Ready to Rock

Rock stars don’t come to Oviedo too often, but Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of KISS fame recently brought their restaurant, called Rock & Brews, to town. This family-friendly establishment is the first for the brand on the East Coast.

Rock & Brews may be new to the neighborhood, but it has been welcomed with excitement and rave reviews in part to the brand’s main focus: serving high-quality food using locally sourced ingredients. The décor pays tribute to legendary rock icons with album art lining the walls and concert lighting illuminating the dining room. Most importantly, the friendly staff will make you feel right at home during every visit. “Everyone here takes great pride in being your neighbor,” says Simmons.

He also says the Rock & Brews experience has something for everyone: gluten-free pizza and gluten-free beer for dieters, indulgent dishes like the BBQ pulled pork sandwich or the beignets for foodies, 51-53 craft brews for beer enthusiasts, and even a dog menu for your furry family members.

The people menu covers a wide range of flavors that will satisfy any palate. A plate of signature Spicy Asian Wings, covered in a sweet glaze that also packs a punch, is a solid opening act for an award-winning meal. The Strawberry Fields Salad takes center stage with fresh strawberries, avocado, cucumbers, red onion, candied walnuts and feta cheese over baby greens and romaine lettuce and a drizzle of tangy lemon pepper vinaigrette.

Tender Carolina Style BBQ Baby Back Ribs with a sweet mustard sauce or the Fire Grilled Chicken coated in a sticky Asian glaze make for perfect headliner dishes. Or if you’re willing to share a bite, try a family-style pizza (also served individually) like the Spicy Maui Wowie, which is covered in house tomato sauce, mozzarella and Parmigiana cheeses, pepperoni, pineapple and jalapenos. End your meal on a sweet note with “Purple Rain” Drops, six French donuts filled with chocolate, drizzled with raspberry sauce, and served with a side of whipped cream for dipping.

While the menu remains consistent at all Rock & Brews restaurants, the character of each location is celebrated with dishes that are unique to the area. “This isn’t a Rock & Brews; this is your Rock & Brews,” says Stanley.

Giving back to local organizations in the communities that call Rock & Brews home – along with supporting Wounded Warrior Project as a brand – is important to each member of the team. Currently, Rock & Brews Oviedo has been active with the local YMCA, local youth and adult hockey teams, Families in Transition, and local elementary and middle schools. For its grand opening festivities, Rock & Brews hosted a luncheon for more than 100 veterans and active duty military personnel where a check for $10,000 was presented to Orlando VA Medical Center’s new Fisher House in Lake Nona.

“This day is important for us because talk is cheap. Every once in a while you have to roll up your sleeves and actually show those who serve, the proud men and women in uniform, that they’re appreciated,” says Simmons.

Stanley agrees. DzIt would be ludicrous to believe that we could be here without the people who defend this country,dz he says. “We wake up every day and take liberty and freedom for granted. The people who sacrificed life and limb don’t take it for granted, so any time we can draw attention to them and also give back is really a gift, not only to them, but to us.”

As a new member of the community, Rock & Brews works hard to be a good neighbor, not just by welcoming residents to share a meal, but also by giving back and showing support to local organizations.