By Amy Maginnis-Honey / www.dailyrepublic.com
Area KISS fans will get an early Christmas present as a Rock & Brews restaurant, a chain started by rock legends Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, should open in November at Vacaville Commons.
It will be the first Rock & Brews in Northern California and the 22nd restaurant in the chain which includes the United States and Mexico, said a press release announcing the venture.
The 7,970-square-foot Rock & Brews will employ about 125 people.
The menu will focus on American comfort food, including signature dishes featuring local cuisine, the release said.
Dining is available indoor and al fresco on the three large, dog friendly patios that span 1,645 square feet.
A private dining area will include an open-air patio.
A variety of games for guests of all ages will be offered.
The communal bar, designed with three sides, will dedicate more than half of the beer taps to local craft brews.
The rock-inspired atmosphere features concert lighting, oversized canvas rock artwork, a great wall of rock and concert-style music videos on flat screen televisions.
�Amazing� and �pretty cool� were the choice adjectives from Kiss fan and Vacaville musician Matty Taynton of Tweed Hut Music.
�How could we not want that?� he asked rhetorically. �We are fortunate to have something like this happen.�
He recalled hearing Simmons speak at a National Association of Music Merchants breakfast. �He had some interesting insights,� Taynton said.
Vacaville Mayor Len Augustine said he�ll check out the restaurant when it opens. �It�s a place for the younger crowd to hang out,� he said.
It�s also another feather in the cap for the town as more restaurants are moving in and taking over empty spaces, he said.
Multi-unit franchise partner Jon Mesko, will open the eatery at 200 Nut Tree Parkway. This marks the sixth Rock & Brews for Mesko, who also owns and operates Rock & Brews restaurants in Southern California.
�I am excited to continue my journey on the Rock & Brews world tour and with demand growing across the United States and beyond, I am happy to bring Rock & Brews to Northern California,� said Mesko, in the press release.
�Our locally-sourced food, excellent service, and energized atmosphere make Rock & Brews a great place to enjoy a meal with family, friends or co-workers in a thrilling environment.�
The first Rock & Brews opened near the Los Angeles International airport in April, 2012. Simmons and Stanley started Rock & Brews with Dave and Dell Furano and Michael Zislis.
Grand opening activities hosted by Stanley and Simmons will take place prior to the end of the year benefiting local veterans and active military. For information about Rock & Brews, visit www.rockandbrews.com.
