‘It’s on and it’s official!’ Ace Cafe to open new Sanford location
Not quite a year after closing its doors in downtown Orlando, an all-new Ace Cafe, with permits in place, is getting ready to start its engines at 115 N. Laurel Ave. in downtown Sanford.
“We weren’t ready to make the announcement,” an amused Steve Glum, founder of Ace Cafe Orlando, told the Orlando Sentinel.
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With the official paperwork signed just days ago — and a walk-through and blessing from Ace Cafe brand owner George Tsuchnikas, who came in from London for the visit — Glum and partner Sean Kelley (founder of 73 Moto and owner of Sanford’s popular Henry’s Depot food hall) had planned on getting a few more things in the works before spilling the beans.
But word got out, prompting an influx of followers to the @acecafesanford Instagram account.
“We had such great feedback and response, we felt like we had to say something. It’s been very exciting, and it’s nice to know there’s that much love for the brand.”
Why Sanford?
“It feels like all roads lead to Sanford now,” says Glum. “It’s the convergence of 417, the new 429, I-4. And we’re fortunate in that Sanford is already built. There are no traffic snarls. The reception has been very positive, and we’re really excited to bring it to the downtown area.”
Kelley, who hosts motor-related and music events at Henry’s Depot, says Glum, is a total fit for the Ace Cafe.
“He’s very well versed in car and bike shows, he rides a motorcycle, he loves rock and roll,” said Glum, who met Kelley through a mutual friend. The pair has partnered on projects before, “and [Ace] was one of the things we came together on because we have similar interests.”
Also, Kelley had a building.
“It has really cool bones, Brick walls, hardwood floors,” Glum said of the space, estimating its size at roughly 10,000 square feet, 8,000 of which would likely comprise the Ace Cafe’s usable area. “It was a former feed store and has been there for something like 100 years.”
Glum, who moved on from Ace Cafe Orlando post launch, says this was an unexpected new project, one that’s completely separate from the previous.
“The Ace lost its lease. Downtown had changed. They rode it out and left when it was up,” he said. “I had no idea the Ace was going to end its relationship in Orlando last year, but Sean and I were already working together on other things.”
Conversations led to the announcement and now the permitting is in progress. Glum says it will be quite some time before the menu is set and the bands are booked — “everything is TBD,” he says — but he and Kelley look forward to watching the project come together. Now in permitting, Glum says they should be able to announce a tentative opening date soon.
“It’ll be a great gathering place for those who love cars, bikes and live music.”
Find me on Facebook, TikTok, Twitter or Instagram @amydroo or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com, For more foodie fun, join the Let’s Eat, Orlando Facebook group.
