RIDGEFIELD, Wash. (April 24, 2024) ilani celebrated the grand opening of Rock & Brews Restaurant and Concert Bar and its 7th anniversary on Tuesday with a ribbon cutting ceremony. A free performance featuring Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and Rock & Brews co-founder, Gene Simmons, followed the celebration at 8 p.m.
The opening is part of ilani’s ongoing commitment to bring best-in-class hospitality to its guests and the surrounding community. The festivities began with a ribbon cutting ceremony at noon, featuring remarks from Gene Simmons, ilani President and General Manager Kara Fox-LaRose, Cowlitz Indian Tribe Chairwoman Patty Kinswa-Gaiser, and Adam Goldberg, CEO and partner at Rock & Brews.
“As we open the doors to Rock & Brews, we invite you to join us in celebrating not just a meal, but an experience—a celebration of great food and rock ‘n’ roll music,” said Fox–LaRose. “This is a one-of-a-kind experience, offering amazing food, supporting our local craft breweries and entertainers, and providing memorable experiences for our guests as we continue to celebrate our community and our region.”
“Today, we celebrate the positive impact Rock & Brews will have for Southwest Washington and The Cowlitz Indian Tribe,” said Kinswa-Gaiser. “This new venture not only signifies progress and prosperity for our Tribe but also brings many growth opportunities for our community.
“We look forward to welcoming guests to indulge in our menu, handcrafted food with the locally-sourced ingredients, craft rocktails, an unrivaled selection of 24 local and craft beers on tap — and a heaping helping of rock ‘n’ roll,” said Goldberg. “Here’s to an exciting partnership and many memorable experiences ahead.”
Announced earlier this year, the Cowlitz Indian Tribe’s partnership with Rock & Brews puts the rock-inspired concept center stage at ilani, enabling the expansion of live music and events, and accompanied by a great new dining option. Also, with a further nod to Rock & Brews’ KISS-inspired roots, the menu will feature Tommy Thayer’s Rock & Soil Willamette Valley Pinot Noir from Pete’s Mountain Vineyard. Thayer was the band’s lead guitarist and vocalist.
“It’s a great feeling that our friends and wine aficionados around the world can finally experience our Rock & Soil Willamette Valley Pinot Noir,” said Thayer. “It’s been a labor of love creating an amazing wine right off our vineyards at Pete’s Mountain.”
With a passion for music at its core, Rock & Brews provides a high-energy atmosphere. The 10,000 square foot space features 15 LED screens and a vast performance stage to host local artists and well-known national acts. The venue will feature two full-service bars, countertop gaming and plenty of room for dancing.
Rock & Brews’ opening week will feature a variety of free shows and entertainment, including:
- Gene Simmons Band on April 23 at 8 p.m.
- Eagle Eyes, a critically acclaimed Eagles tribute band, on April 24 at 8 p.m.
- Rekless Kompany, a dance band featuring country and covers of classic rock hits of the 80s, on April 24 at 10 p.m.
- Dueling Hobbits, dueling pianos, on April 25 at 7 p.m.
- Luisa Marshall, a Tina Turner tribute artist and lookalike, on April 26 at 9 p.m.
- Beat Frequency, sultry, soaring vocals layered against a mid/high energy vintage mix of live and programmed instruments, on April 26 at 11 p.m.
- MiniKISS, a high-energy rock band of talented little people known for their electrifying KISS-inspired performances, on April 27 at 9 p.m.
- The Hellcats, playing danceable rock hits, on April 27 at 11 p.m.
- Bridge City Soul, a soul, dance and funk band for Motown Mondays on April 29 at 7 p.m.
Rock & Brews hours of operation:
- Monday – Thursday: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
- Friday – Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 a.m.
- Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
For restaurant images and event b-roll, click here.
###
ABOUT ILANI
Located on the Cowlitz Reservation in Ridgefield, Washington, ilani is the Pacific Northwest’s premier gaming, dining, entertainment, meeting and lodging destination. ilani was developed by the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and Salishan-Mohegan, a partnership that includes Mohegan Sun, one of the world’s foremost gaming and entertainment developers and operators. With nearly 400,000 total square feet, ilani includes a luxury hotel with deluxe amenities; more than 100,000 square feet of gaming space with nearly 3,000 slots and 75 gaming tables; 20 restaurants, bars and retail outlets; and a 2,500-seat meeting and entertainment venue hosting nationally recognized performances. For more information, visit ilaniresort.com and follow ilani on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
ABOUT ROCK & BREWS
In addition to Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, the Rock & Brews team includes CEO Adam Goldberg; entrepreneur, restaurateur and hotelier, Michael Zislis, who is behind some of Southern California’s most well-known establishments like The Strand House and Shade Hotels; as well as concert industry veterans Dave and Dell Furano. The team opened the first Rock & Brews near LAX Airport in Southern California in 2010. Since then, they have quickly expanded the growing franchise to include over 23 locations in California, Florida, Kansas, Missouri, Texas, and Wisconsin, with more coming soon. For more information, please visit www.rockandbrews.com and follow Rock & Brews on Instagram and TikTok.
ABOUT PETE’S MOUNTAIN VINYARD & WINERY
Pete’s Mountain Vineyard & Winery has been family-owned and operated since 1998. Nestled 600 ft. above sea level, senses will be awakened with majestic views of Mt. Hood and the world-renowned Willamette Valley. The vineyards are sustainably farmed, and beautifully balanced premium wines are hand-crafted. Visit petesmountainvinyard.com and follow on Facebook.
ABOUT THE COWLITZ INDIAN TRIBE
The Cowlitz Indian Tribe is a growing force in community building in the Pacific Northwest. The Cowlitz Reservation neighbors Ridgefield, Washington, and is home to ilani, the Pacific Northwest’s premier gaming, dining, meeting, and entertainment destination. The mission of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe is to preserve and honor the legacy of its elders and ancestors by empowering a tribal community that promotes social justice and economic well-being, secures aboriginal lands, respects culture and sovereignty, and fosters justice, freedom, and mutual welfare. More information can be found at cowlitz.org.