# Ford's Garage may drop 20% service charge

> Ford’s Garage restaurant chain could scrap mandatory 20% service charge after customer backlash.
- Title: Ford's Garage may drop 20% service charge · New York Post
- Summary: Ford’s Garage restaurant chain could scrap mandatory 20% service charge after customer backlash.
- Keywords: ford's garage, service charge, florida restaurants, customer backlash, 20% service charge, franchisee, New York Post
- Source: New York Post — https://nypost.com/2026/11/14/lifestyle/restaurant-chain-may-rethink-controversial-20-service-charge-in-some-venues-after-customer-pushback
- Published: 2026-11-14T19:22:28+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ford's garage, service charge, florida restaurants, customer backlash, 20% service charge, franchisee, news, entertainment
## Ford’s Garage may rethink service charge
Ford’s Garage may reconsider a controversial policy that automatically adds a 20% service charge to customers' checks at select Florida restaurants.
## President Billy Downs acknowledges backlash
Ford’s Garage president Billy Downs said the policy remains under review after some diners are unhappy with the mandatory fee.
## Franchisee Marc Brown defends policy
Franchisee Marc Brown said the service charge program has been largely successful, resulting in higher wages for employees without alienating most customers.
## Service charge model details
The policy adds a 20% service charge to each check to support a commission-based compensation structure for servers and kitchen staff.
## Customer experience focus
Ford’s Garage discloses the service charge multiple times verbally and in writing before ordering, giving customers the choice to dine there.
## Backlash and growth
Downs acknowledged some diners hate the mandatory fee, but Brown said most guests don’t mind because they enjoy the Ford’s Garage experience.
## Next steps
Ford’s Garage may encourage a change to the service charge program after ongoing discussions with franchisees.
## Key takeaway

Ford’s Garage may change its 20% service charge policy at select Florida restaurants following customer complaints.