Start your engines and drop the hammer for some serious flavor! Ford’s Garage has opened in Boynton Beach.
The popular chain, inspired by the Ford Motor Company, officially opened their 35th outlet on North Congress Avenue on Tuesday, June 16.
From the moment you enter, this new restaurant buzzes with energy and wildly cool automotive decor from old school gas pumps, O clamps for napkin rings, engine blocks and even a Model A Ford suspended over the bar.
Even the wait staff are decked out in Ford shirts with many sporting bandanas for a seriously cool “Rosie the Riveter” vibe.
Known for their award-winning burgers, huge craft beer selection and elevated American classics, the restaurant is the newest member of the Ford’s Garage family and is owned and operated by Florida’s largest franchisee 23 Restaurant Service.
Billy Diamond, 23 Restaurant Service’s executive vice president of operations, said that restaurant is company’s 23rd Ford’s Garage. He said that though they started off on the West Coast of the state that “We want to continue expanding our footprint on the East Coast… we think it’s the perfect fit.”
Taking over the space formerly occupied by Carolina Ale House, Diamond raved about the new venue: “It’s a great location, great visibility.”
Diamond said the Boynton Beach restaurant will feature the full Ford’s Garage menu that’s available at their other locations. “You can get the same burger here in Florida that you can get in Dearborn, MI.”
That automotive theme is no joke either with dishes like the Chicken Henry entrée, Famous Firestone Shrimp, Edsel’s Hot Pretzels, the Model “A” burger, the Jiffy Burger and Motor City Kettle Chips.
While singing the menu’s praises, Diamond said several customer favorites include the Giant Funnel Tower of Piston Onion Rings, the Smoked Brisket Burnt Ends Melt, and the Estate Burger.
One of the all-time Ford’s Garage classics, that has been on the menu since day one, and not to be missed according to Diamond is the Chicken Henry. Calling it the “hero dish of our comfort food.” He said “It’s marinated grilled chicken topped with a Chardonnay, lemon butter sauce, goat cheese, garnished with basil and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s delicious.”
Also known for having the perfect way to wash down all that fantastic fare, Ford’s Garage restaurants feature extensive craft beer lists and Boynton Beach stays true to that with 25 taps.
If cocktails are more your craving, Diamond said the Blue Oval Margarita is a favorite across all their properties. It’s made with el Jimador Blanco Tequila, Blue Curacao, Bacardi Tropical and coconut and can be ordered either frozen or on the rocks.
Though the people at Ford Motor Company did not help curate their menu, Diamond said “I will tell you that many of the Ford executives go into our Dearborn location for lunch on a daily basis and they love our product. They love our offerings, they love the brand.”
Strongly linked to the famous company and having the famous Ford oval on their uniforms, Diamond said “We take a lot of pride that we get to wear that on our uniform.”
“One of the most important things about what we do is we really focus on the experience and if you’ve been to a Ford’s Garage it’s all about the details… when a guest leaves you know they reflect back on how they felt and how we made them feel and that’s really important to us,” Diamond said.
The restaurant features both indoor seating and a large outdoor patio. In total, the new Ford’s Garage can accommodate up to 250 guests.
The original Ford’s Garage opened in 2012 in Fort Myers, which was the winter estate of Ford founder Henry Ford. 23 Restaurant Service operates that restaurant.
Ford’s Garage
Where: 365 N. Congress Ave., Boynton Beach
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Information: fordsgarageusa.com
Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at eritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Automotive-themed Ford’s Garage opens latest restaurant in the county
Reporting by Eddie Ritz, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Eddie Ritz, Palm Beach Post | USA TODAY Network
