Full Breakdown
Gene Simmons Celebrates Grand Opening of Rock & Brews in Royal Oak
4/10/2026, 5:13:38 AM
Rock & Brews Grand Opening Event
On April 9, 2026, Gene Simmons, co-founder of the iconic rock band KISS, attended the grand opening of the new Rock & Brews restaurant in Royal Oak, Michigan. This location marks the latest expansion of the restaurant chain co-founded by Simmons and fellow KISS member Paul Stanley. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, where Simmons expressed his gratitude towards Detroit, stating, “Everybody talks about Detroit, the first city to appreciate the band I’m in, which I respect.” The restaurant, which opened its doors in March 2026, is situated in a three-story building adorned with music memorabilia, celebrating Detroit's rich musical heritage.
Significance of Detroit to KISS
Simmons emphasized the importance of Detroit in KISS's history, recalling how the city was instrumental in the band's early success. He remarked, “Detroit only cared about what they liked. The authenticity of their personal taste. It was the first place we happened.” The restaurant's decor includes tributes to notable Detroit artists such as Stevie Wonder, Eminem, and Aretha Franklin, highlighting the city's influence on American music.
Features of the Royal Oak Location
The Royal Oak Rock & Brews spans 12,000 square feet and includes multiple levels for dining, live music, and events. The menu features a variety of items, including the "Demon Burger," named after Simmons's KISS persona, and other themed dishes like "Alice Cooper's Poison Burger." Simmons noted the restaurant's commitment to quality, stating, “You don’t want to keep the same old, same old. We got to kick it up, because people deserve the best.”
Community Engagement and Fan Interaction
The grand opening attracted a large crowd of fans, many of whom participated in a meet-and-greet with Simmons. The event included a random drawing for 100 fans to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Simmons acknowledged the loyalty of KISS fans, saying, “The fans are loyal,” and emphasized the restaurant's goal to create a welcoming atmosphere that goes beyond just dining.
Criticism and Opposition
While the event was largely celebratory, some critics have raised concerns about the commercialization of rock culture. Simmons himself commented on the blending of celebrity and politics, suggesting that “famous people have become delusional,” indicating a potential disconnect between celebrity culture and the authenticity valued by fans.
Official Statements
In a joint statement, Simmons and Stanley expressed their excitement about the new location, stating, “We’ve all worked hard collaborating as a team to create Rock & Brews destinations we could be proud to share with the community.” This sentiment reflects their commitment to not only the restaurant's success but also to the local community.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Everybody talks about Detroit, the first city to appreciate the band I'm in, which I respect,” — Gene Simmons, Co-founder of KISS
- “Detroit only cared about what they liked. The authenticity of their personal taste. It was the first place we happened,” — Gene Simmons, Co-founder of KISS
- “You don’t want to keep the same old, same old. We got to kick it up, because people deserve the best. You wanted the best, you got the best — the hottest food in town.” — Gene Simmons, Co-founder of KISS
- “The fans are loyal,” — Gene Simmons, Co-founder of KISS
The Royal Oak Rock & Brews aims to provide a unique dining experience that celebrates the spirit of rock and roll while honoring the legacy of Detroit's music scene.
