He was the chain’s first franchisee, when it began franchising in 2015
Ford’s Garage, the Tampa, Fla.-based restaurant chain inspired by The Ford Motor Company, has named Billy “B.D.” Downs as its new president. Downs joined the company in 2015 and then served as its first franchisee with a location in the Detroit market. He will continue managing the Detroit franchise while serving as president.
“It is an honor to be tapped to lead Ford’s Garage after being part of the company for nearly a decade,” Downs said in a statement. “The brand has come a long way in defining its unique space in the American dining experience, and we will keep strengthening our position for years to come.”
Earlier in his career, Downs co-founded B.D.’s Mongolian Grill, growing the company to 37 restaurants in 12 states and a franchise location in Mongolia. He sold the company in 2008 but stayed on with the brand as a board member and an advisor to the president through 2011. Until joining Ford’s Garage as a franchisee, he divided his time between restaurant and business consulting, while also working with World Vision United States.
Downs succeeds Steve Shlemon, who had served as president for the past four years.
Part of the Vintage Hospitality Group, Ford’s Garage is an official licensee of the Ford Motor Company. The chain pays homage to the brand with features such as a 1920s service station design, a Model T or Model A suspended above the center bar, restroom sinks made from tires, napkins made from blue shop towels, and more.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Billy as our new brand president,” chairman Marc Brown said in a statement. “His deep knowledge about the industry and our company paired with his passion and vision for franchise development make him an ideal fit for the role.”
Founded in 2012 and franchising since 2015, Ford’s Garage opened its first location in Fort Myers, Fla., less than a mile from Henry Ford’s winter home. According to Technomic, Ford’s Garage generated $139 million in 2023 and finished the year with 24 locations. This is compared to 2022, in which the company generated $107.3 million from 20 locations.
Zooming out even further showcases Ford’s Garage's trajectory; the company ended 2021 with $83.4 million and 15 locations, while the company ended 2020 with $50 million and 14 locations. In other words, Ford’s Garage has nearly tripled its sales in three years while adding 10 locations.
The company plans to continue its momentum, with 75 total locations planned by the end of 2027.
Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]
