Ford's Garage Fuels National Expansion With New Executive Leadership

TAMPA, FL – April 21, 2026 – Ford's Garage, the vintage auto-themed restaurant known for its prime burgers and immersive 1920s service station decor, is shifting into high gear with two strategic executive appointments aimed at accelerating its national expansion. The company announced it has hired Kathleen Bush as its new Chief Marketing Officer and promoted David Ragosa to Chief Development Officer, fortifying its leadership team as it prepares to open six new locations in 2026.

The moves signal a clear intent from the 34-unit chain to aggressively scale its unique concept across the country, capitalizing on a growing consumer appetite for experiential dining. By pairing a seasoned marketing veteran with a development expert, Ford's Garage is building a two-pronged strategy: Ragosa will expand the physical footprint through franchising, while Bush will amplify the brand's story to capture a wider audience.

"We are thrilled to welcome Kathleen to Ford's Garage and to recognize David's expanded leadership role at such an exciting time for our brand," said Billy Downs, President of Ford's Garage, in a statement. "Kathleen's deep expertise across the restaurant industry, combined with her strategic mindset and proven ability to drive brand growth, and David's strong track record in franchising and development, position us well to accelerate our expansion and strengthen our connection with guests nationwide."

Crafting a New Marketing Playbook

Kathleen Bush joins Ford's Garage with a formidable two-decade track record in brand building for some of the nation's most recognizable restaurant chains. Most recently, as Vice President of Marketing and Brand Development at Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, she was responsible for driving traffic and brand strategy for the nearly 500-unit concept. Her extensive resume also includes senior leadership roles at Torchy's Tacos, California Pizza Kitchen, and CKE Restaurants, the parent of Carl's Jr. and Hardee's.

Her appointment is pivotal as Ford's Garage navigates the challenge of scaling a niche, highly-themed concept for mainstream appeal. The brand's success hinges on an immersive experience—from servers in mechanic-style uniforms to gas hose-handle beer taps—that must be communicated effectively to new markets. Bush's role will involve overseeing all brand strategy, digital engagement, and guest experience, ensuring the unique brand identity remains intact and compelling as the company grows.

Industry trends support this focus on experience. With ambiance being a top factor for 61% of casual dining consumers, and the experiential dining market projected to grow at a robust 13.8% CAGR, Bush's task will be to leverage the brand's built-in advantages. Her experience in digital transformation will be crucial in reaching younger demographics like Millennials and Gen Z, who prioritize shareable, experience-driven outings.

"I'm incredibly excited to join Ford's Garage and be part of an emerging brand that blends such a distinctive guest experience with strong growth potential," Bush stated. "There's a real opportunity to build on what makes this brand so special – craveable food, genuine hospitality and an experience that's uniquely Ford's Garage – to deepen our connection with guests in new and meaningful ways."

Accelerating the Franchise Footprint

Complementing the new marketing push is the promotion of David Ragosa to Chief Development Officer. Having previously served as the company's Vice President of Franchising and Development, Ragosa is now tasked with steering the entire development strategy. His promotion underscores the company's commitment to a franchise-led growth model.

Ragosa brings a wealth of experience from his time at Inspire Brands, a multi-brand restaurant powerhouse, where he served as Director of Franchising. At Inspire, he led franchising efforts for giants like Arby's and Sonic and supported growth across other major concepts including Jimmy John's and Buffalo Wild Wings. This background in scaling well-established brands through strategic franchise partnerships is precisely what Ford's Garage needs to execute its ambitious expansion plans.

His leadership will be instrumental in identifying new market opportunities, attracting qualified franchisees, and navigating the complexities of real estate and construction for the six new locations planned for 2026 and beyond. This aggressive development pipeline comes as the brand reports strong performance, with systemwide sales rising nearly 25% in the past year, according to industry data from Technomic.

Navigating a Competitive Dining Landscape

The leadership overhaul comes as Ford's Garage operates in a dynamic and competitive casual dining sector. While the overall U.S. restaurant industry is projected to see modest real growth of 1.3% in 2026, operators face persistent cost pressures and fierce competition for market share. Consumers, grappling with tighter budgets, are becoming more selective, seeking a clear value proposition that balances cost with quality and experience.

This is where Ford's Garage holds a distinct advantage. The brand is the first and only restaurant to hold an official licensing agreement with the Ford Motor Company, allowing it to use the iconic blue oval logo and a trove of historical Ford imagery. This partnership, in place since 2014, provides an unparalleled level of authenticity and brand recognition that differentiates it from other themed restaurants.

The concept, founded in 2012 just minutes from Henry Ford's winter estate in Fort Myers, Florida, leans heavily into this heritage to create an immersive environment that has resonated with diners. By combining this unique theme with a chef-driven menu of American comfort food, the company is well-positioned to attract customers looking for more than just a meal. With its newly strengthened executive team, Ford's Garage is now poised to take its proven concept on the road, aiming to become a household name for experiential dining across the nation.