- April 21, 2026
-
-
Loading
Loading
Tampa-based retro car-themed restaurant chain Ford’s Garage announced two key leadership changes on Monday as the company gears up for a major expansion.
The full-service, 1920s garage-styled burger and craft beer restaurant is inspired by the heritage of the Ford Motor Company. The restaurant chain was founded in Fort Myers in 2012 near the winter home of Henry Ford and has since expanded to 34 locations across eight states, with plans to open six more locations in 2026.
To build that momentum from its Tampa headquarters, Ford’s Garage has named Kathleen Bush its chief marketing officer and promoted David Ragosa to chief development officer. Bush, who previously led marketing at Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc, will oversee brand strategy, marketing and guest experience while Ragosa will lead franchise development efforts.
Bush brings two decades of experience leading marketing and communications initiatives for major food brands. She most recently served as Vice President of Marketing and Brand Development at Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., where she led brand-building and traffic-driving initiatives for the nearly 500-unit chain. She previously worked as Senior Vice President at ICR, Vice President of Marketing at Torchy’s Tacos and Vice President of Communications at California Pizza Kitchen, where she led large-scale brand initiatives. She began her career in automotive communications and at CKE Restaurants, parent company of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s.
“I’m incredibly excited to join Ford’s Garage and be part of an emerging brand that blends such a distinctive guest experience with strong growth potential,” Bush says in a release. “There’s a real opportunity to build on what makes this brand so special – craveable food, genuine hospitality and an experience that’s uniquely Ford’s Garage – to deepen our connection with guests in new and meaningful ways.”
Ragosa will oversee franchise development strategy, working to expand Ford’s Garage’s footprint through new partnerships and market opportunities. His previous experience includes serving as Director of Franchising at Inspire Brands, where he led franchising efforts for Arby’s and Sonic. He also supported growth across additional Inspire Brands concepts including Jimmy John’s, Buffalo Wild Wings and Rusty Taco.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kathleen to Ford’s Garage and to recognize David’s expanded leadership role at such an exciting time for our brand,” Billy Downs, president of Ford’s Garage, says in a release. “Kathleen’s deep expertise across the restaurant industry, combined with her strategic mindset and proven ability to drive brand growth, and David’s strong track record in franchising and development, position us well to accelerate our expansion and strengthen our connection with guests nationwide.”
The vintage-inspired burger and craft beer restaurant known for its classic American comfort food and nostalgic automotive décor is actively expanding this year, with three new locations planned in Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin and three others that have yet to be announced. The 1920’s service station-themed chain, which is an official licensee of the Ford Motor Company, has previously announced new sites planned for Kentucky, Ohio, Florida and New York, with a target of adding 10 to 15 new restaurants annually in the years ahead.
