The new location initially planned to open by early May. Marc Brown, president of the Tampa-based 23 Restaurant Services that owns and operates Ford's Garage's Florida locations, attributed the delay to supply chain and labor market issues, advertising a $2,000 hiring bonus during its staffing search. The UTC location's opening was announced as far back as 2018.
"We’re just excited to get open in Sarasota," Brown said. "It’s been a long wait.”
The menu features a dozen half-pound Black Angus burgers such as the Ford's Signature (aged sharp cheddar, Applewood smoked bacon, bourbon barbecue sauce) and The Model A (cheddar, bacon, pico de gallo, arugula, fried egg.) The Black Angus can be substituted for Australian Wagyu, veggie burger, chicken and turkey. A Burgers of Fame list will include local figures like Sarasota Mayor Hagen Brody, City Manager Marlon Brown and Ringling College of Art and Design President Larry Thompson.