Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley to open Rock & Brews in Rancho Cucamonga

Rock legends Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of the band KISS are not only going on tour this summer — they’re also going to bring the spirit of “Detroit Rock City” to Rancho Cucamonga in the form of their new, family-friendly bar and grill.

Their 9,900- square-foot Rock & Brews restaurant, planned across from Victoria Gardens at the Foothill Crossing shopping center on Foothill Boulevard, will be the brand’s eighth in California and 17th overall. The restaurant’s business partners say they expect to open sometime in September.

Simmons loves to talk about the venture. His pitch is a little bit rock ’n’ roll and a whole lotta business acumen.

“You can bring your whole family,” Simmons said in a phone interview. “You can bring your dog. You can bring your kids. You can be there as a single person flirting, or you can be there happily married. It’s laid out wide open so you can see everything from beginning to end.”

Among many other menu items, the restaurant features craft burgers, steak, barbecue chicken, fish and a large selection of beers.

“If people honor us by coming to Rock & Brews, the least we can do is not only make great food but provide a great experience,” Simmons said.

Rock & Brews Rancho Cucamonga will be the brand’s first in San Bernardino County. Simmons and Stanley are opening Rock & Brews with co-founding partners Michael Zislis and concert industry veterans Dave and Dell Furano.

On Tuesday afternoon, Zislis and Simmons surprised patrons of the Corona Rock & Brews restaurant, which had just opened Monday at the Crossings at Corona shopping center, at Temescal Canyon and Cajalco roads. Simmons took the time to bump fists, flash his signature snake-like tongue, sign autographs and meet with diners, some of whom were wearing KISS T-shirts, even without advance warning of the celebrity encounter.

“It’s rocking,” Simmons said. “It’s clear everybody is having a great time. It’s the middle of the day. It’s 100 degrees (outside) and everybody should come down. Bring your family. Bring your dogs.”

KISS fan Joe Cope, 44, of Corona was there when Simmons made his entrance. Cope was able to get an autograph and a picture taken with the KISS legend.

“I love Gene Simmons,” Cope said. “I love KISS. We ate at Rock & Brews about a week ago at the LAX airport, and it’s awesome. It’s a great environment. It’s an awesome location here in Corona. It’s a great vibe.”

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