Billy Downs learned the meaning of hospitality from his grandmother. “With 30 grandchildren, Grandma Betty was always ready to entertain,” he recalls, adding, “She was welcoming and appreciative of the chance to serve others.”
Downs began his career in foodservice as a teen serving ice cream before working his way into the kitchen and front of the house positions. After graduating from Michigan State University, Downs managed casual theme restaurants. He later moved overseas to gain experience in U.K. pubs, including the Prince of Wales Free House, a 200-year-old establishment. There, he met Matthew Kirby, who partnered with Downs to operate three London Mongolian barbecue restaurants. Downs returned to Michigan, where he created BD's Mongolian barbecue and grew it to 12 units before selling the concept to a New York investment group.
"It was 2015 when I found Ford's Garage,” says Downs. “They had three units at the time and I really connected with the feel, the design, the music and of course the story celebrating the history of the Ford Motor Company."
In 2015, Downs became a franchisee operator of Ford's Garage in Fort Myers, Florida. His 4,400 sq. ft. location appealed to a broad demographic.
Downs retraces his journey to present role as president of Ford’s Garage. Today, there are 32 Ford’s Garage restaurants located in Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Texas. The concept design hearkens prohibition-era service stations. The units are open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, offer 30 or more craft beers, and seat from 200 to 260 guests.
Downs believes that combining good quality food and friendly service with a unique atmosphere creates an energy that equals value for today's guests. "The casual dining segment is shrinking,” he says. “It is more important than ever to excel. We cannot be satisfied with being busy unless we are successful at creating a guest experience that bonds them with our brand."
