Music-themed restaurants set the stage for high-energy, rockin’ events
You don’t have to be a VIP to enjoy a close encounter with today’s top musicians. Music-themed restaurants and venues give guests and groups a backstage pass for a glimpse of their favorite artists behind the scenes. Check out some of the South’s coolest venues for creating rockin’ events.
Kid Rock’s Honky Tonk & Rock ‘n’ Roll Steakhouse | The Detroit Cowboy
Detroit’s native son has planted new roots in Nashville, Tenn., delivering his dynamic, undeniably distinctive Kid Rock style to fans with Kid Rock’s Honky Tonk & Rock ‘n’ Roll Steakhouse, located on Lower Broadway in downtown Nashville. The venue has five floors, six bars, four stages, and live music, and is available for private events.
“If you’re looking for a turnkey event with high energy and a true Nashville honky tonk experience, Kid Rock’s Honky Tonk is one of the best options to consider,” says Laura Sumpter, sales and events manager. “Kid Rock’s Honky Tonk is one of the busiest bars on Broadway. Everyone ends up here at the end of the night, which speaks for itself.”
Guests might even get a surprise visit from Kid Rock himself. “I actually hang out at my places,” Rock says. “It’s not some corporate deal, where I am contracted to show up a few times a year. I go to my places because they are the best and most fun. We have the best bands, the best layout, and the best patrons. It’s also one-stop shopping—you can go from brunch to blackout, and people seem to dig that!”
For private events, Kid Rock’s Honky Tonk offers everything from light or heavy cocktail receptions to full dinners, including an open bar for the duration of the event. It can host groups as small as 12 or up to 1,500 for corporate dinners.
Earlier this year, Kid Rock opened a second establishment, The Detroit Cowboy, in partnership with Joe Vicari Restaurant Group. Located at The Gulch in the former Joe Muer Seafood space, The Detroit Cowboy celebrates the culture and flavors of Detroit and Nashville.
“The Detroit Cowboy takes the ‘foo-foo’ out of fine dining,” Rock says. “My private room, The Eagle’s Nest, is unlike anywhere in the world and can hold up to 60 people for private events.”
Rock adds, “In any of my ventures, I only engage with people who dig what I do and what I stand for. It’s that simple. No matter what I do, it’s the people who make everything I do a success. Good, like-minded people really want to be together. My partners and I provide cool places and spaces for them to do that.”
Ole Red
Courtesy Opry Entertainment Group
Inspired by his hit song of the same name, Blake Shelton’s Ole Red reflects his personality, Southern roots, and musical style at every turn, from the menu to the décor and the entertainment. Groups can choose from the original location in Shelton’s hometown of Tishomingo, Okla., as well as locations in Orlando, Fla., and Gatlinburg and Nashville, Tenn.
“Our venues were designed with private events in mind, and all spaces create a great experience,” says Dena Tidwell, director of market sales, noting Ole Red venues can accommodate groups ranging from 25 to 1,200 guests.
“While people come in expecting great music—and we deliver—they’re often surprised by the exceptional hospitality and elevated food,” Tidwell says. “What sets Ole Red apart is our hospitality. Our teams are focused on providing exceptional service, delicious food, and making sure our guests are having a wonderful time at our venues. We want everyone to feel like a VIP.” Ole Red features Southern-inspired signature dishes like Honey Bee Hot Chicken & Waffles and Mini Ham & Sweet Potato Biscuit, and creative cocktails named for Shelton’s hit singles, like Came Here to Forget and Honky Tonk Howler.
For fun, groups can snap a photo at the Ole Red jailhouse lineup wall or enjoy live music by up-and-coming performers to emerging stars from NBC’s The Voice. Shelton even makes an appearance on occasion.
“We can personalize the atmosphere to match a client’s vision,” Tidwell says. Our food and beverage menus are flexible, allowing for themed selections, whiskey tastings, or custom stations. Whether our clients want to go ‘full Blake’ or just add subtle nods, we make sure every detail feels personal and memorable.”
