KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Old Town, the longtime Kissimmee shopping and entertainment destination known for its brick-lined streets, classic car cruises and nostalgic atmosphere, has been purchased by the Rambilas Family in a deal valued at approximately $24.5 million.
The transaction closed Sept. 16 and included approximately 23 acres encompassing most of the entertainment district at 5770 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway. Property records identify the buyer as an entity connected to Orlando-based Emma Holdings.
The Rambilas Family, which described itself as a local, family-owned company, confirmed the acquisition in a statement expressing its commitment to preserving Old Town’s distinctive character while investing in the destination’s future.
“We’re a local Florida family investing in our backyard,” the family said.
The family said its members live and are raising their families in Central Florida, making the purchase personally significant beyond the real estate transaction. The new owners also acknowledged the responsibility that comes with acquiring a destination where generations of residents and visitors have attended car shows, enjoyed the rides, supported local businesses and created family memories.
Old Town officially opened in December 1986 as an open-air shopping, dining and entertainment district designed to recreate the atmosphere of a classic Florida town. Its brick streets, vintage storefronts and automobile cruises helped establish the property as one of the most recognizable destinations along Osceola County’s U.S. 192 tourism corridor.
One of Old Town’s biggest early attractions was Little Darlin’s Rock N’ Roll Palace, a nationally recognized music venue that operated from 1986 to 1992. The venue brought many of the biggest names from the golden age of rock ’n’ roll to Kissimmee, including Jerry Lee Lewis, Frankie Avalon, Del Shannon, Lou Christie, The Shirelles, The Platters, The Coasters and The Drifters.
Visiting performers were backed by a talented house band featuring brothers Michael “Mike” and Tim Franklin, with Michael serving as music director and Tim playing bass. Renamed Wolfman Jack’s Rock N’ Roll Palace in 1989, the venue also gained national exposure through syndicated television programs hosted by legendary radio personality Wolfman Jack. Its nightly performances and lineup of nationally known “oldies” acts made Little Darlin’s a major draw during Old Town’s formative years and an enduring part of the destination’s entertainment legacy.
Over nearly four decades, Old Town also became particularly known for its Friday night muscle car events and Saturday night classic car show and cruise. The district underwent a major renovation and expansion before celebrating its grand reopening in 2019 with refreshed public spaces, new businesses and its signature 86-foot Ferris wheel.
Today, Old Town covers approximately 18 acres and features more than 70 shops, restaurants, attractions and entertainment venues. Its combination of independent businesses, live entertainment, amusement rides and recurring community events continues to attract Central Florida residents and visitors.
According to statements published by Central Florida news outlets, the Rambilas Family plans to improve common areas, refresh portions of the property and introduce new attractions and experiences throughout the year. The family reportedly intends to keep Old Town’s classic cars, nostalgic character and family-friendly atmosphere central to the destination.
In those statements, the new owners also expressed a desire to create additional opportunities for local businesses, independent restaurants, artisans and makers while offering visitors a more polished and memorable experience.
A detailed renovation schedule and information about possible new attractions have not yet been announced. The family said improvements will be introduced thoughtfully, with the goal of making Old Town better each year while respecting the history and traditions that have defined it.
The sale begins a new chapter for one of Osceola County’s most recognizable tourism landmarks as Old Town prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary in December.
Old Town Kissimmee inicia una nueva etapa bajo la propiedad de la familia Rambilas tras una compra de $24.5 millones
KISSIMMEE, Florida — Old Town, el reconocido destino de compras y entretenimiento de Kissimmee, fue adquirido por la familia Rambilas en una transacción valorada en aproximadamente $24.5 millones.
La venta cerró el 16 de septiembre e incluyó cerca de 23 acres que abarcan la mayor parte del complejo ubicado en 5770 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway.
“Somos una familia local de Florida que está invirtiendo en su propia comunidad”, expresó la familia Rambilas, que aseguró que conservará el carácter nostálgico y familiar de Old Town mientras realiza nuevas inversiones.
La familia vive y cría a sus hijos en Florida Central, por lo que considera la compra algo más que una transacción de bienes raíces. Los nuevos propietarios también reconocieron la responsabilidad de dirigir un destino donde generaciones de familias han disfrutado de exhibiciones de automóviles, atracciones, negocios locales y experiencias compartidas.
Old Town abrió oficialmente en diciembre de 1986 como un distrito al aire libre inspirado en un pueblo tradicional de Florida. Sus calles de ladrillo, edificios de estilo antiguo y exhibiciones de automóviles ayudaron a convertirlo en uno de los destinos más reconocidos del corredor turístico de la U.S. 192.
Una de sus principales atracciones durante los primeros años fue Little Darlin’s Rock N’ Roll Palace, un reconocido local de música que operó entre 1986 y 1992. El escenario recibió a figuras nacionales como Jerry Lee Lewis, Frankie Avalon, Del Shannon, Lou Christie, The Shirelles, The Platters, The Coasters y The Drifters.
Los artistas eran acompañados por una banda que incluía a los hermanos Michael “Mike” y Tim Franklin. Michael se desempeñó como director musical y Tim tocó el bajo. El establecimiento pasó a llamarse Wolfman Jack’s Rock N’ Roll Palace en 1989 y alcanzó una audiencia nacional mediante programas de televisión conducidos por el legendario Wolfman Jack.
Old Town también se hizo conocido por sus eventos de autos clásicos y muscle cars. Después de importantes renovaciones, el complejo celebró una gran reapertura en 2019 con espacios públicos renovados, nuevos negocios y su emblemática rueda de la fortuna de 86 pies.
Actualmente, Old Town ocupa aproximadamente 18 acres y cuenta con más de 70 tiendas, restaurantes, atracciones y espacios de entretenimiento.
Los nuevos propietarios planean mejorar las áreas comunes, renovar varios espacios e incorporar nuevas experiencias y atracciones. La familia aseguró que los autos clásicos, el ambiente nostálgico y las tradiciones que han definido a Old Town permanecerán como parte central del destino.
También buscarán crear más oportunidades para negocios locales, restaurantes independientes, artesanos y emprendedores, mientras ofrecen una experiencia renovada y memorable para los visitantes.
Aunque todavía no se ha anunciado un calendario detallado para las mejoras, la venta inicia un nuevo capítulo para uno de los lugares turísticos más reconocidos del Condado de Osceola, que celebrará su 40.º aniversario en diciembre.
