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December 5, 2025
THE AUTO BUILDER
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BLACK AND BLUE AND FAST ALL OVER
In the past, we’ve told you numerous stories about obsessed owners who spent years, in some cases decades, chasing down a particular car. Sometimes, people who aren’t quite that devoted still spend a lot of time looking for a particular model, or a car equipped with a certain options package. Other enthusiasts have broader tastes, and one of those enthusiasts is Kurt Klopping of Omaha, Nebraska. When we asked Klopping whether he had specifically been looking for a Camaro like the ’72 that he now owns, he responded, “Nah. If it’s cool, you own it.” Sounds fair enough to us, and to prove his point, Klopping noted that he also owns a ’55 Buick two-door special, a ’65 Dodge Coronet 500 and a ’65 Buick Skylark convertible.
Ford Fever in the Smokies
Every September, the Smoky Mountains turn Ford blue when the F-100 Supernationals takes over Sevierville, Tennessee. This isn’t just a truck show—it’s the largest gathering of classic Ford haulers on the planet, and it’s been pulling fans in for decades. If you’ve never been, imagine rows of F-series as far as you can see: bone-stock survivors, slammed shop trucks, high-dollar builds, lifted 4x4s, and everything in between. Other Fords are welcome too, so whether it’s a compact pickup or a big block Mustang, there’s a spot for every Blue Oval fan.
Product Showcase: Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion 2026
The 2026 Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion didn’t simply roll into Pigeon Forge, Tennessee—it took the place over. For three days, the LeConte Center and surrounding streets were packed with lifted Wranglers, built Gladiators and enough off-road hardware to empty a Jeep owner’s wallet before lunchtime.
Spotlighter
Ford’s Garage Rolls Into Chattanooga
Vintage Fords, Burgers, and Blue Oval Nostalgia Come Together at Tennessee's First Ford's Garage
Author
Jamie Dent
Photography by Scott Killeen
There’s something about old cars, vintage gas stations, and a good burger that just seems to go together. Now, Chattanooga, Tennessee, has a new destination that brings all three under one roof. On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Ford’s Garage officially opened its doors near Hamilton Place Mall, marking the restaurant chain’s first location in Tennessee. The Auto Builder was there on opening day to check out this latest addition to Chattanooga’s automotive scene, and it’s safe to say this isn’t your typical burger joint.
A Blast From the Past
Forget the ordinary restaurant atmosphere. Ford’s Garage takes its inspiration from the service stations of the 1920s, back when filling stations were gathering places, mechanics worked on everything from Model Ts to Model As, and Henry Ford’s automobiles were changing the way America traveled. The restaurant embraces that history with vintage Ford vehicles, automotive memorabilia, and period-inspired surroundings that make the dining experience as much about the atmosphere as the food.
One of the biggest attention-getters is the vintage Ford suspended above the bar, but this isn’t just another piece of automotive décor. The car actually comes to life, with its wheels turning, horn honking, and smoke blowing from the tailpipe. It’s a fun bit of mechanical theater that adds another dimension to the restaurant’s old-school garage atmosphere. Between the automotive displays, vintage service station details, and a few unexpected surprises, there’s plenty to take in before your food even arrives.
The vintage Ford above the bar comes to life at Ford’s Garage in Chattanooga.
For classic car enthusiasts, there’s plenty to appreciate. The attention to automotive history gives Ford’s Garage a personality all its own, combining the nostalgia of an old-fashioned service station with the energy of a modern American restaurant. And while the Blue Oval is clearly the star of the show, you don’t have to be a Ford loyalist to appreciate the setting. Whether your garage houses a Mustang, a Camaro, a Mopar, or a traditional hot rod, there’s something familiar about the automotive culture being celebrated here.
From Fort Myers to the Scenic City
The Ford’s Garage story began in 2012 in Fort Myers, Florida, just a short distance from Henry Ford’s winter estate. What started as a restaurant built around America’s automotive heritage has grown into a nationwide dining concept. As an official licensee of Ford Motor Company, the restaurant chain has the ability to incorporate Ford’s name and automotive identity into its distinctive atmosphere.
The Chattanooga opening represents the company’s 36th location, expanding its footprint into nine states. The new restaurant occupies approximately 8,000 square feet and accommodates around 250 guests. Located at 2102 Hamilton Place Boulevard, in the former Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant building, it sits just off Interstate 75 in one of Chattanooga’s busiest shopping and entertainment districts.
Burgers With a Side of Horsepower
Of course, even the most impressive garage needs something under the hood, and at Ford’s Garage, that means food. The menu centers around half-pound Certified Angus Beef burgers, with plenty of creative combinations for those looking for something beyond the standard cheeseburger. One standout is the Estate Burger, featuring smoked Gouda cheese, sweet red onion marmalade, arugula, fried onion straws, and white truffle bacon aioli on a brioche bun.
And the automotive references don’t stop with the décor. There’s the Giant Funnel Tower of Piston Onion Rings, Famous Firestone Shrimp, and Edsel’s Hot Pretzels, along with an assortment of other appetizers and American comfort food favorites. For those looking beyond burgers, the menu also offers chicken, seafood, salads, and other entrées. A selection of craft beers and specialty cocktails rounds out the experience. It’s a menu designed to appeal to more than just car enthusiasts, but the automotive theme certainly adds some personality to the dining experience.
A New Pit Stop for Chattanooga Car Enthusiasts
Chattanooga has long been home to an enthusiastic automotive community, from local cruise-ins and weekend car shows to the countless enthusiasts who spend their spare time keeping vintage iron on the road. Ford’s Garage brings something different to that landscape. While it’s a restaurant rather than a traditional automotive gathering place, the vintage Ford atmosphere makes it a natural destination for anyone who enjoys classic cars and the history surrounding them.
And with its location near Hamilton Place Mall, just off I-75, it’s conveniently positioned for both local enthusiasts and travelers passing through the Scenic City. For The Auto Builder, being there on opening day was an opportunity to welcome a new business that celebrates something we know a little about: America’s enduring love affair with the automobile.
Pull In, Park It, and Stay Awhile
Whether you’re stopping in for lunch, meeting friends for dinner, or simply looking for somewhere different to enjoy a burger, Ford’s Garage in Chattanooga offers a combination of food and automotive nostalgia that’s hard to find at an ordinary restaurant. It’s a place where the cars are part of the atmosphere, the menu has a little horsepower of its own, and the spirit of America’s motoring past is never far away. Tennessee’s first Ford’s Garage is officially open for business, and Chattanooga gearheads have a new place to pull in.
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