Hot Rocks Creative Diner

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How it Started

Hot Rocks Creative Diner & The Brock House Kitchen & Bar

Chris Neshevich knew he wanted to be in the restaurant business. He and his two cousins, Rick Neshevich and Gus Milosh with the help from their families opened Tat’s Restaurant at The Oshawa Centre in 1977. The job ignited Chris’s passion for restaurants and a respect for all it takes to be successful in a competitive industry.

Years later, cousins Chris & Rick went on to establish Shrimp Cocktail in 1990. Shrimp Cocktail, became a restaurant “to see and be seen”. Shrimp Cocktail was buzzing with packed crowds, unique flavours and sophisticated atmosphere made everyone come back for more. With the success of Shrimp Cocktail underway, three years later Chris decided to start a new business venture Hot Rocks Creative Diner, which opened in Whitby. Hot Rocks was another huge success! It was then, three years later Chris’s personal friendship with Russ Kent led to a lasting business partnership at Hot Rocks. The pair shared a commitment in making customers happy and welcomed the opportunity to create another unique dining experience.

Shrimp Cocktail & Hot Rocks become reputable names in the restaurant industry and Award Winning restaurants in the Region. Long time residents of Durham, Chris & Russ have always been thankful to area residents and businesses who have given their patronage over the years. As a way to pay back, Chris and his wife Kristine through the support of restaurants and their staff host several charity events every year. Shrimp Cocktail and Hot Rocks have given over $25,000 to the R.S. McLaughlin Durham Regional Cancer Centre, and countless charities in the community such as the Durham Region Humane Society, Simcoe Hall Settlement House, Durham Children’s Foundation just to name a few. The restaurant owners, have always felt it’s important to support the community they live in, especially a community that has helped them maintain their business for so many years.

With the success of both restaurants Neshevich and Kent knew they saw a vision for another restaurant in Durham Region. A new restaurant that would combine their history with the family atmosphere of Tat’s Restaurant, the casual fine dining atmosphere of Shrimp Cocktail and the casual bistro-dining atmosphere of Hot Rocks.

Opportunity came knocking on their door, when the restaurateurs purchased the former Krebs Family Restaurant and embarked on an ambitious five month massive renovation. The building’s transformation into an urban chic environment was a labour of love, taking on much of the physical labour themselves.

Opening to rave reviews in March 2009, The Brock House turned into a feel of a Muskoka Cottage meets Whistler Chalet. With warm woods, a stone fireplace and a centre bar that has become a favourite gathering place add to the restaurant’s charm. Comfortable booths invite conversation while private dining rooms provide a welcoming backdrop to special occasions, including anniversary celebrations, retirement and graduation parties, and even weddings and wedding receptions.

The Brock House and Hot Rocks are still owned and operated by Chris & Russ and have become home to so many in the area. Both restaurants are open 7 days a week. Be sure to visit The Brock House or Hot Rocks, even if it’s just to say hello to your friendly neighbours, Chris & Russ.

Reviews

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS HAVE TO SAY....

March 23, 2015
Had a fabulous dinner at Hot Rocks!! Thanks Linda for the best service I've had in a long time. You guys hot ROCK!!
-Ken

January 6, 2015
Dear Kristine & Chris,

I would like to thank you for your very generous donation of food and toys again this year. We were thrilled to see the Sysco truck arrive and the food that you purchased with proceeds from your Hot Rocks Fashion Show has helped us restock our shelves at a very busy time here at Simcoe Hall. Please also extend our thanks to those involved in your Christmas Party for the donations of food and toys.

It is always terrific to see you and it was great to hear about your longstanding connection to Simcoe Hall through the Women's Welfare League.

We wish you the best in 2015 and thank you again for being a wonderful friend to Simcoe Hall.
Sincerely,
Mark Shuwera
Simcoe Hall Settlement House

First off a quick apology for my tardiness in not sending you this note sooner, but I would like to thank you for all your help in setting up the surprise birthday party for my mother-in-law on November 8th at Hot Rocks. Everything from the food and service was top notch resulting in everyone enjoying a tremendous experience. I would certainly not hesitate in recommending using you and your facilities for any other occasion. Also I would like to commend Kelly and staff for the tremendous service provided.
Again Thanks
- Tony, December 12, 2014

Outstanding food (especially any of the wood fired pizzas), great service, and fantastic cocktails! This is THE place to go for a great meal or even just a couple of drinks
- Mike, January 6, 2014

This is somewhere we go once a year for a good experience and we have not been disappointed in nearly 22 years......the pasta was delicious as was my pizza, portion size was just right, we are not big eaters, the dessert portion was big by comparison to other restaurants and I had to take half home, our server was excellent ...thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
- Pam, 19 October 2014