Ford nostalgia? Check. One hundred different types of beer? Check. Half-pound angus burgers? Check.
Whatever a person might need for a night out with their family, Ford’s Garage has them covered. Luckily for Florence residents, a new location just opened at 4911 Houston Road. Today is their first official day of business.
The 1920s-themed burger and beer joint will be the franchise’s first location in the state of Kentucky and the second in the Greater Cincinnati area after the Norwood location opened last May 5.
“I’m thrilled to continue my journey with Ford’s Garage by bringing this hugely successful concept to Florence,” founder Mike McGuigan said. “I’ve been involved in themed restaurants for almost my entire career, and this is one of the most exciting – offering freshly made food and an incredible experience with universal appeal for all ages.”
So what can customers expect? A whole lot of atmosphere.
For starters, the restaurant is designed like a Ford service station from a century ago, complete with gas pumps and signs with the signature Ford iconography. The company’s memorabilia lines the walls. A Ford Model T is suspended above the bar area, with other classic cars such as the Model A located inside the restaurant.
On the menu, customers can enjoy a 1/2 pound black angus beef burger with addable options such as applewood smoked bacon, bourbon barbeque sauce and sharp aged cheddar. In fact, the menu is filled with burgers. Some of the notable standouts include the Jiffy Burger which features peanut butter, the Bison Bacon Burger and the BBQ Brisket Burger.
Besides burgers, the menu features comfort food items like fish and chips, sandwiches, soups, salads and shakes. On Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., customers can sit down and enjoy brunch with items like chicken and waffles, eggs benedict and the spicy Belgian waffle.
McGuigan chose to put the restaurant at the former site of the Tilted Kilt, saying that the location is attractive for restaurant development because of the nearby hotels and the newly completed renovations to Turfway Park.
Originally founded in Fort Myers, Florida, the franchise expanded to other states such as Michigan and Texas. Including the Florence location, there are now 24 total Ford’s Garages open across the United States with the majority located in Florida.
