The News
Ford's Garage, a 1920s-inspired burger and craft beer restaurant, has launched a limited-time "Great American Cookout" menu for the summer season. The menu includes items like the Ford's BBQ Trio, Highway 101 Burger, and Strawberry Shortcake & Shortshake. It also features seasonal beverages such as the Strawberry Basil Smash and Leinenkugel's Summer Sip. The menu is available during the summer months and is part of Ford's Garage's heritage-themed dining experience.
Ford’s Garage has launched its “Great American Cookout” summer menu in 34 outlets across eight states, offering a new trio of BBQ mains, two seasonal drinks—including the market‑leading Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy—and a dessert.
The limited‑time, dine‑in‑only concept is designed to boost foot traffic during the peak summer months. The All‑American Weekday Value Meals start at $10.99 and feature an entrée plus drink bundle that sits just under $11. For many craft‑beer‑focused restaurants whose average checks hover around $12–$14, this price point represents a noticeable discount while still tapping into the 30–40 % share of craft beer sales that summer brings to the industry【Craft Beer & Brewing】.
Because the menu is dine‑in only, Ford’s Garage has no wholesale component; the items are not available for wholesale distribution. This makes the promotion a pure traffic‑generation play for the brand itself.
The inclusion of Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy—an all‑season wheat beer with natural lemonade flavor—aligns with the broader trend of craft‑beer restaurants launching seasonal, fruit‑forward drinks to drive higher average check sizes during warmer months. Operators should plan inventory carefully: excess of a high‑margin item such as the shandy can erode margins if it remains on the shelf after the limited‑time window closes.
For comparable craft‑beer venues, pairing a seasonal menu with a high‑margin drink like the shandy can lift checks without hurting margins when priced correctly. However, a dine‑in‑only, limited‑time model demands meticulous inventory planning; overstocking can cost more than the traffic boost it generates.
Ford’s Garage is betting on a brief lunchtime surge by offering an affordable value meal while spotlighting its high‑margin shandy as a seasonal draw. Replicating this strategy requires tight inventory control and awareness that distributors have no stake in the promotion itself.
The menu launch was announced in early June 2026 via PRNewswire.
Original Press Release
Ford's Garage, the 1920s-inspired burger and craft beer restaurant rooted in the heritage of the Ford Motor Company, is shifting summer into high gear with its new Great American Cookout menu inspired by backyard BBQ favorites and all-American summer gatherings.
The limited-time lineup features bold comfort-food flavors, refreshing seasonal beverages and indulgent desserts designed to fuel summer road trips, backyard BBQ-style gatherings and memorable dining experiences all season long.
The Great American Cookout Menu Includes:
Ford's BBQ Trio: A hearty BBQ platter featuring a half rack of bourbon BBQ baby back ribs, cheddar jalapeño smoked sausage and fire-braised pulled chicken piled atop Texas toast and drizzled with BBQ sauce. Served with Ford's Fries.
Highway 101 Burger: A half-pound Black Angus burger loaded with smoked gouda, applewood smoked bacon, tomato red onion jam, arugula and basil aioli on a brioche bun. Served with Ford's Fries.
Strawberry Shortcake & Shortshake: Guests can choose between a layered strawberry shortcake topped with house-made whipped cream and fresh strawberries or a Strawberry Shortshake featuring vanilla ice cream blended with strawberry syrup and pound cake pieces.
Seasonal SipsThe menu also features refreshing summer beverages, including:
Strawberry Basil Smash: A refreshing cocktail featuring Maker's Mark Bourbon, lemon juice and pure cane syrup muddled with fresh strawberries and basil, topped with club soda.
Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy: A crisp and refreshing wheat beer brewed with natural lemonade flavor.
Strawberry Basil Lemonade: Fresh lemonade muddled with strawberries and basil for a refreshing summer sip.
"At Ford's Garage, we're passionate about creating experiences that bring people together around bold flavors and great hospitality," said Billy Downs, President of Ford's Garage. "The Great American Cookout menu puts a Ford's Garage spin on classic summer cookout favorites with BBQ-inspired dishes, refreshing seasonal drinks and indulgent desserts guests will want to come back for all summer long."
The Great American Cookout menu is available now for a limited time at participating Ford's Garage locations nationwide.
All-American Meals Offer Indulgent Value All Summer LongAlongside Ford's Garage's summer menu, guests can enjoy satisfying meals at a great value all summer long. Available Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Ford's Garage's new All-American Weekday Value Meals feature a hearty entrée and a drink starting at just $10.99. Guests can choose from favorites like the 1/3-lb. Americana Roadster Burger served with freshly made, seasoned Kettle Chips, Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Hand-Battered Chicken Tenders, or Mac 'N Cheese, and more.*
*Pricing & availability may vary by location. Standard drink options include Fountain Drinks, Lemonade, Tea, or Coffee. Modifications, upgrades and some meal combos may be available at an additional charge. Excludes tax, gratuity, and/or fees. Dine-in only, Mon–Fri, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., for a limited time. Not combinable with other offers or discounts.
About Ford's GarageFounded in 2012 in downtown Fort Myers, Fla., just minutes from Henry Ford's winter estate, Ford's Garage is a distinctive, vintage auto-themed restaurant brand inspired by a 1920s service station. The concept blends immersive design with a chef-driven menu featuring prime burgers, elevated comfort food, and a full bar. Known for its energetic atmosphere rooted in genuine hospitality, Ford's Garage is an Official Licensee of the Ford Motor Company and operates 34 locations across eight states. For more information, visit www.fordsgarageusa.com.
Media Contact: Jackie Rodriguez, jrodriguez@tilsonpr.com
Sources consulted (web research):
- Fords Garage Shifts Summer Into High Gear With New Great American Coo…
- Fords Garage Summer Menu Great American Cookout
- The Great American Cookout
- 20240304 Fords Garage Shifts Into High Gear In 2024 Announcing Seven…
- Ford S Garage Shifts High Gear 2024 Announcing Seven New Locations An…
- Fordsgarageusa site
- Franchise
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Source: PR Newswire