Ford's Garage Races into Delaware with Local Auto Titan at the Wheel

TAMPA, FL – May 12, 2026 – Delaware's dining scene is about to get a high-octane infusion of automotive nostalgia and American comfort food. Ford's Garage, the popular 1920s service station-themed restaurant, has officially announced its expansion into the First State, signing a three-unit development agreement that marks its first foray into Delaware. The venture is being steered by Carson's Garage, LLC, a partnership deeply rooted in the state's automotive and business community.

The first location is scheduled to open its garage doors in early 2027 in Millsboro at 28362 Dupont Blvd. Following the Millsboro debut, the group is targeting the communities of Lewes and Camden for two additional restaurants, strategically placing the unique dining concept in the growing corridors of Sussex and Kent counties.

From Dealerships to Dining Rooms

At the heart of this expansion is the Wilson family, the driving force behind the highly successful Preston Automotive Group (PAG). For decades, the name Preston has been synonymous with automotive sales and service in the Delmarva region. Founded by David Wilson Sr. in 1975, PAG has grown from a single Ford dealership into a sprawling enterprise with locations across Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia, representing a portfolio of top automotive brands.

Now led by President and CEO David Wilson Jr., the family's deep, multi-generational connection to the Ford brand makes this new venture a particularly fitting one. Carson's Garage, LLC, the franchisee, combines the Wilsons' extensive automotive expertise and profound local ties with the proven operational experience of 23 Restaurant Group/Operating Partners, which already runs several successful Ford's Garage locations in Florida. This creates a powerful synergy of brand knowledge and restaurant management.

"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."

This sentiment is more than just business strategy; it's an extension of the family's long-standing community-first philosophy, embodied by their "Preston Cares" initiative. Since 1984, PAG has been a significant contributor to local causes, supporting everything from youth sports to breast cancer research. The Wilsons intend to bring that same spirit of engagement to their restaurants.

"I am excited to help bring Ford's Garage to our Millsboro campus," added Wilson Jr. "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."

The Engine of Experiential Dining

Ford's Garage is more than just a place to eat; it's a destination. As an Official Licensee of the Ford Motor Company, the brand offers an immersive experience that transports guests to a vintage 1920s garage. The decor is meticulously detailed, featuring classic cars, antique gas pumps, servers in mechanic-style attire, and even bathroom sinks made from tires and fuel nozzles. Napkins are fashioned from shop rags, clamped by hose clamps, completing the authentic, industrial vibe.

The concept taps into a powerful trend in the hospitality industry: experiential dining. Consumers are increasingly seeking out unique, memorable, and "Instagram-worthy" experiences that go beyond the plate. Ford's Garage delivers on this with its vibrant atmosphere, appealing to a broad audience of families, car enthusiasts, and foodies alike. The menu reinforces the theme with American comfort food classics, including prime burgers branded with the Ford logo, over-the-top desserts, and an extensive selection of craft beers.

This Delaware deal is a key milestone in the brand's deliberate national expansion. Founded in 2012, Ford's Garage now has 34 locations and is strategically growing, aiming to add 10 to 15 new restaurants annually, primarily in markets east of the Mississippi. Billy Downs, President of Ford's Garage, lauded the new partnership as a model for the brand's growth.

"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," Downs stated. "We're confident this team is well-positioned to bring an authentic Ford's Garage experience to guests throughout the state."

Revving Up in the First State

The choice of Millsboro for the first location is a calculated one. The Sussex County town is one of the fastest-growing communities in Delaware, with its population surging by over 77% between 2010 and 2020. Its proximity to Delaware's popular beach communities and its growing base of families and retirees make it an ideal market for a new, high-quality casual dining option. For the Wilson family, who have operated businesses in the area since 1987, it's also a meaningful return on investment in a community that has long supported them.

The planned locations in Lewes and Camden also reflect a keen understanding of the local landscape. Lewes, with its higher median household income and status as a principal city in the Cape Region, and Camden, a diverse and steadily growing community in Kent County, represent prime opportunities to establish the brand across different demographic segments of the state.

The Ford's Garage franchise model is built for sophisticated, experienced operators. The initial investment is substantial, ranging from approximately $2.7 million to over $6.5 million, a figure that reflects the high-quality, specialized buildout required to create the restaurant's signature look and feel. Franchisees are expected to have a significant net worth and liquid assets, along with multi-unit restaurant management experience. The partnership between the Wilsons' Preston Automotive Group and the seasoned operators of 23 Restaurant Group perfectly matches this franchisee profile, blending financial strength and local credibility with day-to-day operational excellence.

As construction plans for the Millsboro site move forward, the new venture represents a full-circle moment for the Wilson family, merging their decades of success built on the Ford name with a new chapter in hospitality, all while promising to create another community hub for the state they call home.