Gene Simmons of Kiss Opens New Restaurant Location in Detroit

The legendary rocker celebrates the grand opening of a Rock & Brews restaurant co-founded with bandmate Paul Stanley.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:00pm

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An abstract close-up photograph of shimmering, high-contrast sequins under dramatic studio lighting, conceptually representing the glamour and energy of a rock star opening a new restaurant.The grand opening of a new Rock & Brews restaurant location in Detroit celebrates the enduring legacy of Kiss and the band's deep connection to the Motor City.Royal Oak Today

Gene Simmons, the iconic bassist of the rock band Kiss, visited Detroit on Thursday to celebrate the grand opening of a new Rock & Brews restaurant location that he co-founded with his bandmate Paul Stanley. Simmons spoke fondly of the city's importance to Kiss's early success, noting that 'Detroit accepted us way before New York and any other city.' The new restaurant is part of the growing Rock & Brews franchise that Simmons and Stanley have been expanding across the United States since 2010.

Why it matters

As one of the most successful and influential rock bands of all time, Kiss has a deep connection to the city of Detroit that helped launch their career. Simmons and Stanley's decision to open a new Rock & Brews location in the Motor City underscores the enduring bond between the band and their fans in this iconic American city.

The details

The new Rock & Brews restaurant is located in Royal Oak, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. Simmons and Stanley co-founded the restaurant chain in 2010, and it has since expanded to multiple states. During the grand opening event, Simmons spoke about the importance of Detroit to Kiss's early success, noting that the city 'accepted us way before New York and any other city.' He also promised that the new location would feature the 'hottest food in town' as the company works to 'kick it up' and provide the best dining experience for customers.

  • The grand opening of the new Rock & Brews location in Royal Oak, Michigan took place on Thursday, April 10, 2026.
  • Kiss was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.
  • Kiss was honored as Kennedy Center honorees in 2025.

The players

Gene Simmons

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

Paul Stanley

The co-founder of Kiss and Simmons' bandmate, who also co-founded the Rock & Brews restaurant chain.

Rock & Brews

A restaurant chain co-founded by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, which has been expanding across the United States since 2010.

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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

“'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

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

— Gene Simmons

What’s next

Simmons and Stanley plan to continue expanding the Rock & Brews franchise to new locations across the United States, building on the brand's success and the enduring popularity of the Kiss legacy.

The takeaway

Gene Simmons and Kiss have a deep, long-standing connection to the city of Detroit, which played a crucial role in the band's early success. The opening of a new Rock & Brews location in the Motor City underscores the enduring bond between the legendary rockers and their loyal fans, as well as the continued growth and evolution of the band's business ventures.