Rock ‘n’ roll-themed restaurant from KISS rocker Gene Simmons now open in North Texas

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A new rock ‘n’ roll themed restaurant from KISS frontmen Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley is now open in North Texas.

Rock & Brews opened its Grapevine location on a sunny Tuesday at 520 W. State Hwy 114. Around 50 people gathered outside the 9,000-square-foot venue for a ribbon-cutting event at 11 a.m. and were among the first to sample the restaurant’s large menu.

The restaurant chain was founded in 2010 by rock ‘n’ roll promoter Dave Furano, industry merchandiser Dell Furano, restaurateur Michael Zislis and KISS band members Simmons and Stanley .

The five music fans were backstage at a KISS concert chatting about music and food, when suddenly, an idea came to pass about combining the two art forms into a business.

Thus, Rock & Brews was born .

Rock & Brews has around two dozen locations spread out across Texas, California, Florida, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Washington and Wisconsin. Grapevine is the latest Texas location, with other spots in The Colony and San Antonio.

“We’re really excited to be part of Grapevine,” said Dave Stevens, Rock & Brews‘ vice president of operations. “The city has really embraced us.”

Inside Rock & Brews Grapevine

Walking inside Rock & Brews Grapevine is like taking a trip through rock ‘n’ roll history.

The walls and ceilings are lined with posters of famed rock bands from the Grateful Dead and Fleetwood Mac to Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd. Murals of Willie Nelson, Aretha Franklin, Bono, Bruce Springsteen, and even Taylor Swift look down upon patrons around the room.

A video of The Rolling Stones song “Gimme Shelter” blared out across numerous television screens around the venue, quickly followed by a video of The Black Keys song “I Got Mine”. Even on the way to the bathroom, patrons will pass by an art print of Guns N’ Roses rocker Slash.

Rock & Brews Grapevine has plenty of seating around the area, from tables and booths to a lengthy bar section. Patrons will find a similar setup on the outdoor covered patio, which has its own dedicated bar area.

The restaurant also has an uncovered patio section for those looking to catch some sun. This area is where patrons will find lawn games such as cornhole, Connect 4 and foosball.

What’s on the menu at Rock & Brews Grapevine?

The Rock & Brews menu is shaped like a vinyl record and has plenty to offer.

Appetizers, or “opening acts,” range from jalapeno poppers, fried calamari, chips and queso, nachos and pretzels. The “VIP salads” come in Nashville hot chicken, cobb, strawberry and caesar with blackened salmon.

There’s three different wing flavors to choose from, along with several pizzas such as margherita and pepperoni. For entrées, there’s blackened chicken pasta, blackened redfish, baby back ribs, filet mignon, chicken teriyaki bowl, steak tacos and a birria beef dip sandwich.

Craft burgers are also on the menu, including the “Alice Cooper,” which is named after the real-life rocker. The burger comes with a pepper cheese spread, reaper ranch, fried jalapeno, onion strings and hot sauce on a brioche bun.

Desserts are also on the menu under the “encores” section and include a giant brownie sundae, s’mores dip, and bread pudding. The purple raindrops are a restaurant favorite. They feature beignet-style pastries filled with chocolate chips, raspberry sauce, powdered sugar, and whipped cream.

There’s even a dog menu featuring burger patties, chicken breast and bacon strips for furry friends who tag along to the restaurant.

Rock & Brews Grapevine is open 11 a.m. to midnight Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday-Saturday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday at 520 W. State Highway 114.