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By Christina Reyes | Photos Provided By Rock & Brews
It’s time to dig out those leather pants, face paint and platform boots! Rock & Brews, a national chain co-owned by original KISS band members, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, is officially rocking the Oklahoma City area. Boasting a family-friendly concert inspired atmosphere, along with some of the best food and quality brews around, Rock & Brews is slated to climb to the top of the charts of OKC’s favorite restaurants.
The Venue
The two-story, 7,700-square-foot building located at 2737 W. Memorial in Oklahoma City is decked out with classic rock artwork, concert posters and album covers. With the intention of making guests feels as though they are VIP’s at a really great concert, wide open spaces were a must.
“All the rock and brews are designed so that you can see from one corner all the way to the outside,” says rock legend and co-owner Gene Simmons. “There are no walls.”
Elevated truss systems with concert lighting and state-of-the-art sound add to the concert feel. Multiple high-definition screens are peppered throughout, including a 16-screen centerpiece that rolls major sporting events, as well as videos of some of the greatest concerts in music history.
“The culture, the music, the soundtrack of your life surrounds you in videos, music, and images and all that stuff,” says Simmons. “So what a great place to come to hear your favorite songs, hang out with new friends, old friends, with kids or without.”
The Grub
Rock & Brews OKC is serving up quality American comfort cuisine. And let me tell you, it’s hot! “Opening Acts” or appetizers, include the likes of Rockin’ Hot Wings and Garlic Cheese Fries. Craft burgers include sizzling items such as the Chipotle Chili Cheeseburger and Rock &Brew’s most popular item, the Fireball Burger.
Other options include pizza, tacos, sandwiches and chili. According to Simmons, there is something for everyone.
“For those watching their figures, there are amazing salads and for those who want to ‘pig out,’ there is pulled pork and all kinds of fun foods,” he quips.
Rock & Brews also boasts a family-friendly environment, which Simmons says was very important to him.
“The idea of the place with great food and great drinks and [where]people treat you well didn’t really materialize until I understood that it would be a place that you could bring your family, your kids, yeah, even your dog. “
Yes, you heard that right, Rock & Brews is a family place. There is a kid’s menu dedicated to Li’l Rockers, and the al fresco dining option means your pooch is welcome on the porch.
The Brews
Rock & Brews boasts two full bars stocked with the area’s best selections of international and craft beers. Exclusive to OKC is the Land Rush bar dedicated solely to craft beers of Oklahoma. Selections include lagers, pilsners, pale ales, fruit, malty, hoppy, Belgian and dark. And get this: if you don’t want to sit at the bar, you can have the bar brought to you.
“You can actually sit at a table and have your own tap; they are designed that way. So you can preorder the beers that you want and you don’t have to flag anyone down, just pull it,” says Simmons.
The Patriots
Rock & Brews supports wounded warriors, veterans and active military organizations and causes. You may not know this, but Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley are true patriots. It’s a word Simmons says you just don’t hear very often anymore, and that’s a shame. Simmons’ patriotism goes way back. You see, his mother was in a concentration camp in Europe when she was just 14 years old. Much of Simmons’ family perished in the gas chambers, but thanks to the U.S. military, his mother was spared.
“If it wasn’t for America and it’s military, I wouldn’t be here,” says Simmons. “America saved my mother. For that, I’ll do anything for our military. Anything.”
While Rock & Brews OKC opened in late October, official grand opening activities will take place in January.
“Rock & Brews in Oklahoma City is pleased to honor local veterans with our grand opening activities on January 28,” says franchise partner, Kirk Williams. “Our founding partners, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of KISS will host the events and have very personal stories about how the U.S. military impacted their lives. They look forward to paying tribute to and raising much needed funds for Honoring America’s Warriors which is dedicated to supporting the physical, mental, and spiritual wellness services to our nation’s heroes.”
Activities will include a private luncheon hosted by Simmons and Stanley for more than 100 wounded warriors, veterans and active
military. An evening party from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m
is also scheduled. The evening event will include a special presentation by Stanley and Simmons, a sampling of Rock & Brews’ cuisine and two drinks per person for $100.
VIP tickets to the party are available for $200 per person and include a private reception from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., a photo opportunity with Stanley and Simmons and unlimited drinks. Guests may purchase tickets by visiting rockandbrewsokc.eventbrite.com.
Space is limited; so don’t delay getting your tickets. A portion of proceeds from the evening event will benefit Honoring America’s Warriors.
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