Paul Stanley talks about Rock & Brews expansion into arenas
By W. Scott Bailey / L.A. BIZ
San Antonio is making some new rock �n� roll history. The Alamo City will serve as a testing ground of sorts for a relatively young restaurant company whose partners include Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of the iconic rock band KISS.
Rock & Brews, which is based in Manhattan Beach, will make its official debut in San Antonio at the AT&T Center on Dec. 11. During an exclusive interview with Stanley, the KISS front man said the Alamo City restaurant will represent Rock & Brew�s initial entry into the sports stadium scene.
�This is our first arena installation. This is the one that will lead the way,� Stanley said about the AT&T Center venue, which will feature a rock �n� roll theme, American comfort food and a wide selection of craft beers.
Stanley said Rock & Brews partners were looking for an opportunity to expand the restaurant and bar concept hatched roughly five years ago into the sports stadium setting.
�Moving into arenas now just seems like the next logical step,� Stanley told me. �We�ve done quite a bit of research into arenas. San Antonio and AT&T Center came up at the forefront.�
It helps that KISS has a long-standing connection to San Antonio, having performed in the Alamo City numerous times over its more than 40-year run.
�Our history with San Antonio goes back literally decades,� Stanley said. �It�s been terrific. To watch it thrive and grow has been very satisfying for me. So we couldn�t pick a better place. We came up with a deal that worked out for everyone, and we are proud of the installation.�
Rock & Brews will work to integrate local flavors and products at its San Antonio venue.�We want to be good stewards,� Stanley said.
If all goes as expected, Rock & Brews could expand its presence in a city with a rich rock history, as well as a growing reputation in the culinary and craft beer industries.
�Does San Antonio deserve another one? I would say so,� Stanley said, when asked if Rock & Brews would consider developing a more traditional, free-standing restaurant in the Alamo City to complement the AT&T Center venue. �The people in San Antonio will ultimately decide.�
