Special to the Herald
Ace Cafe Sanford announced its official groundbreaking on Saturday with a “GROUNDSHAKER Engine ROAR-UP” unlike any other. The British-style ROAR-UP celebration featured hundreds of classic cars, trucks, and motorbikes all revving their engines in unison as a part of The Misfires Car Club Groundhog Gala 25th Anniversary. The ROAR-UP marked the official start of construction for the new Ace Cafe Sanford venue in Downtown Sanford, due to open by summer.
Brady Lessard, Sanford’s Economic Development Director, Charles Davis, Chairman of Sanford’s CRA Board, Sheena Britton, Sanford’s District 1 Commissioner, and Andria Herr, Seminole County District 5 Commissioner, joined Ace Cafe Sanford partners Sean Kelley and Steve Glum, along with Joe Johnson, Ace Cafe Sanford chef, and John Tomorowitz, president of The Misfires Car Club, and were all on hand to kickstart the countdown.
“For generations, the Ace has been the most famous motor-diner on the planet, and the gathering place for those passionate about the rock ‘n’ roll culture and a love of fast-moving metal,” says Steve Glum, partner at Ace Cafe Sanford. “We look forward to continuing this tradition, hereby officially breaking ground today on a great Ace Cafe restaurant and live music venue here in Sanford.”
Over 300 pre-1964 classic hot rods, trucks, and motorbikes joined in, which lasted 38 seconds to commemorate the year that Ace Cafe started in London - 1938.
“The addition of the world-renowned Ace Cafe brand to Downtown Sanford will be a tremendous asset to the entire community. We look forward to hosting these new visitors who will often be traveling great distances to enjoy the unique offerings of Ace Cafe. Very exciting times,” said Brady Lessard.
Since 1938, Ace Cafe London - a global cultural phenomenon located just off the North Circular Road in London - has been known as the place that brings enthusiasts together, and is the birthplace of the cafe racer scene. In the early days, the Ace had one of the very first jukeboxes in London, and teenagers would flock from far and wide to listen to hard-to-find rock n roll records from the likes of Elvis, Gene Vincent, Buddy Holly, and Little Richard brought back from America by British sailors. Even the Fab Four were said to have visited the Ace to write down lyrics and chord changes to their favorite records, influencing every generation that followed.
Ace Cafe Sanford will be located at 115 N Laurel Avenue, in Sanford.
About Ace Cafe London
Founded in 1938, Ace Cafe London is the most iconic motor-diner in the world, celebrated for its rich heritage in bikes, cars, and rock ‘n’ roll. Known as a global gathering place for thrill-seekers, the Ace Cafe brings a unique spirit of excitement and community to fans of motors and music. Annual events like the Ace Cafe Reunion Weekend at Brighton Beach draw attendees from over 40 countries. Learn more at www.acecafe.com
FB @AceCafeLondon , IG @officialacecafelondon
About Ace Cafe Sanford
Ace Cafe Sanford holds the exclusive licensee rights in Florida for the world-famous Ace Cafe brand. Ace Cafe Sanford is the only Florida venue for Ace Cafe, the world-famous motor-diner originating in London, and covers 12,000 sq ft in downtown Sanford at the corner of N. Laurel Avenue and W. Commercial Street, offering a place for all to meet and enjoy great food & drink, British favorites, live music, events, and shopping. Designed and built by fellow petrolheads and rockers, the public is invited to experience the Ace and make the most of the facilities and activities, ensuring that this iconic and unique fusion of motors and music continues to thrive long into the future. Ace Cafe Sanford welcomes all who share the passion and traditions of cars, motorcycles, rock n’ roll, and great food, and is a full-service restaurant & bar, a live music / special event venue, and a robust retail shop offering hard-to-find motor-inspired casual clothing and accessories from brands around the world. www.acecafesanford.com ,
IG / FB / TT @AceCafeSanford
About Misfires Car Club & Groundhog Gala
The Misfires Car Club's 25th Anniversary Groundhog Gala is an annual pre-1964 classic car, truck and motorcycle show, celebrated this year in downtown Sanford. The hot-rod hootenanny will include performances by The Tremolords and The Midnight Ramblers, a Miss Groundhog Gala contest, DJ, and raffles. Participant admission prices are $20 for vehicles and $10 for bikes, with a juried-vehicle event that includes an opportunity to win awards. The Gala’s first show was in 2000, consisting of about thirty cars. Though the original car club that started it eventually split off into The Misfires in 2010, the car show and the spirit in which it was started remains to this day - keeping the traditional aspects of car building and camaraderie alive for the past 25 years. Free and open to the public for viewing. FB @25th Anniversary Groundhog Gala Party.
