Ford's Garage Will Open in Chattanooga October 13
The vintage-themed restaurant chain is debuting its first Tennessee location at Hamilton Place.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Dining Out
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Ford's Garage will open its 32nd location in Chattanooga on October 13, 2026. The new restaurant is located at 2102 Hamilton Place Blvd in the former space of Abuelo's Mexican Restaurant.
Why it matters
The opening marks the first Tennessee expansion for the Florida-based brand, which has operated for 37 years. The site serves as the latest addition to the regional dining scene, bringing 150 new jobs to the area.
The restaurant is situated at 2102 Hamilton Place Blvd and encompasses the footprint of the former Abuelo's. The chain currently maintains a network of 32 locations after operating for 37 years.
The players
Ford's Garage
A restaurant chain founded in Florida that specializes in automotive-themed dining experiences.
The details
The restaurant interior features a 1920s service station theme complete with vintage Ford vehicles for décor. Guests can expect a menu focused on gourmet burgers, local craft beers, and specialized craft cocktails.
Timeline
Employee training is scheduled to begin the weekend of October 4, 2026.
A soft opening for friends and family will take place on October 9 and 10, 2026.
The restaurant will officially open to the public on October 13, 2026.
Culture Shift
The restaurant's focus on immersive 1920s-themed décor follows the experiential dining trend documented by the National Restaurant Association. This shift reflects a broader consumer preference for dining venues that provide distinct, shareable atmosphere alongside traditional food services.
Residents in the Chattanooga area can visit the new location at 2102 Hamilton Place Blvd starting October 13, 2026. The venue plans to offer a mix of weekday lunch and weekend evening hours for patrons.
The takeaway
The arrival of this chain highlights a growing preference for themed, mid-tier casual dining in suburban retail hubs. Prospective diners should check the restaurant's future social media updates for specific holiday hours or potential seasonal menu additions.
What happens next
The restaurant will hold a soft opening for friends and family on October 9 and 10, 2026, followed by the grand public opening on October 13, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the local culinary scene, visit the Dining Out section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chattanoogan.
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