WABENO – Gene Simmons is becoming something of a Wisconsin northwoods regular, and even in the leather pants and rock star cowboy boots, he fits right in.
The KISS legend was back at Potawatomi Casino Hotel Carter on Tuesday to open the newest and 25th Rock & Brews restaurant in the franchise he co-founded with bandmate Paul Stanley. He hammed it up with local media, swiping microphones and flipping up the collars of his interviewers, and sat down with Green Bay’s WIXX-FM morning show co-hosts Huggie, Natalie & Corey for a chat minus the usual radio questions.
He posed for photos with the kitchen staff, members of the Forest County Potawatomi Community color guard, kids in KISS makeup and T-shirts, elders with walkers and ‘every person on the planet’ at the invite-only ceremony. He signed KISS memorabilia, did the honors of the ribbon-cutting with a pair of giant scissors and impromptu danced to Prince’s 1999
in between meet and greets like only he can.
Simmons’ Reason for Returning
It was the third or fourth time Simmons has been to Forest County. He’s lost track, but he knows why he keeps coming back, and it’s about more than the fresh air, scenery and escaping the hubbub of big-city life.
The people. Why would you go some place where people are a–holes? You wouldn’t do that. It really always comes down to people. How people treat you
, he said.
A Unique Dining Experience
Simmons said he and Stanley felt like family the first time they met the Potawatomi people. The entire tribe, it really is a nation, a culture. It’s a point of view, and the point of view is you’re not just coming here as guests, you’re coming here as part of a family, which is why when you come in through these doors, you’re going to be treated like you’re going over to somebody’s house for dinner
, Simmons said from the stage.
When Simmons and Stanley were at the casino in September, they helped with the groundbreaking for the Rock & Brews by day and then played a stop on the KISS End of the Road World Tour at Crandon International Raceway by night.
A Transformed Space
In the 10 months in between, the space—2,995 square feet with room for 128 diners—has been transformed into a classic rock showpiece. From platinum records embedded in the floor to lighted panels touting Def Leppard and The Steve Miller Band on the ceiling, every detail screams rock ‘n’ roll.
The backdrop of the stage made of drums, tambourines, records, drumsticks, and a guitar in the shape of an eagle is a nod to both music and Potawatomi culture. There are tall boy tables in the shape of guitar picks and booth tables that pay homage to Pat Benatar in 1982, Metallica in 1985, and yes, KISS in 1976. Etta James, Sonny & Cher, Motorhead, Poison, Bruce Springsteen, Led Zeppelin
A Moment for Ice Cream
and Tom Petty are among those represented in the decor. Around the corner from the video board with the seasonal tap list (Titletown Brewing Co.’s Green 19 and Hinterland’s Packerland Pilsner made the cut), there’s a Johnny Cash skateboard.
Simmons took an ice cream break at Northern D’ Lites in Lakewood. Grab a menu made to look like an album cover and you’ll find Simmons’ namesake Demon Chicken sandwich which brings heat with pepper cheese spread, chipotle slaw, marinated red onions, hot sauce, fresh jalapenos, and chipotle ranch.
Simmons’ Sweet Tooth
Simmons has an apparent sweet tooth when it comes to visits to America’s Dairyland. After stopping by Northern D’ Lites on Tuesday,LegenDAIRY! Check out who stopped in today! You’re HIRED Gene Simmons
, read a caption on Facebook alongside images of him holding an ice cream cone.
Bigger Plans for Rock & Brews
Last September, Simmons and Stanley also visited Yeti’s Drive-In in Crandon for ice cream. Rock & Brews’ open design is meant to bring people together.
Dominic Ortiz hopes that Rock & Brews becomes a destination for many Wisconsinites who travel up north for camping etc.If you misrepresent who and what we are and people have a bad time… We live and die by who’s on our team
, Simmons emphasized (Yes; he’s technically boss.). With plans for live music on weekends; brunch; perhaps battle of bands where Simmons chooses winner Ortiz has high hopes.
