American Motorcycle Dealer AMD 215 June 2017 | Page 15

North America’ s first Ace Cafe now open in Orlando

Ace Cafe Orlando, the first North American location of the celebrated London based motordiner and the sixth Ace Cafe in the world, opened its doors for the first time on May 19. The 35,000 square-foot“ dining, entertainment and retail destination” reinvigorates a key three-acre parcel of land in downtown Orlando now known as“ Ace Corner,” where it expects to draw more than 400,000 people annually. 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 afterhours 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 gear and apparel); a BMW motorcycle dealer; a Dainese D- Store( Italy’ s legendary high-tech riding gear and accessories brand); EagleRider motorcycle rental company( the world’ s largest motorcycle tourism company); and Stonebridge Motor Gallery, selling an everchanging line-up of original motorsports and rock’ n rollinspired artwork, photography, sculptures and memorabilia, as well as collectable vintage and rare one-off custom motorcycles.“ More than a restaurant, Ace Cafe Orlando connects great food and dining with a passion for motoring and rock’ n roll, providing a totally unique experience found nowhere else in the U. S. Under the tutelage of Executive Chef Christopher Truesdell, the Ace’ s menu can be defined as American diner fare. It features made-from-scratch home style comfort food with a twist that captures the authentic spirit and flavors of some of the best diners and backroad joints across the country, all at an affordable price point. There is also a nod to Ace Cafe’ s roots with authentic British favorites like Bangers & Mash, Fish & Chips and Chicken Curry.” www. acecafeusa. com

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BRIEFS

Harley have scored 4th place in market share terms in Switzerland for the first four months of 2017, having sold 1,134 units there YTD. In the 2016 full year they sold 3,032 units for 3rd place in a market that was down by- 3.4 percent year-on-year after having been + 17.00 percent in 2015. They are currently behind Yamaha, BMW and Kawasaki, but ahead of some notable players in Swiss and wider European terms, including Honda, Triumph, KTM, Ducati and Suzuki.
Hot Leathers has moved manufacturing of its“ USA Made” high-end apparel collection inhouse at its Manchester, Connecticut headquarters. Andy George, Executive Vice President for brand owner Good Sports Inc., is quoted as saying that the company will now start to grow its distributor and retailer footprint and introduce a new riding accessories collection later this year.
The 2017 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be Friday, Sept. 22, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio, concurrent with the 5th annual AIMExpo as it makes its Columbus debut – the Hall of Fame is based at the nearby Pickerington, Ohio AMA headquarters. www. AMDchampionship. com AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE DEALER- JUNE 2017 15