A group of restaurateurs have signed a franchise deal to bring a unique American comfort food experience to the Garden State as Ford’s Garage is slated to bring the first of a trio of new eateries to New Jersey later this year.
Founded in 2012 by a group of entrepreneurs near Henry Ford’s former winter home in Florida, Ford’s Garage sports a 1920s service-station theme alongside classic food and drinks served by staff dressed as mechanics. The concept recently opened a spot inside Long Island’s Smith Haven Mall, but otherwise doesn’t have much of a presence in the northeast just yet.
That is about to change after Ford’s Garage announced the signing of a multi-unit development deal with The Intregritty Group, who run over 60 restaurants in five states, including brands like Dave’s Hot Chicken and Qdoba. The first restaurant under the deal is slated to launch in the fourth quarter of 2026 inside the Menlo Park Mall in Edison.
“We’re always looking to partner with brands we genuinely believe in, and Ford’s Garage checked all the boxes,” said Jiger Patel of The Intregritty Group said. “We love that it’s not just a meal, it’s an experience. The vintage Ford-themed décor, the focus on quality ingredients, and the brand’s dedication to community made it an easy decision.”
“We think New Jersey is craving something bold, welcoming, and somewhere families, friends, and neighbors can gather,” Patel continued. “We’re incredibly proud to be the group that brings it to our home state.”
Since franchising began 10 years ago, Ford’s Garage has grown to more than 30 outposts across eight states. Food at the restaurant spans from burgers to fare like pulled pork mac n’ cheese, beer battered fish and chips, or a rack of BBQ pork ribs, with some lighter fare like chicken cobb salad or blackened salmon with greens mixed in.
All of the Ford’s Garage locations have liquor licenses, and the Menlo Park Mall spot should follow suit. A cocktail list, or “Ford Fusions,” includes a wide selection of margaritas, mules, and more, plus a “No Octane” list of mocktails.
The Intregritty Group did not announce where their other two Garden Station outposts of Ford’s Garage would be located but did note that they were “strategically targeting the entire state to ensure broad accessibility.”
