A Ford's Garage at Inspiration Landing?

 

There are currently only 21 Ford's Garage franchises in existence, with most in Florida. Make no mistake, this is a high-end burger joint advertising "prime burgers and craft beer" with a lunch sandwich menu that runs just under $10.00. Will a Ford's locate at Inspiration Landing?

First, there's the cost. The franchise web page doesn't list an amount, but requests a contact form for more information. One restaurant insider page has stated: Franchising fees are $50,000 and, according to the company, total investment to open a Ford's Garage restaurant ranges from $1,461,800 to $6,353,000.

Obviously, that minimum of 1.5 million limits the number who are actually able to afford a franchise. Would these owners wish to locate in Sheffield, albeit at Inspiration Landing?

The franchiser lists five check points before approval is issued. Would Ford's Garage approve a site that currently has no utilities or even access roads? We'll let readers answer that question for themselves. 

If a franchise did open at Inspiration Landing, how much traffic would be needed to turn a profit? The mind wobbles. Does the term "money pit" come to mind?

There are currently no franchises in an area as small as the Quad-Cities. We're going to step out on a very large and study limb and predict that there won't be a Ford's Garage in the Shoals' immediate future...or ever.