Rock & Brews, co-founded by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of Kiss, now open in Overland Park

Kiss co-founders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley aren’t in town yet — not until a sold-out fundraiser in late May — but their Rock & Brews restaurant opened Tuesday night in Overland Park’s Prairiefire development at 5701 W. 135th St., between Lamar and Nall avenues.

Rock & Brews restaurants offer craft beers, premium wines and a full bar. The menu includes “opening acts” such as chipotle chili cheese fries, Mexican street corn and Bavarian pretzels; “VIP” salads, including Tuscan kale and Tequila Sunrise steak; hand-crafted burgers and “Headliner” sandwiches such as pulled pork or sesame-seed-crusted seared ahi; “front row” specialty pizzas; and other items, such as fish and chips, Memphis-style baby back ribs, and chocolate filled French doughnuts with raspberry sauce.

The first Rock & Brews opened in the Los Angeles area in 2009. Now there are three Rock & Brews in the Los Angeles area, one in Los Cabos, Mexico, and another in the Hawaiian island of Maui (some of the favorite haunts of the founders).

Restaurants also are in development in Arizona, Florida, New Mexico, and Texas.

Theatrical lighting and iconic rock art surround the ceiling, which soars to about 25 feet. Garage doors line two sides of the space and will open to the patio in nicer weather. A children’s play area also is going up on the patio, and it will be dog- friendly.

Multiple TVs are turned to the top rock videos of the last few decades, but the founders said they want their restaurants to be family friendly and quiet enough that tables can converse easily.

This story was originally published April 29, 2014 at 8:27 PM with the headline "Rock & Brews, co-founded by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of Kiss, now open in Overland Park."