Meyers Ace Hardware, a family-owned neighborhood hardware store, is located in a Bronzeville landmark building with a long and storied history. Originally an automobile garage, the building was remodeled in 1921 and transformed into one of Chicago's earliest and most legendary jazz venues, the Sunset Cafe.
The Cafe's orchestra featured such famed musicians as Louis Armstrong, Johnny Dodds, and Earl "Fatha" Hines, while its floor shows introduced the latest dances to local audiences. Many promising young artists got their start here, including Bix Beiderbecke, Jimmy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, and Gene Krupa.
In 1937, the building was remodeled and renamed the New Grand Terrace Cafe, which remained a popular night club until 1950. It later housed the office of the 2nd Ward Regular Democratic Organization, before becoming a hardware store in the late 1960s. The Sunset Cafe's original bandstand mural is still in manager's office and viewable on request. Visitors, jazz and music enthusiasts, students and families are all welcome.
