Ford's Garage Appoints Kathleen Bush As Chief Marketing Officer, Promotes David Ragosa to Chief Development Officer

Why It Matters

The leadership changes give Ford's Garage seasoned marketing and franchising expertise, accelerating its national rollout and strengthening its position in the casual‑dining market.

Key Takeaways

• Kathleen Bush joins as CMO, bringing 20 years marketing experience
• David Ragosa becomes CDO, tasked with expanding franchise footprint
• Ford's Garage adds six locations in 2026, 40 sites total
• Company operates 34 locations across eight states, targeting national growth
• Leadership shift emphasizes brand elevation and accelerated franchising

Pulse Analysis

Ford's Garage, a fast‑growing casual‑dining concept inspired by the iconic Ford brand, has expanded to 34 locations in eight states. Its franchise model blends automotive heritage with a menu of American comfort food, appealing to both brand loyalists and local diners. The chain’s aggressive expansion plan—six new sites in 2026—signals confidence in its market niche and reflects broader trends of themed restaurants leveraging recognizable trademarks to differentiate in a crowded sector.

The appointment of Kathleen Bush as chief marketing officer brings two decades of restaurant branding and digital transformation experience. At Red Robin, Bush led national campaigns that integrated social media, loyalty programs, and philanthropic partnerships, driving measurable traffic growth. For Ford's Garage, her mandate includes sharpening the brand narrative, enhancing digital engagement, and refining the guest experience across physical and online touchpoints. In an era where omnichannel presence drives revenue, her expertise is poised to elevate the chain’s visibility and attract a younger, tech‑savvy demographic.

David Ragosa’s promotion to chief development officer adds a proven franchising strategist to the executive team. His tenure at Inspire Brands saw the rapid rollout of Arby’s and Sonic locations, emphasizing data‑driven site selection and partnership models. At Ford's Garage, Ragosa will orchestrate new franchise agreements, target high‑growth markets, and streamline the rollout process to meet the 2026 expansion goal. This focus on franchising efficiency aligns with industry movements toward scalable growth while maintaining brand consistency, positioning Ford's Garage for sustained national relevance.