Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$2,833,800 - $6,618,000
Franchise Fee
$50,000
Min Cash Required
$100,000
Total US Locations
29
Business Summary
Ford's Garage Restaurants operate full-service restaurants and bars that blend the atmosphere of a 1920s service station or prohibition-era bar with a modern burger and craft beer joint. The restaurants offer lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, focusing on prime burgers and a wide selection of craft beers, alongside a full menu and bar. The Ford's Garage System includes distinctive design, proprietary recipes, standardized operations, and comprehensive support to franchisees.
Corporate History
Vintage Hospitality Group, LLC, operating as Ford's Garage, was originally formed as ICON Restaurant Group, LLC in Florida on July 23, 2014. The company changed its name to Vintage Hospitality Group, LLC in April 2024. In September 2023, Motor City Holdings, LLC became its parent company. Ford's Garage offers franchises for full-service restaurants and bars themed as 1920s service stations or prohibition bars, serving prime burgers and craft beers. As of the FDD issuance, Ford's Garage has one affiliate-owned location in Plano, Texas, and does not engage in other business activities or offer other types of franchises. The Ford's Garage system has included franchised restaurants since 2012.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$2,833,800 - $6,618,000
Franchise Fee (Low)
$50,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$50,000
Minimum Cash Required
$100,000
Royalty %
5.5%
Marketing %
1%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$2,320,000
Equipment Costs (High)
$4,750,000
Working Capital
$250,000
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
The franchisor's financial condition raises concerns regarding its ability to provide services and support to franchisees.
Financing Details
Ford's Garage does not offer any direct or indirect financing to franchisees. It also does not guarantee any notes, leases, or other obligations, nor does it sell, assign, or discount any franchisee financing arrangements to third parties.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
29
Franchised Units
28
Corporate Units
1
Avg Square Footage
7,500
Franchising Since
2012
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
Ford's Garage has no litigation cases to report.
Bankruptcy History
Ford's Garage has no bankruptcy history to report for the company or its key personnel.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their Ford's Garage franchise, a franchisee must have fully complied with all material provisions of their franchise agreement throughout the entire term. They need to have the right to maintain possession of an approved location for the renewal term and must have made all necessary capital expenditures, such as remodeling, to keep the restaurant updated with the Ford's Garage System standards. All financial obligations owed to Ford's Garage or its affiliates must be satisfied, and the franchisee should not be in default of any agreements. They must also provide timely written notice of their intent to renew, sign Ford's Garage's then-current franchise agreement (which may have different terms), comply with current training requirements, pay a renewal fee equal to 50% of the then-current initial franchise fee, and sign a general release of any claims against Ford's Garage.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Ford's Garage provides extensive support to its franchisees, starting before the restaurant opens. This pre-opening assistance includes helping with site selection and approval, reviewing lease or purchase agreements, and providing design plans and building specifications (including Food Service Designer consultation and custom architectural plans). Franchisees also receive an initial training program for their managers at Ford's Garage headquarters or a certified training center, followed by 30 days of onsite work at the restaurant before opening. Ford's Garage provides access to its confidential Operations Manual and a list of approved suppliers. For the grand opening, an opening team from Ford's Garage provides 14 days of on-site assistance and training, with franchisees reimbursing their expenses. Ongoing support includes authorizing products and services, offering additional training programs and seminars for staff, providing updates to the Operations Manual, and offering advice and guidance on pricing. Ford's Garage also prescribes a standard accounting system (Restaurant 365) and offers general management and operations advice via various communication channels (telephone, email, newsletters). Franchisees can expect periodic on-site visits for consultation and guidance, and their restaurant information will be listed on the Ford's Garage website. Ford's Garage also administers a system-wide Marketing Fund.
Initial Training Hours
574
Training Location
Corporate headquarters in Tampa, Florida or another certified training center.
Ongoing Support
Ford's Garage provides ongoing assistance to its franchisees, including authorizing products and services for sale or use, making additional training programs and seminars available (which may be mandatory for Restaurant Managers and other personnel), and delivering modifications to the Operations Manual along with other written materials offering advice on management and operational techniques. Ford's Garage also offers advice and guidance on prices for products and services, prescribes a standard accounting system (Restaurant 365), and provides general guidance on operating problems by telephone, e-mail, facsimile, and newsletters. Ford's Garage makes periodic visits to restaurants for consultation, assistance, and guidance. Upon request, additional on-site training at the franchisee's restaurant can be provided, though the franchisee must pay a per diem fee plus expenses. Ford's Garage administers the Marketing Fund and may establish regional advertising cooperatives. Franchisee contact information is listed on the Ford's Garage website, and Ford's Garage may determine minimum and/or maximum retail prices for products and services.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Ford's Garage seeks franchisees who, if an individual, will serve as the Designated Manager, or if an entity, will appoint a Designated Manager with an ownership interest in the franchisee entity. This Designated Manager must be dedicated full-time, commit their best efforts, and directly supervise the restaurant's daily operations. They should be prepared to be responsible for the effective and efficient management and proper operation of the Ford's Garage Restaurant. Additionally, a Restaurant Manager must be hired to provide on-site supervision for at least 40 hours per week and meet Ford's Garage's educational and business criteria.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
Yes
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
retail
Owner Participation
full-time
Territory Type
Protected
Territory Size Requirements
Each Ford's Garage franchise is granted a Protected Territory based on a Designated Marketing Area (DMA). This territory will have a minimum population of approximately 100,000 people. The exact size is negotiated, considering factors like population density, neighborhood characteristics, competition, and business location. The territory can be defined by one or more 5-digit zip codes, a radius around the restaurant, county or city boundaries, or be identified on a map. The size of this protected territory remains constant throughout the franchise agreement term.
Staffing Notes
Ford's Garage requires the franchisee's Designated Manager to devote full-time effort and directly supervise the restaurant's daily operations, with complete decision-making authority. If the franchisee is an entity, they are highly recommended to have a Designated Manager with an ownership interest. Additionally, each restaurant must employ a Restaurant Manager who will provide personal on-site supervision for at least 40 hours per week, mostly during normal operating hours. This Restaurant Manager is not required to hold an ownership interest but must meet Ford's Garage's educational and business criteria, be individually acceptable to the franchisor, and successfully complete the initial training program. Franchisees must also retain other personnel as needed to operate and manage the restaurant, with all staff subject to company standards for appearance, manner, and demeanor.