Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons from KISS Honor Veterans at Rock & Brews Oviedo and Host Second Event at New Orlando Location (Photos, Video)

August 15, 2017 Denise Gene Simmons Interview, Paul Stanley Interview, Rock & Brews, Rock & Brews KISS, Rock & Brews Oveido

Hi everyone!

Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley from KISS were back at their Oviedo Rock & Brews restaurant location last week to honor veterans. Not only did they spend a couple of hours at the restaurant for media interviews and greeting invited veterans, but they also went to the newer Orlando location at Lee Vista (near Orlando International Airport) for a private event that was a fundraiser for The Orlando Fisher House. Paul told me that they have opened every restaurant so far, though their busy schedules delayed them to Orlando (the Lee Vista location opened a few months back).

Here is a look at the day, mostly from Oviedo but we also went to Orlando for a shorter stop later in the day.

We first covered the Rock & Brews Oviedo opening over 2 years ago, both for a food review and then for the Grand Opening. It was nice to be back, but even better that the restaurant chain is expanding in our area. There are plans for at least one more restaurant here, though I can’t say more than that yet. The first Rock & Brews location opened in California just over 5 years ago, and there are now 20 locations. The ones in the Orlando area get excellent reviews, and the concept tends to be family and pet friendly.

When we arrived, there were dishes of food set out for photos. We had eaten here twice in the past (and were given lunch on this visit as well). Everything I have had at the restaurant has been good, which is not always the case with mid-range priced restaurants.

Here is a look at the pizza.

And a couple of other dishes set out.

The ribs are very popular here. On this visit, we had the ribs and a fried chicken breast.

The employees of Rock & Brews posed with Gene and Paul.

Gene and Paul spent quite a bit of time meeting visiting veterans and their families, as well as restaurant staff.

Paul got behind the bar.

He poured a beer for photos.

Rock & Brews offers local beer as well as standard ones.

Gene sat on the bar for a photo.

Afterwards, he posed behind the menu.

I noticed this on the door, the Brewery of the Month. I haven’t heard of this brewery before.

Gene and Paul got up on the bar, here are a series of photos from that. I know a lot of people will be coming in for photos of them, so I tried to be photo-heavy with Gene and Paul.

We interviewed Gene about Rock & Brews, including about how the restaurant came about.

Here is our interview with him.

Jeff posed with Gene. Jeff is a huge KISS fan, so getting to interview them twice now has been a big deal for him.

Here is our interview with Paul Stanley. The background sound kicked up right before we started, next time we’ll bring a different mic in case that happens again. I asked him about the veterans aspect and the food.

Jeff with Paul.

This time around I took one too.

Once the interviews were done, the veterans arrived. Gene and Paul spent quite a bit of time meeting them.

Gene posed with a woman and her dog. Rock & Brews is dog friendly – service dogs are allowed inside, any other dogs are welcome on the patio. There are special menu items that can be ordered for them.

Rock & Brews has rock posters and artwork around the walls.

When Rock & Brews Oviedo opened, this poster was signed and now it is up in the restaurant.

Gene walked by me while I was photographing it, and pointed to his signature while telling me it was his.

The main reason we were here was for the veterans ceremony. Each Rock & Brews is dedicated to giving back to the community, and much of that is for veterans. The restaurant starts each day with The Pledge of Allegiance, which began the ceremony.

Gene and Paul before they went on the stage.

Gene likes to take photos of the crowd.

Paul holds a “Freedom to Rock” award that they were giving to U.S. Marines vet Lloyd Duran.

Here is a closer look at the award.

Duran received the award for giving free guitar lessons at the Vet Center Orlando

Gene and Paul then awarded a check for $7500.00 to the Fisher House Orlando.

Here is our video of the ceremony.

After the Oviedo event, it was a few hours until the Lee Vista one. The Orlando location has been open a few months now. We eventually made our way over to the restaurant, which is in an area filled with a number of newly built restaurants. It is close to Orlando Airport.

The inside of the restaurant is a little different than Oviedo.

These are fun additions to the interior.

I took a handful of photos of the interior.

Gene and Paul were on hand for photos.

The bar area looks similar to Oviedo.

The restaurant was filled with guests who had paid for the private event. They were able to get a photograph with Gene and Paul, 3 drink tickets and food.