In 2012, the original Ford’s Garage opened in Fort Myers, Florida, less than a mile from Henry Ford’s winter home.
The small local burger and fries joint did so well that, founders opened a larger second location with more memorabilia. By the time the third opened, Ford Motor Co. had noticed.
“That’s how we became an official licensee of the Ford Motor Company,” said Ronda Wright, general manager of the Avon location. “This is our 31st location, with more planned in the future. Avon is such a lively place. It is very busy, and this was the right place at the right time. We’ve been busy since we opened our doors in May.”
It may be the 31st nationwide, but it’s just the second in Indiana, located near the Shiloh Crossing Shopping Center off U.S. Highway 36.
“When you come to Ford’s Garage, you’re getting more than a meal. It’s an experience, and we’re thrilled it’s just a short drive from the world-famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway. We’re the perfect pit stop for fans headed to or from the track,” said Sam Tancredi, Tin Lizzie operating partner.
Tancredi is a former longtime franchisee with Outback Steakhouse and Bonefish Grill and is a partner in Tin Lizzie Restaurants with Mike McGuigan, co-founder of Ford’s Garage.
Walking through the front door, the first thing guests notice is often the Ford Model A car hanging over the center of the bar. From there, the aesthetic continues — gas pump handles are used on the doors, mechanic shirts serve as uniforms, shop towels are used as napkins, and car engine parts and gas pumps accentuate the 1920s filling station décor.
“We have two beautiful garage doors that open to the outside when it’s nice out,” Wright said. “It provides additional seating out there for guests, but if you sit inside, you still get the breeze coming through.”
The next thing people typically notice is the unique menu, which goes beyond the typical burger and fries. It’s called the “Cruisin’ the Coast” menu for summer, and every few months, a new selection is introduced to keep offerings fresh and tempting.
“We specialize in burgers and fries with fresh, never frozen, hand-pattied, half-pound burgers,” Wright said. “But behind that, our burnt ends brisket melt is very popular. We have salads and meatloaf — lots of comfort foods. We also have 29 different craft beers, six craft wines and bottled beer.”
Each burger can be ordered with one of four beef alternatives, including bison, chicken, turkey and veggie patties.
Appetizers include Motor City Kettle Chips with cheddar cheese, beer cheese, bacon bits, chipotle ranch, diced tomatoes and green onions.
They also offer pulled pork sandwiches, chicken sandwiches, steak, and fish and chips for guests seeking variety.
For dessert, customers can try the New York City cheesecake topped with fresh whipped cream, mint sprig and raspberries, or the old-fashioned milkshakes.
The staff at Ford’s Garage enjoys engaging with the community in more ways than one.
Have you ever had a burger named after you? Some folks in the Avon community can now boast that they have.
Avon Community School Corporation’s 2024 Teacher of the Year, Sam Smith, has his name on the classic Model A burger. Andy Mohr can boast his name on the menu next to the Ford Signature Burger.
Other community members featured include Avon Police Chief Sean Stoops, Washington Township Avon Fire Chief Danny Brock and Avon Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tom Downard.
Shelby Pride, director of Avon Parks and Recreation; Matt Harloff, Avon High School band director; Carol Battistini, Hendricks County Humane Society director; and Kim Woodward, Avon School Board president, are named as well.
Racing legends Larry Dixon and Al Unser Jr. are recognized alongside the High-Octane and Jiffy Burger.
It’s just one of the many ways they make Ford’s Garage a friendly and welcoming restaurant.
“We have such a vibrant atmosphere. It’s really fun. It’s busy all the time, but there’s also a focus on work-life balance. We’re staffed well, and everyone has a schedule that works for them, so we don’t have burnout. That makes for a better experience for the customer too,” Wright said.
For regulars, the Motorclub is a rewards program that gives back when customers purchase a meal. For every dollar spent on food, customers earn one point. For every dollar spent on merchandise, they earn two points. At 150 points, they receive a $10 coupon.
Upon signing up, members receive a coupon for a free pretzel. Guests also receive a coupon for a free appetizer for the month of their birthday.
Visit the new location at 10416 E US Hwy 36 in Avon.
