North America’s First Ace Cafe Now Open In Orlando

Ace Cafe Orlando rolled its doors open May 19. The 35,000-square-foot dining, entertainment, and retail destination reinvigorates a key parcel in downtown Orlando now known as “Ace Corner,” where it expects to draw more than 400,000 people annually.

“The City of Orlando is committed to providing residents and our 68 million visitors with a diverse array of entertainment and dining options,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “Ace Cafe is a welcomed addition to Downtown Orlando, adding to the vibrancy and quality of life in the area, and will help to generate increased visitation and economic benefits to the area with its festivals and events.”

Since 1938, Ace Cafe London 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.

“We have built a special place for everyone, from Petrolheads and enthusiasts, to the after-hours work crowd, families, music lovers and everybody in between,” said Mark McKee, CEO and chief gearhead of Ace Cafe North America. “For those passionate about cool motors, great music, inspired food and drinks, and good times, Ace Cafe Orlando is the place to be.”

Much larger than its London namesake, Ace Cafe Orlando spans two floors and features a full-service restaurant, two kitchens, four bars, a coffee bar, a communal counter, a mezzanine that overlooks the main floor dining area and stage, and private and semi-private spaces for groups both large and small.

Rounding out the offerings inside the Ace are: Rockers Speed Shop (selling official branded Ace apparel); a BMW motorcycle dealer; Dainese D-Store; EagleRider motorcycle rental company, and Stonebridge Motor Gallery, selling an ever-changing line-up of original motorsports and rock ’n roll-inspired artwork, photography, sculptures, and memorabilia, as well as collectable vintage and rare, one-off custom motorcycles.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame recently named Marilyn Stemp and Steve Piehl to its board of directors.

Stemp is a pioneering figure in the motorcycle industry, founding IronWorks Magazine with her late husband, Dennis, and becoming the first female editor of a nationally circulated, mainstream motorcycle magazine. She also revived their trade magazine, Iron Trader News; edits the monthly Kiwi Indian News; contributes to several powersports media outlets; and is the founding editor of Sturgis Rider Daily. Stemp is a noted editor and writer of several motorcycle-focused books. Her consistent support for charitable efforts in the industry include the annual Biker Belles Celebration, Las Vegas BikeFest and as campaign chair for the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum’s development plan in 2014. She co-founded the Flying Piston charity events taking place in Daytona and Sturgis each year and is a National Ambassador for All Kids Bike. Stemp was inducted into both the Las Vegas Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the Sturgis Museum's Hall of Fame in 2018, and in 2022 she was recognized as one of the Top 100 Women in Powersports by DealerNews.