Ford's Garage enters Tennessee with Chattanooga franchise opening

Ford's Garage has opened its first Tennessee restaurant in Chattanooga, extending its franchise footprint with a site owned and operated by TN Legends. Announced on Oct. 13, 2026, the opening brings the automotive-themed restaurant brand to 36 locations.

The 8,000-square-foot restaurant at 2102 Hamilton Place Blvd., near Hamilton Place Mall, has seating for approximately 250 guests. It sits off I-75 near I-24, in what the company describes as a busy retail and dining corridor, with Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls and Rock City among the nearby attractions.

Tennessee partnership leads the opening

TN Legends is a partnership of native Tennesseans whose combined restaurant and hospitality experience spans more than a century, according to the release. Its managing partner, Ted Moats, is a U.S. Navy veteran, Vanderbilt University graduate and restaurant industry veteran who was a founder of Logan's Roadhouse.

The ownership group also includes Moats' longtime business partner James Blaylock and hospitality veteran Scott Estes. Swade Elliott, a Tennessee native with 11 years at Ford's Garage, serves as Garage Partner.

Moats said the partnership was attracted to the combination of Ford's heritage, food, service and the restaurant's distinctive setting. He cited Chattanooga's automotive history and community ties as reasons for choosing the city, and said opening in the partners' home state and building a new team made the launch particularly meaningful.

Automotive theme shapes the dining offer

The Chattanooga restaurant follows the brand's service-station-inspired format, combining vintage 1920s décor with Ford memorabilia. Ford's Garage is an official licensee of Ford Motor Company, with a concept built around burgers, comfort food and a full bar.

The menu includes 1/2lb. Certified Angus Beef burgers, including the Estate Burger, which combines smoked Gouda, sweet red onion marmalade, arugula, fried onion straws and white truffle bacon aioli on a brioche bun. Other main courses include Simply Grilled Salmon and Chicken Henry, served with Chardonnay lemon butter sauce, goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes.

Appetisers include Famous Firestone Shrimp and the Giant Funnel Tower of Piston Onion Rings. The drinks selection features local craft beers and cocktails.

New state adds to regional expansion

Founded in 2012 in downtown Fort Myers, Florida, near Henry Ford's winter estate, Ford's Garage says it is expanding across the South, Midwest and Northeast. The Chattanooga opening adds a new state to that footprint through a franchise partnership combining local ownership with existing brand experience.

The restaurant offers dine-in and pickup service. Opening hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.