If you asked me what I thought about Ford’s Garage an hour after we arrived, I would have said, “it needs some work.” An online description for the restaurant’s newest location in Brandon, Florida location says, “…enjoy a memorable dining experience today!” Boy, did we ever…
When we tried to eat there a couple weeks ago, the line and wait time drove us away. This time, there were parking spots available and only about four-to-five families waiting ahead of us. When we got to the hostess stand they told us the wait was an hour. “Hmm” I said, “Is there ever a time when there’s not an hour wait?”. She said, “You should call ahead and make reservations.” Not what someone who just drove 45 minutes to eat somewhere wants to hear. Regardless, I gave them my number and 20 minutes later got a text that our table was ready.
I loved the atmosphere! There are a couple Model-T’s hanging over the two bars — converted into wine glass racks. The napkins are oil rags with car parts for napkin rings.
Bathroom sinks are re-purposed tires and gas nozzles — and the Mens’ urinals are cut from a beer keg (you’ll have to trust me, ladies).
One hour and 10 minutes after we ordered our burgers on a branded brioche bun, there was still no food in sight. I went from hungry to HANGRY in 0.2 seconds.
My toddler became so bored that he plunked his Hot Wheels car into Daddy’s Pink Lemonade. A new waitress emerged, “Hi I’m taking over for waitress x who went home”. I said, “Did she forget to give the kitchen our order?” She looked horrified when I told her how long it had been. The kitchen, she found out, had “lost” our ticket.
She apologized. The manager apologized. We got our food in five minutes and it was free. I joked on my Instagram that I’ve had quicker oil changes. While I’m quick to share our bad dining experience, I’d like to acknowledge the staff’s effort to turn it around. I’ll give them another go, sometime down the road… when they’ve got a few more miles under their belt.
Until next time…
Stroller Full of Fun 