Ford’s Garage to open at a Delaware car dealership

A Delaware car dealership will soon have a Ford’s Garage restaurant on the lot.

The casual-dining chain has signed a franchise agreement with Carson’s Garage LLC to open three restaurants in Delaware, including one this year at a dealership in Millsboro.

It will be the Florida-based restaurant chain’s first location in The First State, with two more planned for Lewes and Camden, also near dealerships.

Franchise agreement details

Carson’s Garage is made up of both auto dealers and restaurant operators. Principals include David Wilson Sr. and David Wilson Jr., the owners of Preston Automotive Group, which has dealerships in Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. They sell Fords as well as Lincoln, Chevrolet, Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, Ram, Hyundai, Mazda and Toyota vehicles.

“Preston is synonymous with Ford in our community, so Ford's Garage felt like the perfect match for us,” said Wilson Sr. in a statement.

Also part of the group is 23 Restaurant Group, which operates several Ford’s Garage locations in Florida.

Brand growth and expansion

Thirty-four-unit Ford’s Garage has been one of the fastest-growing casual-dining chains in recent years, including 25% sales growth in 2025, per Technomic data. Its restaurants specialize in burgers and craft beer and are designed in the style of retro service stations, complete with vintage gas pumps and classic Ford cars. Though not created by Ford, Ford's is now an official licensee of the automaker.

The brand has found a following among auto aficionados, and it tends to do well in markets that have or once had a Ford plant. Parking itself at a Ford dealership could be a natural fit, and it wouldn’t be totally unheard of: A growing number of auto dealerships are adding restaurants to serve both hungry car shoppers and the general public.

The location is part of a major franchising push for Ford’s, which expects to double its current operator base of four in the coming years as it expands throughout the Eastern and Central time zones.

President Billy Downs said the company is excited to welcome Carson’s to the family.

“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,” he said in a statement. “We're confident this team is well-positioned to bring an authentic Ford's Garage experience to guests throughout the state.”