Gene Simmons of Kiss Celebrates Detroit Rock City Restaurant Opening

The legendary rocker returns to the Motor City to cut the ribbon on a new Rock & Brews location.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:40pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of the shattered, glittering remains of a disco ball, its jagged edges and reflective surfaces creating a high-contrast, glamorous texture that conceptually represents the energy and legacy of the rock music industry.The shattered remains of a disco ball capture the electrifying spirit of rock music that has defined Gene Simmons and Kiss's legacy.Royal Oak Today

Gene Simmons, the iconic bassist of the rock band Kiss, visited Royal Oak, Michigan on Thursday to celebrate the grand opening of a new Rock & Brews restaurant co-founded by him and his bandmate Paul Stanley. Simmons, 76, reflected on Kiss's early days and the band's deep connection to Detroit, calling it the 'first city that appreciated' the group.

Why it matters

As one of the most successful rock bands of all time, Kiss has long had a special relationship with the city of Detroit, which embraced the group early on when they were still struggling to break through. Simmons' visit to open a new restaurant location underscores the enduring bond between the band and the Motor City.

The details

Simmons and Stanley have been expanding the Rock & Brews restaurant chain, which they co-founded in 2010, across the United States. The new Royal Oak location is the latest addition to their growing empire. During the opening ceremony, Simmons praised the quality of the food and promised to 'kick it up' even further, saying 'people deserve the best.'

  • Simmons and Stanley founded Rock & Brews in 2010.
  • Kiss was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.
  • Kiss was honored at the Kennedy Center in 2021.
  • The band retired from touring a few years ago.

The players

Gene Simmons

The longtime bassist and co-founder of the iconic rock band Kiss.

Paul Stanley

Simmons' bandmate in Kiss and co-founder of the Rock & Brews restaurant chain.

Ace Frehley

The former guitarist of Kiss, who was part of the band's original lineup in the early 1970s.

Peter Criss

The original drummer for Kiss, who was part of the band's classic lineup.

Rock & Brews

A restaurant chain co-founded by Simmons and Stanley, which has been expanding across the United States.

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What they’re saying

“Everybody talks about Detroit, we owe our stuff to Detroit — first city that appreciated the band that I'm in.”

— Gene Simmons, Bassist, Kiss

“Our CEO is here, because he wants to go back in the kitchen and even bring it up a notch. 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, Bassist, Kiss

“Kiss really broke our rock-and-roll teeth in Detroit. Detroit accepted us way before New York and any other city.”

— Gene Simmons, Bassist, Kiss

What’s next

Simmons and Stanley are expected to continue expanding the Rock & Brews chain, with plans to open additional locations in the Midwest and across the country in the coming years.

The takeaway

Gene Simmons' visit to Detroit underscores the enduring connection between Kiss and the Motor City, which embraced the band early on and helped propel them to stardom. The opening of the new Rock & Brews restaurant is a testament to the band's lasting impact and their commitment to bringing their rock-and-roll spirit to fans through food and entertainment.