Wondering where the cast of American Choppers are today? Well, Paul Teutul Sr. recently announced that he'll be leaving the colossal building that has served as the headquarters for Orange County Choppers. Although the gigantic shop is a symbol of the empire OCC created in the custom motorcycle scene, it is not proving practical for the future of the company (Teutul does not own the building, he has been leasing it since 2011). In fact, Teutul is leaving New York entirely and will set up a new facility in Florida some time this spring.
OCC Looks To Forge New Future In Florida
OCC had a good run in New York, but as the motorcycle market has shifted away from lavish custom choppers, Paul Teutul Sr. and his colleagues have had to reassess their business model. Additionally, the operation was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic as the shop ceased production in March, which left the facility closed for an extended period. In late 2020, the drastic decision was made to vacate the existing shop and move their business to Pinellas Park, near Clearwater, Florida. Paul Sr. has actually been splitting time between New York and a farm in Brooksville, Florida, so the news is not a complete shock.
Launching The OCC Roadhouse & Museum
As part of a joint venture with hospitality guru Keith Overton, who Paul Sr. met at a bike show at the TradeWinds Island Resort that Overton owned at the time, the two will be opening the OCC Roadhouse & Museum. The initial location will be near Bert's Barracuda Harley-Davidson in Clearwater, but the idea is to open more of these eateries around the country.
American Chopper To Cover The OCC Move To Florida
While the move is in the initial phases, with construction photos being posted on Paul Sr.'s Facebook page, along with a new logo and rendering presented online, the producers of American Chopper have promised to cover these recent developments as part of the long-running reality series. This latest chapter in the story of the Teutul family and their custom motorcycle business should rejuvenate the program as Paul Sr. navigates the move and the impact on his business. So, while Orange County Choppers will be leaving Orange County, New York, the brand and the business are set to live on in a different form.