Greater Smithtown coverage is funded in part by Keith Dawson of The Dawson Team of Signature Premier Properties. Click here to view current listings.
Long Island is getting closer to welcoming its first Ford’s Garage restaurant.
The popular Florida-based burger-and-brew chain is preparing to launch at Smith Haven Mall later this month, a company spokesperson confirmed to GLI.
The restaurant is set to launch in the former Bobby’s Burger Palace location, which is approximately 5,100 square feet.
In preparation for its opening, the restaurant will host two hiring events: one this weekend, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 5-6, and another a week later, at the same times on Oct. 12-13.
To apply, visit fordsgarageusa.com/careers or call (631) 818-3673.
Once opened, this will not only be the first Ford’s Garage on Long Island, but also the first in New York state. The chain’s other locations are primarily in Florida, with additional spots in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Texas. A location is also in the works for Richmond, Va.
Ford’s Garage opened its first location in 2012 — according to company lore, the spot was less than a mile from the Fort Myers, Fla. winter home of Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company. It has since expanded to more than two dozen locations, with 20 throughout Florida and plans to keep growing.
The Lake Grove location is co-founded by Long Island developer Steve Israel.
Israel, who shares the same name with the former Long Island congressman, is a developer and entrepreneur who grew up on Long Island. He told Long Island Business News in October 2022 that he and his son, Jake, plan to open multiple Ford’s Garage locations in Suffolk and Nassau counties in the coming years.
More from GLI
Franchising for the gears-and-grub concept began in 2015.
“Growing up here, I know Long Island needs a solid, fun concept that I know works,” Israel said at the time.
The chain bills itself as a “go-to neighborhood burger and brew joint” that pays tribute to the history of Ford Motor Company at locations designed to take on the look of a 1920s-era service station. Employees dress in auto shop uniforms and work among classic Ford vehicles and memorabilia.
Menu items stick to the car enthusiast’s theme with burgers that include the “Model ‘A’ and “The Jiffy,” along with offerings such as “Famous Firestone Shrimp” and “Edsel’s Hot Pretzels.” There are driving-themed drinks, too, such as the “Mustang Mary,” the “Motor-Jito” and the “Backseat Driver.”
About Ford’s Garage
— Reporting with Jose Martinez
More Great Eats news from Smith Haven
Want to read more from GLI? Sign up to our newsletter
Top: Interior of another Ford’s Garage location. (Courtesy)
