Ford Garage USA

[Bob Bidonde]

Last evening I went to the opening night of a new Ford Garage USA Restaurant in the Smithaven Mall of Smithtown, New York (on Long Island). The theme of this restaurant is the Model "A" Ford. There are 3 Model A's in the place, a 45B 1930 Deluxe Coupe suspended over the bar, and outside is 1930 Briggs Town Sedan and 1929 Tudor. The Coupe over the bar has electric motors turning its wheels, and all of the exterior lights were on. Very impressive. The walls of the restaurant were decorated with Model A, Model T & Flathead V* parts, lots of 1930s gasoline signs, and many 1930s era photos. The food was excellent, and they even named a burger for my local Model A club. The men's room has wheels for sinks and gas pump nozzles for faucets.

 

[Fullraceflathead]

That sounds wonderful do you have any pictures to post?

 

[mcgarrett]

Yes, we have one here in the Dallas area also. Cool atmosphere for us old Ford fans and the food is good too! A few of the local car clubs have held meetings there as well. Several Model A engines on display as well as various parts and pieces used throughout the restaurant as decor items. They even use red shop towels as napkins and hose clamps as napkin rings! A fun experience.

 

[henry's 31]

Great restaurant, they have great food and service. I have been to the one in Tampa and Fort Meyers and understand they have one in Kissimmee, Florida.

 

[motordr]

There’s also a good one in Dearborn,MI.

 

[ModelA29]

Neat place. A friend looked at building one with a few retired Ford execs and engineers that now live near Las Vegas. It was pricey to buy in. $70,000 for the franchise and 7.5% royalty fee on each sale. Cost to built is 2.8 to 6.5 million. In the end they decided they were car guys and would probably lose their shirts in the restaurant biz. There are now about 30 of them - 21 in Florida.

https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/directory/fords-garage/336476#overview

 

[Synchro909]

It has only been a few months since I was at the one in Indianapolis. Amusing place.

 

[Ray in La Mesa]

Sure wish there were some on the Left Coast!

 

[Mulletwagon]

Been to four Ford's Garages, all in Florida. Fantastic decor with pictures of Henry and Model As everywhere. Engines on stands, parts mounted on the walls, waitresses dressed like mechanics -- awesome !! The one in Kissimmee is just down the road from Disneyworld. The story goes that when the first one was opened the organizers never coordinated with Ford and were advised they would likely be charged with trademark violation. Sure enough, Ford legal called, but instead of a cease and decist order, Ford said they like the PR and agreed to the continuation of business after payment of a small licencing fee. Now there is the statement "licensed by Ford" posted everywhere. A "must visit" for every Model Aer.

 

[norcalal]

Those Ford Garages are truly amazing. I have visited them in Michigan and Ohio, and enjoyed them immensely. During a visit I mentioned to a majority owner that they would do well on the left coast. The reply was “never”. With all the regulations, and he says his staff is paid $2.13 an hour.(plus tips, of course). Welcome to “Taxifornia”.

 

[Hitman]

Those Ford Garages are truly amazing. I have visited them in Michigan and Ohio, and enjoyed them immensely. During a visit I mentioned to a majority owner that they would do well on the left coast. The reply was “never”. With all the regulations, and he says his staff is paid $2.13 an hour.(plus tips, of course). Welcome to “Taxifornia”.

Sounds more like the majority owner knew his business limitations and stayed close to home. Lots of businesses survive just fine in the west.

$2,13 an hour is a pathetic hourly wage, even with tips.

 

[Synchro909]

$2.13 an hour!! That's a disgrace IMHO. How can anybody hope to get ahead on that? $US 2.13 is about $A3.28. The MINIMUM wage anybody can be paid here is $A 24.10 ($US15.66) an hour but we don't tip.

 

[Randy in ca]

There's about 20 of them in Florida - mostly in the Orlando, Tampa and Ft. Myers areas. First started up about 10 years ago.

 

[Fullraceflathead]

I have been to the 1 in Michigan and I can say it was an amazing experience!!!

 

[1931 flamingo]

Great time with my brother and his wife a few years ago just outside St Augustine.


Paul in CT

 

[Reelnative]

They just opened one in Melbourne Florida, our club was invited to the soft opening, they compt our meal for bringing our cars.

 

[Reelnative]

They opened one in our Town, Melbourne Florida, we were invited to there soft opening and even comped our meals.

 

[Canton_Model_A's]

We have 2 in our area, Dearborn, and one in Novi. Ours uses blue shop towels. They have 2 Fords inside the one in Dearborn, One Model-T and One Model A. great place, and now that it is becoming winter, time to over-indulge in the onion soup!

 

[David in San Antonio]

Synchro - In most states in the US, the standard minimum wage only applies to people who do not receive tips. Those receiving tips often have a lower minimum. From a bit of travel it seems much of the rest of the world doesn’t tip. Oh, and it seems everywhere else I’ve been, the price shown on an item is the actual amount you pay. Here, we add the tax upon purchase.

 

[Brian SATX]

If they do not make enough in tips to equal the minimum wage, then the owner is required to make up the difference. Most servers make well over the minimum including tips. Both my daughters worked at several places and were making 10-15 $ an hour.