Downey’s newest restaurant Rock & Brews hosted its official ribbon cutting ceremony at the Stonewood Center Tuesday evening amongst a crowd of veterans, city officials, and two notable superstars.

Rock & Brews offers American comfort-food style cuisine and large selection of craft brews against the backdrop of rock and roll.

Downey’s location is the franchise’s ninth in California (21st overall), and is set to officially open its doors to the public on Labor Day, September 4. This also the restaurant chain’s first California location that is attached to a retail establishment.

According to Stonewood Center property manager Benjamin Gonzalez, Rock & Brews is a “great brand.”

“We’re really looking forward to its being received so well from folks in Downey,” said Gonzalez. “We think it ties in really well with our community and who our shopper is. We just think it’s a great addition.”

According to franchise owner Jon Mesko, he has been looking to bring a restaurant to Downey for the last four years.
“It’s a great community, and I feel like it’s slightly underserved,” said Mesko. “I thought they’d appreciate a Rock & Brews here.”

Amidst the excited crowd at the ceremony stood two legendary Rock and Roll Hall-of-Famers –Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley.

In addition to being the make-up wearing, bass and guitar playing frontmen of rock band Kiss, “The Demon” Simmons and “The Starchild” Stanley are also co-founders of the Rock & Brews chain.

Simmons, Stanley, and the Rock & Brews team shared the spotlight with many local veterans and first responders during the opening event. This included presenting a $5000 check to Courage Forward, a Downey non-profit organization that supports veterans by helping them obtaining benefits, job training and placement.

Stanley said that the only people who think freedom is free are the ones who didn’t have to pay the price.

“It’s an opportunity for us to recognize the people that make this country what it is,” said Stanley. “Obviously giving a check and helping with media coverage is not going to change the world, but it is a way to spotlight something that people should be aware of.”

According to Simmons, Rock & Brews is “good for local economy.”

“We like to give back,” said Simmons. “We hire locally, we train locally, the craft beers are local…”
Stanley said that “this is your Rock & Brews.”

Simmons added that the restaurant has something for everybody.

“If you want to eat healthy you can do that, if you want to pig out you can do that,” said Simmons. “You may not be a rock star, but we’re sure as hell going to make you feel like one.”