A rock-and-roll-themed restaurant at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino in Highland has shuttered.
Rock & Brews, the restaurant chain co-created by Kiss members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, closed on Oct. 13 after eight years of operation inside the casino.
“After a wonderful partnership with Rock & Brews, we’ll be welcoming guests to a brand-new concept come 2025,” said Kenji Hall, general manager of Yaamava’ Resort & Casino. “Construction is already underway for an exciting dining and entertainment experience, but you’ll have to stay tuned to see what’s cooking.”
The rock-and-roll-themed 4,800-square-foot restaurant featured music-centric slot machines including ones with Jimmy Buffet, Cher and, of course, a Kiss machine. Television screens often featured rare footage of bands and performances spanning from the ’50s through current acts. Some of the videos showcased unique details and facts about various rock stars.
In addition to the rocker soundtrack playing throughout the eatery, guests were able to enjoy dishes that paid tribute to some of the genre’s greatest musicians. Some of the menu items included the Hotel California Cobb Salad, Sgt. Peppers Jalapeno Poppers and the Freebird Chicken Sandwich.
The space also included a stage where tribute acts such as Nerd Halen and other prominent bands like Everclear and Slaughter could rock out. While Southern California casinos still frequently host rock bands, the properties have also been incorporating more multicultural programming in the last decade, including Asian, Latino and Middle Eastern acts.
Yaamava’ Resort & Casino, known previously as San Manuel Casino before changing its name to the latter, embarked on a resort-style expansion similar to its neighboring tribal casinos in 2018. The resort’s $760 million renovation included elevating its dining experience with restaurants such as the Serrano Vista Café and The Pines Modern Steakhouse. By the end of 2021, the casino opened its 17-floor hotel tower, marking its full transition from casino to resort. It opened the Yaamava’ Theater in April 2022, which has booked several high-caliber performers such as New Kids on the Block, Maná and Janet Jackson.
Related Articles
National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day 2024: Where to find deals
Say ‘oui, oui!’ to classic French food at this Woodland Hills restaurant
Map: Every OC restaurant featured in ‘Real Housewives of Orange County’ season 18
TikTok sensation Queen of Afternoon Tea spills about the trend
Electronic rockers LCD Soundsystem are now in the local taco business, at least for a limited time