1 /5 Zeudis Escalona: I’ve been to multiple Ford’s Garage locations for years, and what this Orlando Vineland spot is doing is honestly unacceptable. They force a 20% fee on every customer, and then still expect a tip on top of that. Let’s stop pretending this is normal, it’s not.
It’s abusive and it takes advantage of people.
Instead of the owner taking responsibility for running a business, they’re shifting the entire cost structure onto the customers. We end up paying for the food, the employees’ wages, and essentially subsidizing the restaurant itself. That’s not “policy.” That’s exploitation dressed up as transparency.
And saying it at the host stand doesn’t make it any less predatory. What choice does a customer really have once they’ve arrived, especially someone unfamiliar with the area? You’re basically cornered into accepting a fee no other Ford’s Garage location charges. I’ve visited many, and this is the only one pulling this stunt.
And let’s be honest; if customers keep accepting these add-on fees, businesses will keep pushing further and charging more. Today it’s 20%. Tomorrow? Who knows. Once you normalize these practices, they only get worse.
The sad part?
The food was good, and our server Yury was genuinely kind and attentive. The staff is not the problem, management is. Policies like this ruin what could have been a great experience.
Ford’s Garage is a brand I’ve always enjoyed, but this location’s greed completely overshadows the meal. I would not return unless they eliminate this fee. Customers deserve better.