JENSEN BEACH — After months of delays, Rock House Live Grille & Venue, located in the Island Shoppes plaza on Hutchinson Island, is planning to open its doors during the holiday season.
“We’re planning a couple of soft openings and then we’ll go big,” said Operating Partner Emilio Torres.
Renovations on the music-forward restaurant began in July 2025. After demolition came several permitting delays, hindering the original January target date.
“The county did their due diligence,” Torres said.
Now, with approval from the county and the fire marshal, only some interior build-out work and a certificate of occupancy remain. Torres feels confident about his new target date.
“It was a blessing in disguise,” said Torres. “The delay has allowed us to expand our vision.”
The vision for the venue includes live rock music every night, and lots of collaborations.
Rock House Live will only serve Rock star-owned liquors and wines. Torres, who has a decades-long career in the music business, said the Rock House brand has built reciprocal agreements with countless musicians/distillers, such as Cheap Trick, Rob Thomas, and Skid Row.
“I have major rock stars telling me they can’t wait for us to open,” Torres said.
For patrons that have an affinity to a particular spirit, Rock House Live will offer complimentary tastings of a similar rock star-endorsed product, with a limit of three per person per visit.
The joint business plan has been working at the five other Rock House locations since its founding in 2006. The brand has three locations in Tennessee, one in Largo, and one in Key West.
The two-story Jensen Beach venue, the largest of them all at 6,500 square feet, will be the new flagship for the growing music-themed brand.
Rock House has also contracted with Uber to offer discounted rides. Torres said the rideshare company will automatically apply a discount to anyone being picked up at Rock House Live across from Jensen Public Beach.
Some late-night hours and breakfasts, and hospitality industry specials are also on tap.
“Restaurant workers don’t have a lot of options when they get off shift. We want to welcome them.”
Local, regional, and nationally touring musicians will perform. Cover charges will only be in play for certain bands.
“I don’t hire bands to entertain our guests. This is not a wedding venue. We hire bands to draw guests.”
Memberships are not required — except for the members-only VIP rock room. Three different tiers of membership are available, offering a rock star experience.
The concept menu, which offers a variety, from broiled oysters to elevated hush puppies, is still being drafted. Torres said it will offer much more than typical bar food.
“Families will be welcome, but at some point in the evening it will be strictly 21 and over.”
There’s also a retail store, aptly named Rock Swag, and a selfie stage set up with instruments, ready to capture social-media-worthy moments.
“The Jensen Beach location will reflect the new vision of what Rock House Live will be in the future,” said Torres. “We are a fully immersive rock ‘n roll experience.”