Rock & Brews

Above Rock & Brews corporate team – Front, L to R: Katy Carr, marketing director; Neena Pesqueda, marketing manager; Dawn Dry, vice president of finance. Back: Jenna Tigner, director of training; Tracy Pesic, HR director; Nicole Orchard, vice president of operations. Not pictured: Jessica Calderon, HR and training coordinator; Kylie Bijelic, HR/payroll manager

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Rock & Brews combines classic American food, craft beer and rock ‘n’ roll in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. The restaurant is the brainchild of KISS front men Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, as well as their business counterparts: restaurant veteran and CEO Adam Goldberg, South Bay restaurateur Michael Zislis and concert industry veterans Dave and Dell Furano. 

The chain includes 26 locations, including casinos throughout the United States. Rock & Brews’ corporate team brings a blend of industry expertise, creative vision, and a passion for hospitality and music. The corporate staff includes several dynamic women leaders who play integral roles and contribute to the brand’s continued success.

Why is your business a great place to work?

Rock & Brews is a fantastic place to work because we’re all about building a tight-knit team, sharing new opportunities, and making it a spot where our passion for music and hospitality fulfills everyone on board.

What are the benefits of having women in leadership? 

As women, we tend to be natural empaths—sensitive to the needs of others. This is especially important for leaders to foster healthy work-life balances in their team, and to promote productive, sustainable, working lifestyles.

How do you push for systemic change around ideas that are new or not that popular? 

Systemic change never comes from one person alone. You must enlist the feedback and collaboration of a team that has been built on a solid foundation of trust and encouragement. 

What does success mean to you? 

Success is an ongoing process, but building a team that wants to help push you up a hill, versus a team that follows you for fear of consequences, is a big win in our book. 

How do you foster a positive work environment? 

It all starts with trust. It’s important for our team to know where we all come from. Being relatable and truly empathizing encourages open dialogue and mutual respect while clearing a path for learning opportunities, camaraderie and a whole lot of fun.

Tell us about the book you’re loving right now. 

Setting the Table: The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business by Danny Meyer is a staple book in the hospitality industry. The book focuses on the importance of creating memorable guest experiences, nurturing strong employee relationships and fostering a positive work culture. It emphasizes concepts like genuine hospitality, emotional intelligence and the value of going the extra mile to exceed customer expectations.

What motivates you to go to work every day?

At Rock & Brews, we have the opportunity to help create memorable experiences and be part of a team that values both individual creativity and collaborative efforts. No two days are the same at Rock & Brews. What once was a single restaurant in El Segundo has grown to locations across the United States. We have expanded from stand-alone restaurants to airport locations and casinos. We have big plans to continue creating unique experiences.

What are key qualities for women in leadership?

Any successful woman must be kind and optimistic, curious and empathetic. Women in leadership positions must be assertive yet gentle. But above all, women must be brave.

What do you enjoy most about your work at rock & brews?

Working at Rock & Brews is immensely rewarding due to the team’s shared sense of ownership. Our founders’ and CEO’s dedication is a remarkable inspiration, fostering a commitment to “serving those who rock.” We take pride in our company’s strong focus on charity, contributing to communities and supporting veterans. A favorite aspect is our Rockstar Collaborations with rock legends like KISS, Jon Bon Jovi, Alice Cooper and Rick Nielsen—seamlessly linking the music DNA of the brand to the restaurant experience. Rock & Brews is more than just a hospitality brand; it is a vibrant and immersive celebration of music, culinary excellence and memorable experiences that bring people together.

What inspired you to pursue a career in your field?

Nicole Orchard, VP of operations: I have a passion for people and developing teams. I grew up playing and coaching competitive volleyball and basketball and enjoyed developing the strategy and communication skills involved in team sports. I wanted to grasp how my teammates communicated and thrived under pressure. By adjusting my leadership style to their personalities, we optimized our collective performance. So naturally I was drawn to this industry for the parallels to my experiences in fast-paced, high-pressure team environments.

Photographed by Shane O’Donnell