Reba’s Place
Not to be outdone by her friend and fellow The Voice coach, Reba McEntire opened Reba’s Place in Atoka, Okla., near her hometown of McAllister. The three-story, full-service restaurant and bar is housed in a restored century-old Masonic temple. It features a menu of McEntire’s favorite dishes, including a “fancy” steak dinner, street tacos, chicken-fried steak, and pinto beans and cornbread (her personal favorite), along with craft cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits. The restaurant includes a restored antique bar, Western-themed décor reflecting McEntire’s Western heritage, and rotating memorabilia from her personal archives, as well as live music. Guests can also purchase souvenirs from the onsite retail store, offering exclusive merchandise and some of McEntire’s favorite items. As an added treat, visitors can enjoy the Southern dishes served at Reba’s Place even at home, through Goodbelly.com.
“Reba’s Place offers something no traditional event space can match: an authentic connection to one of country music’s most beloved icons,” says Laura Johnson, food and beverage manager. “We deliver an immersive experience steeped in musical history and genuine hospitality.”
The venue can accommodate small groups or large-scale events requiring a full buyout. Spaces include the “fancy room,” as Johnson describes it—an intimate setting for 10 to 12 guests, perfect for executive dinners and small celebrations. For larger gatherings, the third-floor Speakeasy room offers an expanded capacity and a unique atmosphere.
“Every event at Reba’s Place can be uniquely tailored to reflect your group’s preferences and occasion,” Johnson says. Custom offerings include themed menu selections inspired by her favorite dishes,
curated musical experiences featuring McEntire’s catalog and other country classics, and personal touches incorporating McEntire’s memorabilia collection.
“Our team collaborates closely with clients to weave Reba’s warmth and hospitality into every aspect of their event,” Johnson says. “Our guests don’t just attend an event—they become part of Reba’s story and the rich tradition of country music.”
Rock & Brews
the South. Courtesy Rock & Brews
Few bands know branding like KISS, and founders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley extend their high-energy style and entrepreneurial spirit to a chain of Rock & Brews restaurants, in partnership with Winterland Productions’ brothers Dale and Dave Furano. Across the South, Rock & Brews has locations in Kissimmee, Orlando, and Oviedo, Fla.; Chesterfield, Mo.; Braman and Wyandotte, Okla.; and San Antonio and Grapevine, Texas.
“Paul and Gene’s vast relationships in the music industry allow us to collaborate with other musicians—including Snoop Dog, Sammy Hagar, and Jon Bon Jovi, just to name a few—with onsite meet-and-greets, limited-edition music-themed craft cocktails, and music memorabilia,” says Samantha Sorkin, marketing and project manager for Rock & Brews.
Each location features live music by local bands and artists. Corey Hingson, CFO of Tradecor LLC, which owns six Rock & Brews restaurants in Florida and Texas, adds that the Grapevine location draws upon Post Malone’s hometown ties for unique collaborations.
All Rock & Brews locations are available for group rentals, generally up to 350 guests. “Events are our bread and butter,” Sorkin says. “We put a lot of effort and energy into creating an incredible atmosphere, with a variety of F&B and entertainment options, including live music, a DJ, and even fire dancers,” she says.
The menu features Opening Acts appetizers; main dishes like Headliner Sandwiches, Front Row Pizzas, and Rock Star Tacos; Encore desserts; and Rocktails like Back in Blackberry mojitos and Slippery When Wet cosmopolitans. “Our flexible F&B options allow planners to choose beyond our regular menu to suit their event needs, from partial dining room rentals to full buyouts,” Sorkin says.
While Rock & Brews’ music, energy, and décor are a big appeal to planners seeking a special space for their events, Sorkin says they are customizable as well. “We provide a fun atmosphere, but also work with planners to let the personality of their events shine.”
