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Ace Cafe kick-starts construction on new Sanford location with a GROUNDSHAKER Engine ROAR-UP!

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Following the closure of the iconic Ace Cafe in Orlando, the popular hangout for rockers, bikers and petrolheads will soon have a brand new home in Sanford.

Corner of a building with red "Ace Cafe" sign against a clear blue sky. The structure has white panels and black trim.

The popular downtown Orlando location of Ace Cafe closed its doors back in May 2023, then in May 2024, Ace Cafe announced the news that they had set the wheels in motion for a triumphant return to Central Florida, with Ace Cafe making the short journey to Sanford, bringing a new, and unique experience to 115 N. Laurel Ave.


The latest news on the project is that construction is underway with Ace Cafe Sanford officially breaking ground on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 12 pm with a “GROUNDSHAKER Engine ROAR-UP.”


The British style ceremony will feature hundreds of classic hot rods, trucks and motorbikes all revving in unison to celebrate the groundbreaking.



The construction project will transform the 12,000 square feet building on Laurel Ave. into a large restaurant, bar, and live music venue, together with a gift shop.



Ace Cafe Sanford is expected to open this summer, 2025.



Ace Cafe Sanford is being brought to life by the founder of Ace Café Orlando, Steve Glum, who has partnered with Sean Kelley, founder of 73 Moto in Sanford, and George Tsuchnikas, the owner of Ace Café London.


Pictured here are (L to R), Steve, George, and Sean, having a look at the location in Sanford.


Ace Cafe Sanford Logo

Ace Cafe Sanford Officially Breaks Ground

with a “GROUNDSHAKER Engine ROAR-UP”

Saturday, Feb 1, 2025

WHO: Ace Cafe Sanford, along w/The Misfires Car Club Groundhog Gala

o Sean Kelley, Partner, Ace Cafe Sanford

o Steve Glum, Partner, Ace Cafe Sanford

o John Tomorowitz, President, Misfires/Groundhog Gala

o Brady Lessard, Economic Development Director, City of

Sanford

o Charles Davis, Chairman, City of Sanford CRA Board

WHAT: A Breaking Ground Press Announcement like no other – with a

British-style ‘GROUNDSHAKER Engine ROAR-UP’

o Photo/Video Opp – hundreds of cars & bikes all revving in

unison!

o Over 300 Pre-1964 Classic Hot Rods, Trucks, & Motorbikes

onsite celebrating “The Groundhog Gala” 25th Anniversary

Car Show

o Downtown Sanford Redevelopment/Ace Cafe Coming to Sanford

WHEN:Saturday, Feb 1, 2025

o 11:30 am City of Sanford Officials Arrival

o 12:00 pm Announcement, GROUNDSHAKER Engine ROAR-

UP w/Photo & Video Opportunity

o 12:15 pm Interview Opportunity w/those above

WHERE: Henry’s Depot

212 W 1st Street

Sanford, Florida 32771

Classic cars parked outside Ace Cafe London. A yellow, blue, and silver car are visible. People gather, and a banner marks 40 years.

The original Ace Cafe opened way back in 1938, just outside London, England, since then it has been a mecca for those passionate about cars, bikes and rock ’n roll culture.


The original location on London’s North Circular Road began as a roadside cafe for truckers, then evolved into a popular destination for rock ‘n roll-loving teens riding motorbikes during the '50s and '60s. Today, the Ace has a multi-generational appeal among motorsports enthusiasts from all over the world.


Other Ace Cafe locations around the globe include Finland, China, and Switzerland.


People gather at Ace Cafe London, surrounded by motorcycles with flags. Car background, Union Jack bunting, lively atmosphere.

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