The burger, beer, and vintage auto franchise is ready to enter a ninth state.
Restaurant franchise brand Ford’s Garage announced that it will be expanding into Delaware for the first time through a new three-unit development agreement with Carson’s Garage, LLC.
The plan for Delaware for the entry of Ford’s Garage into the state calls for locations in Kent and Sussex Counties with an initial opening in Millsboro, slated for early 2027. Lewes and Camden are also being designated for future restaurants.
Ford’s Garage locations feature a vintage, 1920’s auto and garage theme while specializing in serving burgers and craft beers. Given the restaurant theme, it’s a perfect franchise fit for Carson’s Garage, LLC, which is composed of a group of entrepreneurs with holdings in both the restaurant and automotive industries.
According to Ford’s Garage, the Millsboro area is a meaningful market to the Wilson family who operate Carson’s Garage. The Wilson family has operated business in the market since 1987. The market is also ripe for business due to a growing population and its proximity to Delaware’s beach communities.
David Wilson Sr. and David Wilson Jr. are the owners of Preston Automotive Group, which includes a list of dealerships across Ford, Lincoln, Chevrolet, Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, Ram, Hyundai, Mazda, and Toyota automotive brands along with a wide variety of powersports and lawn and garden equipment in Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia.
“Preston is synonymous with Ford in our community, so Ford’s Garage felt like the perfect match for us,” said Wilson Sr. “Our family has visited Ford’s Garage locations over the years, and we’ve always loved the atmosphere, the food and the way the brand brings people together. This is another way for us to create a gathering place for the community and continue investing in the markets that have supported us for decades.”
The development group also includes experienced restaurant operators 23 Restaurant Group/Operating Partners, which owns and operates several Florida-based Ford’s Garage locations. Together, the group brings deep Ford brand knowledge, strong local market ties and proven restaurant operations experience to the development, the franchise said.
Wilson Sr. is a Ford National Council Chairman and Ford Volume Dealers Hall of Fame inductee, who has built a career rooted in automotive leadership, guest service and community engagement. Preston Automotive Group employs more than 1,000 people and sells close to 16,000 retail units annually, while supporting local organizations and charitable causes throughout Delaware and Maryland.
“I am excited to help bring Ford’s Garage to our Millsboro campus. It will be a family friendly place with great food, a great atmosphere and fun for all. This is one more way that we will be serving this community that has been such a big part of our family for years,” said Wilson, Jr.
Along with offering comfort food and hosting full bars at its locations, Ford’s Garage is known for its vibe and decor featuring classic cars in addition to vintage motorcycles and gas pumps.
“We are excited to welcome Carson’s Garage, LLC to the Ford’s Garage family and support them as they bring the brand to Delaware,” said Billy Downs, President of Ford’s Garage. “Their combined experience reflects what makes Ford’s Garage such a compelling franchise opportunity: a deep understanding of the Ford brand and automotive culture, strong local market knowledge and proven restaurant operations. We’re confident this team is well-positioned to bring an authentic Ford’s Garage experience to guests throughout the state.”
Founded in Fort Myers, Florida in 2012, Ford’s Garage has grown to 34 locations in 8 states. The franchise is an official licensee of the Ford Motor Company.
For more information on the Ford’s Garage franchise opportunities, visit https://fordsgarageusa.com/franchise/.
