At the AIMExpo where the London Ace Cafe is exhibiting, I had the opportunity to talk to the managing team of the soon to be launched Orlando Ace Cafe. After the usual couple of delays expected when you build such a big project while restoring downtown old buildings, the staff confirmed to me that a soft launch is scheduled at the end of January followed by a grand opening party early February 2016.
Inspired by the rich heritage and traditions of the London Ace Cafe, the spirit will remain the same. The Orlando establishment will embody the same values today as it did when it was built as a transport cafe in 1938, and which became a magnet for the Ton-Up Boys (and girls) and Rockers. Petrol and Rock ’n’ roll. The Orlando Ace Cafe intends to represent the most powerful fusion of yesterday’s and today’s bike and car scene.
The Ace Cafe brand has become a global phenomenom, that has not been achieved by chance. Every year, the Ace Cafe organizes events all over the world and is represented at numerous major motorcycle, auto and rock ’n’ roll events worldwide. There are now licensees operating in six different countries, all working together to promote Ace Cafe and its ethos! Orlando is The 1st Ace Cafe in the USA.
The Orlando team includes (from left to right in picture above) George Grigor, General Manager. Steve Glum, Chief Marketing Officer. Eric Forward, Chief Financial Officer. Mark McKee, Chief Gear Head. Mark Wilsmore is the managing director of the legendary Ace Cafe on the North Circular in London (photo Mark Wilsmore left with Steve Glum)
The Orlando building will house on several floors the Ace Cafe’s Rockers Retail shop (home to official Ace Cafe London & Ace Cafe Orlando apparel), a 3,000 sf motor-gallery overlooking an 80-foot length of windows along Livingston Street, where vintage and custom bikes from around the world will be displayed, as well as original pieces of motor-inspired art by some of the most creative artists in their field. The space will be doing double duty as a showroom and as a private event space, holding over 100 people. All of the bikes and art will also be available for purchase onsite, as well as on Ace Cafe Orlando.
In addition, 3 bars, 2 kitchens, a tea and coffee bar open early, and the famous Ace Cafe communal counter experience with a balcony/ mezzanine that overlooks the main floor dining area and the main stage for rock ’n’ roll shows – all while you eat. A barn will serve as the main live music venue – a combination of seated and standing with capacity up to 500, as well as doing extra duty as a multi-purpose facility for private events and functions.
Bike and car meets and events will dominate the parking lot in the evenings and at weekends. Vehicles will actually wrap the lot and become the focal point of each day. Parking is free for guests and Ace Cafe parking marshals will direct the ’best’ and ’coolest’ vehicles of the meet up front next to the building, where people can mix, mingle and check out the vehicles, take photos, and indulge in motor chat. More surprises to be announced when Official launch date will be known. Ace Cafe Orlando.
I have been to the one in London. Great fun.
Close to Daytona and taking advantage of the Orlando tourist mecca. These guys are going to make tons of money.
It’s huge.
I met Mark Wilsmore in Sturgis years ago and his initial plans was to open Ace in Detroit. Orlando seems like it might be a better choice. There was an Ace Cafe in Frisco that closed years ago
Great venue- We need one here in Southern California as Many cafe Racers here and the 59 Club too.
more b/s for 3 + years of it , wide open 2015 is now 2016 then what 2017 … hey ace-cafe the cafe bike scene is over with for another 10 years ..orlando down to almost 0 ..one named club with 90% sport bikes . to little to late …when the co’s come out with cafe / scrambler / brat bikes in the show room you know your behind the curve …shame you could of made it 2-3 years ago .. now ???? .
Being part of the Ace Cafe in the 60s this is going to be a great venue for
The motorcycle industry. Good on you guys! Cannot wait till it opens.
People like myself understands this undertaking and wish u all the best.
Well it would be nice if they posted up dates as to how things are going , it’s been 3 years , still don’t no if it’s open , will have to ride by.
As for the cafe bike Sean having gone ??. I don’t think that matters . It will be a hang out for bikes .. The car park will be full of us middle to old age folk coming down for beers and more bar food .
As long as the beers ice cold and the normal food . Wings burgers and hot dogs are there .
And they get some hot chicks in wing house / hooters type gear the place will be slammed .
It’s easy to get to from all over the area right off eye 4 and just up from the east west .
As for cafe type bikes a following of them type bikes will develop ..
The cafe moped guys will make it home I’m sure , just need a bath room for guys that like to dress in girls out fits .. They party hard , just need a night just for them , 🙂 .. All welcome I’m sure , that will be disco night ..
The rest of the week better not be rock a Billy back to the 50s .. It don’t work them that were teens then are 75 to 90 and not spending any money in the bar , so the odd song tossed in is fine .. And for get the biker bar 70s Rock all day long to .. Make it a good mix for old new and we will party 🙂 oh well let see what happens