Fueled by nostalgia, new food spot serves craft beer and popular American comfort food alongside Burgers of Fame inspired by the local community
FLORENCE, KY (Thursday, Jan. 12, 2022) – Ford’s Garage, the neighborhood burger and beer joint that satisfies appetites for nostalgia and classic comfort food, will open its newest location on Monday, Jan. 16, at 4911 Houston Road in Florence’s Saratoga Square shopping center. The service station-inspired eatery will be led by franchise owner Mike McGuigan, founder of the Ford’s Garage concept and one of the restaurant industry’s most sought-after design and marketing consultants.
Ford’s Garage is part of a nationwide group of restaurants officially licensed by the Ford Motor Company to use Ford branding and memorabilia to evoke the look and feel of a 1920s service station. The restaurants display vintage fixtures and Ford vehicles like the Model “T” and Model “A.” Design details include blue shop towels used as napkins and bathroom sinks made from tires and fuel pump nozzles; the crew of servers are dressed like auto mechanics.
The new Florence location is owned by McGuigan’s company, Tin Lizzie Restaurants, and will be the group’s third Ford’s Garage location, joining franchises in Noblesville, Indiana and Norwood, Ohio. In addition to McGuigan, the management team includes Operating Partner Sam Tancredi.
McGuigan has opened over a dozen successful themed restaurant concepts in Florida, including The Outlaw Steak and Crab House Saloon, Morgan’s Forest, Squiggy’s 50’s Diner, The Brick House Sports Pub and Pizzeria and Brixz Grill & Bistro. The themed restaurants he launched in Fort Myers, Florida helped rejuvenate the downtown River District.
“I’m thrilled to continue my journey with Ford’s Garage by bringing this hugely successful concept to Florence,” McGuigan said. “I’ve been involved in themed restaurants for almost my entire career, and this is one of the most exciting – offering freshly made food and an incredible experience with universal appeal for all ages.”
The setting is unique, but at Ford’s Garage, burgers are the prime attraction. The meaty selections are crafted with Black Angus beef and continue the automotive theme with names like Model “A” and the High Octane Burger. Vegetarians can also fill up on flavor with the Green and Clean veggie burger. Burgers come with all-natural aged cheeses, fresh toppings and sauces on artisan buns branded with the Ford’s Garage logo.
Florence locals will recognize several names behind the new location’s Burgers of Fame menu, a localized selection of unique burgers named after influential individuals and organizations in the community. Burgers of Fame honorees include Grand Ole Opry singer Carly Pearce (the Ford’s Signature); Florence Police Chief Tom Grau (the Black-and-Bleu); and Bengals Wide Receiver Cris Collinsworth (the Model “A”).
The restaurant also specializes in popular American comfort food options including homemade meatloaf, chicken wings and tenders; fuel-efficient light fare such as fresh salads, grilled chicken and seafood; and “side cars” like Piston Onion Rings and mac ‘n cheese. Diners can top off their meal with “sweet rides” like milkshakes and sundaes.
The new Ford’s Garage restaurant is located in front of the recently renovated Turfway Park and Casino in Florence’s thriving retail corridor. It will be open for dine-in and to-go service Monday through Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sunday 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Diners can enjoy free WiFi with their meals. For more information on the Florence location, call 859-535-3673.
About Ford’s Garage
Founded in 2012 and franchising since 2015, the original Ford’s Garage opened in Fort Myers, Florida, less than a mile from Henry Ford’s winter home. Today, as an official licensee of the Ford Motor Company, enabling them to use the company’s iconic blue oval logo and other brand imagery, the 1920s garage-themed burger and craft beer restaurant franchise has expanded to include a total of 21 locations across five states. For more information, visit www.fordsgarageusa.com.
