Early Fords themed restaurant. “Ford’s Garage”

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jiminbartow
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Early Fords themed restaurant. “Ford’s Garage”

Post by jiminbartow » Thu Sep 15, 2022 11:56 pm

I recently learned of an early Fords themed restaurant called “Ford’s Garage”. I have never been to one, but they have an interesting website showing the majority of them located in Florida and a few others branching out into Texas, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. Check it out for the one nearest you. It may be a nice place to go for a good meal with a date with your better half or a group of friends surrounded by you favorite things. See: www.fordsgarageusa.com. Jim Patrick


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Re: Early Fords themed restaurant. “Ford’s Garage”

Post by DHort » Fri Sep 16, 2022 12:15 am

The one in Dearborn has a Model A and a Model T hanging from the ceiling. They also have very unique urinals in the mens room.

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Humblej
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Re: Early Fords themed restaurant. “Ford’s Garage”

Post by Humblej » Fri Sep 16, 2022 7:45 am

I have been to the one in Dearborn, the food was very good and can stand alone without the Ford memorabilia, but liked that too. The "Mens" sign on the restroom door is worth taking a second look at.

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Re: Early Fords themed restaurant. “Ford’s Garage”

Post by DanTreace » Fri Sep 16, 2022 8:26 am

Great places, been to several in Fl. The big burger has its bun top with a grilled in Ford script! And the wait staff takes away your napkin holder while collecting the menu, they are radiator clamps! Probably early on the restaurant lost a bunch of ‘em :)
The best way is always the simplest. The attics of the world are cluttered up with complicated failures. Henry Ford
Don’t find fault, find a remedy; anybody can complain. Henry Ford


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Re: Early Fords themed restaurant. “Ford’s Garage”

Post by Rich in Colorado » Fri Sep 16, 2022 10:27 am

DHort wrote:
Fri Sep 16, 2022 12:15 am
The one in Dearborn has a Model A and a Model T hanging from the ceiling. They also have very unique urinals in the mens room.
Dave,
After I saw where they keep the beer kegs, I ordered an ice tea! :D :D

Rich
Last edited by Rich in Colorado on Fri Sep 16, 2022 1:20 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Rich in Colorado
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Re: Early Fords themed restaurant. “Ford’s Garage”

Post by John Codman » Fri Sep 16, 2022 10:30 am

I have been to the one in Cape Coral, FL a number of times. It has (as I recall) two Model As and a Model T inside. I love the theme and the food is good as well. If you go there "in season", (October to March), be prepared to wait for a seat.


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Re: Early Fords themed restaurant. “Ford’s Garage”

Post by BigBen » Fri Sep 16, 2022 9:32 pm

I have been to the one in Fort Myers, really neat place. V-8 engine on a stand on the sidewalk and a Model A above the bar, food pretty decent as well. I too thought the napkin holders were a great idea, as well as the the gas pump nozzle for the restroom sink!
Worth the trip if you are in the vicinity of one.


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Re: Early Fords themed restaurant. “Ford’s Garage”

Post by DHort » Fri Sep 16, 2022 11:13 pm

I have 3 pictures that I am unable to download to this site. If anyone wants me to e-mail them to you so you can download, I would be happy to do so.

dlhort1955 at gmail.com


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Re: Early Fords themed restaurant. “Ford’s Garage”

Post by Rodger Erickson » Fri Sep 16, 2022 11:52 pm

Kind of along those lines, there was a casual dining restaurant in the San Gabriel Valley called "The Tin Lizzie." The entrees had cutesy names like "Model T-Bone Steak" or "Flivver & Onions." IIRC the food was just average; they went out of business in the 1970's, and almost no one remembers it.


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Re: Early Fords themed restaurant. “Ford’s Garage”

Post by jiminbartow » Sat Sep 17, 2022 8:57 pm

Here are the 3 photos taken by Dave Hjortnaes (DHort) at a Fords Garage restaurant. Dave sent them to me to post. Thank you Dave. Jim Patrick

6F93B850-E223-4554-917E-FFBE62CB67EA.jpeg
3A334077-C522-4839-A297-4FC3B836A025.jpeg
19B59F85-76F1-429B-9B59-D197A949A144.jpeg


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Re: Early Fords themed restaurant. “Ford’s Garage”

Post by Jim Eubanks » Mon Sep 19, 2022 9:03 am

According to the paper, one is coming to Knoxville, TN soon.

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Re: Early Fords themed restaurant. “Ford’s Garage”

Post by TWrenn » Mon Sep 19, 2022 9:13 am

Heard about 'em, forgot about 'em, sadly the closest one is in Dearborn, 90 minutes from me, obviously too long of a stretch
to try a Model T tour to go to. Even driving modern is well, kinda long just for eating!! Thanks for the post and reminder though!


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Re: Early Fords themed restaurant. “Ford’s Garage”

Post by John kuehn » Mon Sep 19, 2022 11:37 am

Here in Texas there is one that recently opened in Plano. The photos of the Ford cars are Model A’s that’s shown around and in the place. It’s right off a tollway so not sure if it’s a real good access for slower cars like T’s but might be.


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Re: Early Fords themed restaurant. “Ford’s Garage”

Post by DHort » Mon Sep 19, 2022 12:16 pm

Tim

You could easily plan an overnighter tour to Fords Garage. We stayed at the Country Inn and Suites about a mile west on Michigan Ave. Include a short tour around the corner to The Henry Ford or Greenfield Village. I think Fairlane is stilled closed for remodeling. Kim Dobbins and I also drove my T into town to see the Piquette plant. Not the greatest neighborhood to drive through, bit safe during the day. Wave at everyone and have a smile on your face.


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Re: Early Fords themed restaurant. “Ford’s Garage”

Post by Moxie26 » Mon Sep 19, 2022 1:07 pm

I hope recycled beer is not on the menu.

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Re: Early Fords themed restaurant. “Ford’s Garage”

Post by TWrenn » Mon Sep 19, 2022 5:06 pm

DHort wrote:
Mon Sep 19, 2022 12:16 pm
Tim

You could easily plan an overnighter tour to Fords Garage. We stayed at the Country Inn and Suites about a mile west on Michigan Ave. Include a short tour around the corner to The Henry Ford or Greenfield Village. I think Fairlane is stilled closed for remodeling. Kim Dobbins and I also drove my T into town to see the Piquette plant. Not the greatest neighborhood to drive through, bit safe during the day. Wave at everyone and have a smile on your face.
True, not a bad idea. Indeed, I even stayed at the same hotel you did, a few years back for a tour celebrating Henry Fords 150th "birthday". It was fun. We too drove our Ts thru the Piquette Neighborhood with no problems and of course a visit to the plant. It was just up-and-coming back then. Also drive thru downtown Detroit! Great fun. Thanks for the suggestion!

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Re: Early Fords themed restaurant. “Ford’s Garage”

Post by mbowen » Tue Sep 20, 2022 4:00 pm

86270694-4F17-4401-8BAD-9FB6C0DD3704.jpeg
They also serve onion rings on an inverted funnel!
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