Ford’s Garage, a neighborhood burger and beer joint, is preparing to open a new location at 12575 Hall Road in Utica.
The new location is set to replace Bucca de Beppo in the Utica Park Place Shopping Center, according to Gus Calandrino, the mayor of Utica, who announced the expansion via social media. The new Ford’s Garage is expected to open in Summer 2025. The 1920s garage-themed burger and craft beer restaurant brand is an official licensee of the Ford Motor Company and has expanded to over 30 locations across eight states. This will be the company’s 32nd location.
Founded in 2012 in Fort Myers, Florida, Ford’s Garage is an official licensee of the Ford Motor Company, offering a unique dining experience that celebrates America’s iconic automobile brand. With a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of a 1920s service station, the restaurant features vintage vehicles and memorabilia, hand-hammered copper bar tops, and servers in mechanic uniforms. Unique décor elements include blue shop towel napkins and sinks designed to look like tires, creating a captivating dining experience.
The new location follows the announcement of Billy “B.D.” Downs became the company’s new president late last year. Downs joined the company in 2015, a few years after the brand was founded, and became a franchise owner in the Detroit Metro Area. He will continue managing the Detroit franchise while serving as president.
“It is an honor to be tapped to lead Ford’s Garage after being part of the company for nearly a decade,” Downs said in a press release. “The brand has come a long way in defining its unique space in the American dining experience, and we will keep strengthening our position for years to come.”
