries, guides franchise partners through every step of their journey, from signing the agreement to launching successful openings. This hands-on support system ensures franchisees have the tools needed to thrive in their respective markets, and makes sure everything is firing on all cylinders.