New York's first Ford's Garage opens on Long Island

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Long Island is now home to New York’s first Ford’s Garage restaurant.

The popular Florida-based burger and brew chain, known for its Ford-inspired decor and memorabilia, opened at Smith Haven Mall on Saturday, Nov. 2.

Prior to the opening, Greater Long Island got an exclusive sneak peek of the space. Keep scrolling for photos.

The new Ford’s Garage in Lake Grove, a 5,100-square-foot restaurant with seating for approximately 275, now occupies the space formerly home to Bobby’s Burger Palace. The burger chain, created by celebrity chef Bobby Flay, closed its Lake Grove location in 2020 after 12 years at the mall.

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The new Ford’s Garage location was launched by Long Island developer Steve Israel and his son, Jake Israel.

“From the great food to the immersive atmosphere, Ford’s Garage is a one-of-a-kind dining experience, and we’re proud to be the first to offer it in New York,” said Steve Israel, who, in 2012, helped co-found the original Ford’s Garage location in Fort Myers, Fla. “Guests at Ford’s Garage not only enjoy the great tastes from the menu but they can also savor the automotive nostalgia inspired by the legendary Ford Motor Company.”

Ford’s Garage recently celebrated the opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

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 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.”

Ford’s Garage, located at 355 Smith Haven Mall, will be opened Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.