Contributed by Tara Bush
Can Florida have too many Ford's Garage restaurants? I think not! North Orlando, specifically Sanford, welcomed their very own on Friday January 23, 2026. Fort Myers holds the honors of having the very first Ford's Garage in 2012. They have 33 restaurants in 8 states and marching northwards into the Great Lakes. I am sure more are in the making. They didn't start with a partnership with Ford until they were denied a trademark for their Ford's Garage Venture. A Ford partnership allowed them to use the trademark “blue oval”. 5 years later, a Ford's Garage 
opened in a very fitting location, on the grounds of the Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan.
If you have never been to one, and you like old cars, this is a MUST STOP. Every little detail pays homage to the vintage days of the the Model A & T. The doors have gas pump handles, the bathroom sinks are tires, the napkins are blue shop rags rolled in a hose clamp, and there is a classic Model T hanging above the bar (which has a strip of ice to keep your drink cold). Every half hour the Model T honks the horn and releases smoke out the exhaust. A very fun feature. Early engines are scattered throughout the restaurant along with old photos and memorabilia. Outside are big vintage-style gas pumps and an old Ford or two.
I arrived right before the ribbon cutting with various Sanford officials and district managers, plus the incoming Sanford staff. They immediately went to work opening
the restaurant to the public. All smiles and welcomes, the staff kept our drinks filled and made sure the food was spot on. The manager was kind enough to reserve the first parking space next to the entrance for my 1967 Shelby. It was a big hit with the patrons. Don't pass up an opportunity to visit a Ford's Garage and take in all the car features within the restaurant. Aside from the burgers and sandwiches, they atmosphere is a perfect place for all classic car enthusiasts.
