A Florida-based beer-and-burger chain with a tie to Henry Ford — as in the Ford Motor Company — is coming to Rookwood Commons & Pavilion.
Ford's Garage, based out of Fort Myers, Florida — where Henry Ford had a winter home — is an official licensee of the Ford Motor Company and plays off that aspect by channeling a "1920s service station/prohibition bar" vibe, according to a release.
Slated to open in April in the former Don Pablo's location, the 7,600-square-foot restaurant will seat 270 people, serving a menu focused on black angus beef burgers. According to the restaurant, the burgers are dressed with "natural aged cheeses, fresh toppings, and sauces on artisan buns branded with the Ford’s Garage logo."
The menu also promises veggie burgers, homemade meatloaf, chicken wings, onion rings and macaroni and cheese, as well as seafood, salads and chicken. The bar will serves 150 different beers, with 40 of those being on tap, plus wine and cocktails. They say there will be crafts from local breweries available.
“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 Norwood,” says Mike McGuigan, owner and operator of the Rookwood Ford's location. “Ford’s Garage has a great vibe and energy. The food is fantastic all the way across the board. It’s a very comfortable, inviting environment that’s unique to the casual dining space.”
The "Ford" theme is driven home with suspended Model Ts and Model As, blue shop cloth napkins and servers donning mechanics shirts. The bathroom features sinks made out of tires and fuel pump nozzles.
Ford's Garage currently has 17 restaurants with the goal of opening more franchises in Florida, New York, New Jersey, Texas, Ohio, Michigan and Kentucky this year. McGuigan has said he plans to open three more locally, with his eye on neighborhoods like Milford, West Chester, Florence and Covington.
For more info and a full menu, visit fordsgarageusa.com.
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