Florida-based Ford’s Garage has signed a deal with TN Legends, helmed by experienced hospitality leader Ted Moats, to bring the brand to Middle Tennessee. While leases for exact locations have not been secured, Moats told What Now Nashville that they are planning to open three locations in the region over the next two years.
Moats formerly worked as CEO of Logan’s Roadhouse and CFO of Jonathan’s Grille.
Founded in 2012 in Fort Myers, Ford’s Garage offers traditional American fare such as burgers and beer in a nostalgic atmosphere. Design details are reminiscent of a 1920s roadside service station and a Prohibition bar, offering a vintage, upbeat atmosphere. Ford’s Garage is also a licensee of the Ford Motor Company.
“Ford’s Garage stood out to me immediately with its timeless appeal,” Moats said. “It’s hard to stay relevant in the full-service industry but Ford’s Garage has a uniqueness and quality that immediately caught my eye. Its attention to detail, atmosphere and food all work in a way that really resonated with me.”
The brand currently has 22 locations in Florida, two in Indiana, two in Kentucky, three in Michigan, one in New York, two in Ohio, one in Texas and one in Virginia.
Eventually, Moats would like to expand beyond Middle Tennessee and into the remainder of the state, as well as southern Kentucky.
“It takes a great brand, a great group of people to manage and staff the restaurants, investment capital and real estate,” Moats said. “You have to have all of those things. Over time, we think the area of Tennessee and southern Kentucky could do eight to 10 locations.”
