Here’s the complete story of Orange County Choppers (OCC):
Rise to Fame:
- Founded in 1999 by Paul Teutul Sr., OCC started as a small custom motorcycle shop in New York.
- In 2002, the Discovery Channel launched “American Chopper,” a reality show documenting the shop’s daily operations and family dynamics.
- The show became a massive hit, catapulting OCC and its colorful characters to international fame.
- OCC thrived in the early 2000s, building extravagant custom choppers for celebrities and everyday customers, expanding its business with merchandise and a restaurant.
Internal Strife and Decline:
- Tensions between Paul Sr. and his son, Paul Teutul Jr., grew over creative differences and management styles.
- In 2009, Paul Jr. left OCC to start his own motorcycle shop, Orange County Choppers New York.
- The split, documented on “American Chopper,” and declining motorcycle sales due to the recession, led to a slow decline for OCC.
- The show ended in 2010, and OCC faced financial difficulties, closing its New York shop and relocating to Florida.
Present Day:
- Today, OCC operates from a smaller shop in Newburgh, New York, and a separate “Orange County Choppers Road House & Museum” in Clearwater, Florida.
- Paul Sr. remains at the helm, building choppers and managing the OCC brand, which includes merchandise and licensing deals.
- The company maintains a smaller, quieter presence compared to its heyday, but still caters to a dedicated fan base and keeps the custom chopper dream alive.
Other Notes:
- The “American Chopper” five-panel meme, depicting a heated argument between Paul Sr. and Paul Jr., continues to circulate online.
- While OCC’s future remains uncertain, its impact on the custom motorcycle scene and popular culture is undeniable.
I hope this information provides a complete picture of what happened to Orange County Choppers. If you have any specific questions about its history or current operations, feel free to ask!