Today we’re excited to be connecting with Matt Mckenna again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.
Matt, thanks for joining us again. Just to level set a bit for folks who may have missed our last interview together, can you briefly introduce yourself?
Matt McKenna is a serial entrepreneur known for his diverse ventures across technology, marketing, and lifestyle industries. In 2004, he founded Red Fish Media, a pioneering mobile marketing agency that worked with prominent brands such as Ralph Lauren, Starbucks, Google, Microsoft, Nike, M&M’s, and Subaru. He successfully exited the company in 2016.
Following his departure from Red Fish Media, McKenna pursued his passion for motorcycles and coffee by establishing Imperial Moto in 2016. This venture blends café culture with motorcycle and car culture, creating a unique community driven space. Imperial Moto has expanded to multiple locations, including Little River in Miami, Aventura Mall, Oakland Park, and even internationally in St. Barth. The brand is recognized for its specialty coffee, vintage motorcycles, and lifestyle brand.
In addition to his entrepreneurial pursuits, McKenna has a background as a DJ and music producer, performing under the moniker DJ Matt E Love. He continues to engage in creative endeavors, contributing to his reputation as a multifaceted entrepreneur.
Throughout his career, Matt McKenna has demonstrated a commitment to innovation and community-building, seamlessly integrating his passions into successful business ventures.
Great, so let’s jump into an update on what you have been up to since we last spoke. What can you share with us?
Over the past few years, Imperial Moto has experienced significant growth and expansion. In 2022, the brand opened its second location at Aventura Mall, bringing its unique moto-inspired café experience to a broader audience. Continuing this trajectory, in Dec 2024, Imperial Moto launched a new 1,400-square-foot flagship café in Oakland Park, featuring distinctive design elements and a commitment to serving ethically sourced coffee.
Beyond physical locations, Imperial Moto has diversified its offerings to include lifestyle apparel, specialty coffee products, and wholesale distribution to prominent Miami restaurants, such as: Joe’s Stone Crab, Chugs Diner, and others. The brand has also engaged in various pop-ups and collaborations (Solefly, Miami Concours, Movember), further embedding itself in the community.
Looking ahead, Imperial Moto plans to expand further across the country and explore international markets, aiming to share its distinctive blend of coffee culture and motorcycle enthusiasm with a global audience.
We also want to give folks a chance to get to know you a bit better so we’ve prepared a fun lightning round of questions. Ready?:
- Favorite Movie: The Town
- Favorite Book: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” by Robert M. Pirsig
- Favorite TV Show: Landman
- Favorite Band or Artist: The Killers
- Sweet or Savory: Savory
- Mountains or Beach: Both
- Favorite Sport (to watch): Basketball
- Favorite Sport (to play): Padel
- Did you play sports growing up (if so which ones): I rode dirtbikes
- As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: I wanted to be an ad-guy
- French Fries or Onion Rings: French Fries (with Dijon mustard)
- Chuck Rhodes or Bobby Axelrod: Bobby
- Favorite Cartoon growing up: Garfield
- Favorite Childhood movie: Batman
- Favorite Breakfast Food: Bacon & Eggs
Life is often about tough choices – can you talk to us about your thought process, strategy or philosophy when it comes to making difficult choices or tradeoffs.
Tough choices come down to clarity—seeing past the noise, the short-term highs, and making decisions that align with the long game. I’ve been in recovery for many years, and sobriety, in every sense, sharpens that perspective. Risk is inevitable, but I weigh it against regret—if I don’t take this shot, will I wish I had? I trust my gut, back it with logic, and always ask: does this move me closer to my vision while staying true to who I am?”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://imperialmoto.com
- Instagram: @real_mckenna, @imperialmoto
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-mckenna-a3bbb01/
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/mattelove
Image Credits
Michael Spain Smith
World Red Eye
