Reality TV has introduced the world to many unique businesses, and one of the most talked-about was Fired Up Garage, the home base of Discovery Channel’s show Misfit Garage. Launched as a spinoff of Fast N’ Loud, the series followed a group of mechanics who split from Gas Monkey Garage to create their own venture. While the drama and car builds entertained audiences, fans often wondered: Was Fired Up Garage a real business or just a television set? More significantly, is it still in existence today?
History of Fired Up Garage
Fired Up Garage was founded in 2014 as the centerpiece of Misfit Garage. The team, including Tom Smith and Jordan Butler, wanted to prove they could build and flip cars outside the shadow of Richard Rawlings’ Gas Monkey Garage. The show’s format focused on car restorations, team conflicts, and the underdog spirit of taking on a big rival.
Though marketed as a real automotive business, much of Fired Up Garage’s operations were tied directly to the show. It became more of an entertainment brand than a traditional auto shop. At its peak, it gained a loyal fan base, with viewers tuning in to watch how the crew turned old, beat-up cars into polished classics.
Is Fired Up Garage Still in Business?
The short answer is no. Fired Up Garage was primarily a television production, not an independent, full-time auto repair and customization shop. After Misfit Garage aired its sixth season in 2018, there were no signs of the garage continuing as a functioning business. Investigations revealed no active business registrations, no open shop to visit, and no new car projects outside of what appeared on TV. Even the trademark for Fired Up Garage merchandise, filed in 2014, was abandoned by 2016.
The Downfall: What Went Wrong?
Several factors led to the downfall of Fired Up Garage:
Reliance on TV Ratings :
The shop’s income depended heavily on the success of Misfit Garage. Once viewership declined, so did its future.
Absence of Genuine Business Facilities:
In contrast to Gas Monkey Garage, which operated as a true custom shop with a strong brand and merchandise sales, Fired Up Garage never built a solid independent business model.
Production-Driven Drama
Much of the series focused on conflicts and scripted storylines rather than genuine car-building operations, limiting its long-term credibility.
Without Discovery’s support, the garage simply could not stand on its own.
So, Is There Real Talk About Fired Up Garage Shutting Down?
Yes—fans speculated for years whether the garage would continue after the cameras stopped rolling. But by the time the show ended in 2018, it was clear that Fired Up Garage was closing its doors for good. Unlike other shops that successfully leveraged their TV fame into sustainable businesses, Fired Up Garage faded quietly, existing only in reruns and fan memories.
What’s Next for Soft Surroundings Employees: Navigating the Aftermath
While Fired Up Garage wasn’t a traditional employer like a retail chain, its end still left people impacted—mainly the cast and crew. The mechanics, who once had a national platform, returned to smaller projects and personal ventures. Some continued working in the automotive world, while others stepped away from the spotlight. For the behind-the-scenes staff, the show’s cancellation meant finding new opportunities in television production or automotive media.
Customer Impact
Because Fired Up Garage wasn’t a real retail business, there weren’t traditional customers left stranded by its closure. However, fans who bought into the Fired Up Garage brand—through merchandise, events, or simply loyalty to the team—felt the impact. Many expressed disappointment that the garage never developed into a true alternative to Gas Monkey Garage. For viewers who wanted to visit the shop or get a custom car built, the closure left them with only memories and reruns of the show.
The End of Fired Up Garage: A Look Back at Its Legacy
Even though Fired Up Garage wasn’t a long-term business success, it left a mark on reality TV car culture. The show gave underdog mechanics a voice, showed the struggles of competing with a giant like Gas Monkey, and entertained millions of viewers. Its legacy lives on as part of Discovery’s era of automotive programming, proving that even short-lived ventures can capture the imagination of fans.
Conclusion
Fired Up Garage may not exist today, but its story is still remembered by car enthusiasts and reality TV fans. Born from drama, fueled by television ratings, and undone by its lack of a true business foundation, it stands as a reminder of how tricky it can be to turn TV fame into real-world success. While the garage itself has shut down, its role in the world of automotive entertainment remains a memorable chapter in reality TV history.
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