Ford’s Garage, the car-themed burger and beer chain, is rolling into Middle Tennessee after signing a multi-unit development deal with a local group. A Nashville-based team will steer the rollout of several of the brand’s nostalgic, garage-style restaurants across the region, although specific sites and opening dates are still being hammered out.
As reported by What Now Nashville, Florida-based Ford’s Garage has inked the agreement with TN Legends, a development group led by hospitality veteran Ted Moats. Moats told the outlet the team is planning three locations in Middle Tennessee over the next two years. What Now Nashville also notes that leases are not yet finalized, which means a few suburban neighborhoods may soon find out they are suddenly in the burger business.
Local Partner Brings Chain-Restaurant Chops
“Ford’s Garage stood out to me immediately with its timeless appeal,” Moats told What Now Nashville. A long-time restaurant executive, Moats has held leadership roles at national casual-dining brands, with local and industry coverage pointing to his work helping grow Logan’s Roadhouse and later his role with Jonathan’s Grille. For background on his recent position, see Jonathan’s Grille and its announcement of Moats joining as CFO.
What Is Ford’s Garage Anyway?
Ford’s Garage started in Fort Myers, Florida, built around a 1920s service-station vibe paired with burgers, craft beer, and full-service, family-friendly dining. Company materials and industry writeups note that the brand is an official licensee of Ford Motor Company and has pushed beyond its Florida roots in recent years. Franchising.com tracks the chain’s rapid rollout across multiple states as it signs more development deals.
Where The New Spots Might Land
According to industry reporting, TN Legends is eyeing high-growth suburban markets around Nashville, including Murfreesboro. The group is weighing standalone build-to-suit locations as well as potential partnerships with local Ford dealerships that could put Ford’s Garage restaurants directly on dealer property. FSR Magazine reports that the focus will be on suburbs where other full-service concepts have already shown they can pull strong traffic.
Timeline And What’s Next
Site selection and lease talks are still in progress, so it is not yet clear which suburb will get bragging rights on the first Tennessee Ford’s Garage or exactly when doors will open. FordAuthority notes that while the development agreements are signed, specific addresses and timelines are still to come as the partners work through real estate, permitting, and the usual checklist that has to be cleared before the first burger hits the grill.
