Ford's Garage Opens First Unit in Texas

Ford's Garage, a budding burger-and-craft-beer franchise inspired by Henry Ford himself, has opened its very first Texas restaurant, in Plano. 

The more than 9,800-square-foot restaurant is the first of as many as 10 Ford’s Garage locations planned throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Leading the local expansion are long-time friends and restaurateurs Brian Judd and Jason Borders, who possess nearly 70 years of combined experience owning and operating restaurants ranging from fast casual to fine dining.

While leases have yet to be signed for the remaining restaurants, Judd and Borders are eyeing North Dallas, the DFW Mid Cities, North Fort Worth and Tarrant County for potential sites.

“Ford Motor Company has quite a rich history as one of America’s most important manufacturing companies. That history also translates to a pretty cool dining experience, as it turns out, and we’re excited to be bringing that experience to Dallas,” says Judd. “With its Ford-inspired design cues and first-rate service and food, Ford’s Garage will offer something for everyone, from toddlers to grandparents.”

Founded in 2012 near Henry Ford’s winter home in Fort Myers, Florida, Ford’s Garage has a unique licensing agreement with the Ford Motor Company, enabling them to use the company’s iconic blue-oval logo and other brand imagery.

The new restaurant in Plano is sculpted to look like a 1920s service station and is filled to the brim with Ford memorabilia, including vintage vehicles, fixtures, and gas pumps, as well as a Model T or Model A car suspended above the center bar. Playing further into the theme, servers are dressed similar to mechanics, blue shop towels are used as napkins, and the bathroom sinks are made from tires and fuel pump nozzles. Even the bar inside the restaurant is decidedly vintage, mixing prohibition-style elements like brick, richly colored woods, and a copper bar top that’s hammered by hand.

Aside from all the nostalgia, Ford’s Garage is a good old fashioned burger and beer joint, too.

Burgers are the main draw, black angus beef (and a vegetarian option) coupled with all-natural aged cheeses, fresh toppings, and sauces on artisan buns branded with the Ford’s Garage logo. The restaurant also specializes in popular American comfort food options like homemade meatloaf, chicken wings and tenders, onion rings, and macaroni and cheese. Lighter fare such as fresh salads, grilled chicken, and various seafood options are also available.

Ford’s Garage boasts an extensive menu of over 100 types of craft beer, including 34 on tap. The restaurant also serves wine, cocktails and nonalcoholic options.

“We attract a very broad market. It’s not pretentious. It’s come-as-you-are. It’s got a great vibe and energy. The food is fantastic all the way across the board. But you’ve got a very comfortable, inviting environment that’s unique to the casual dining space,” adds Judd.

The restaurant is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.