House of Blues
Groups can enjoy House of Blues’ eclectic style and “juke joint” vibe in two locations in the South: Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Orlando, Fla. Both locations offer full-service production amenities, a New Orleans-style menu, live music and entertainment options, and unique features. At the New Orleans location, the walls showcasing one of the country’s largest folk art collections serve as an eclectic backdrop for events.
“From chef-curated catering menus featuring House of Blues favorites to premium passed hors d’oeuvres and action stations, we offer immersive hospitality rooted in flavor and flair,” says Diane Toth, director of special event sales for House of Blues. “Our in-house production teams make logistics seamless.”
House of Blues Orlando features 43,000 square feet of flexible space to accommodate groups ranging from 25 to 2,850 guests, while the Myrtle Beach location can accommodate 15 to 2,500 people. “From corporate functions and receptions to social celebrations and product launches, we’ve done it all,” Toth says. “Our event experts are ready to turn around events of any size, from intimate receptions in the restaurant to full-venue brand activations.”
Toth adds, “Groups can infuse music into every aspect of their event with live performances, welcome sessions, or interactive elements like talent greeting guests as they arrive. Many of our corporate clients host weekend events that include private performances with custom programming for members and guests.”
In addition to live music, groups can incorporate House of Blues’ Gospel Brunch and Murder Mystery entertainment into their events.
“There are many entertainment options out there, but none compare to the unique features and production amenities of House of Blues,” Toth says.
Hard Rock International
Hard Rock International’s offerings go beyond the signature Hard Rock Café restaurants. The brand also includes Hard Rock Hotels, REVERB by Hard Rock hotels, Hard Rock Hotel & Casinos, and Hard Rock Live music venues worldwide. Planners can take advantage of group options at all of the different Hard Rock properties and venues, including locations in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Additional developments coming online soon will include new properties in Florence, Ala.; Pensacola, Fla.; and Lake Texoma, Okla.
“What sets Hard Rock apart is that music is truly at the core of everything we do,” says Josh Dlabal, director of global sales, meetings and events, for Hard Rock International. “We facilitate more than 35,000 live events each year across our portfolio, so planners can offer their teams entertainment experiences that go far beyond traditional meeting venues and bring an exciting factor to usual company retreats or conferences. In addition, our properties feature pop culture memorabilia with more than 88,000 pieces of authentic music history, creating an atmosphere that is both inspiring and conversation-starting for networking events.” Dlabal adds, “Imagine hosting a reception surrounded by original pieces from music legends like John Lennon and Elton John.”
The different venues include different features to accommodate a variety of guests and groups. For example, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood (Fla.), also known as “The Guitar Hotel,” features 1,271 guest rooms and suites across three hotel towers, 120,000 square feet of versatile meeting space, multiple dining options, and a live entertainment space. REVERB Atlanta features 195 guest rooms and 3,800 square feet of multipurpose space, including the RT60 rooftop bar featuring live music and REVERB Radio, a boardroom space designed to resemble a radio station, with a soundproof interior, a large conference table and chairs, a 55-inch smart monitor, and whiteboards.
“Each venue has different capacity and technical capabilities, so we work directly with planners to customize the space and experience to their specific needs,” Dlabal says.
Groups can take advantage of exclusive Hard Rock experiences. The Breakout Premier Experience program elevates meetings and events by drawing inspiration from Hard Rock’s Sound of Your Stay concept, featuring a curated playlist. SongDivision “revolutionizes teambuilding,” Dlabal says, through creative, music-based experiences—engaging participants in collaborative music creation and fostering authentic connections.
“Whether crafting and performing original team anthems or participating in lively lip-sync battles, Hard Rock’s collaborations and exclusive offerings provide fun opportunities for attendees to step into the role of an artist for a day,” Dlabal says. “This is where we really shine. We can create everything from memorabilia scavenger hunts to bringing in local musicians special for your group. It’s not a cookie-cutter experience, and our team will work closely with planners to bring their vision to life.”
