Rickey Medlocke and Johnny Van Zant on stage at Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer.

The grand opening of Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer wouldn’t have been complete without Lynyrd Skynyrd rockin’ the house as they opened their first venue at Excalibur in Las Vegas last night. Baseball’s Jose Canseco, Grammy-Award winner, famed trumpeter and pianist Arturo Sandoval, Carlos Fuente Jr. of Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia, championship bull riders Beau Hill and Rocky McDonald, Playmate and star of E!’s “Holly’s World” and Excalibur’s Night School 4 Girls Laura Croft, and the casts of “Fantasy” including headliner Lorena Peril and “Thunder From Down Under” took in the Southern rockers as they played “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Free Bird,” “Gimme Three Steps” and more.

The week-long celebration included the official American Country Awards after-party on Monday, Dec. 5, with country newcomer Brett Eldredge and band members from Thompson Square and No Doubt in attendance.

Jack Daniel’s hosted an “Eat ‘N’ Greet” lunch with Johnny Van Zant, Rickey Medlocke and Gary Rossington from Lynyrd Skynyrd as well as the rest of the band at 12:30 p.m. yesterday afternoon. Also in attendance was Jeff Arnett, the 17th Master Distiller in history for the iconic whiskey. Guests enjoyed photos and conversation with the band as they dined on ribs, jalapeño cheddar sausage, chicken, mashed potatoes and more. Van Zant’s favorites were the brisket and mac and cheese, as Medlocke noted that the pecan pie was the best he’s ever had.

The food itself is of legendary status, with a menu developed in partnership with Kreuz Market, a 111-year-old Lockhart, Texas, institution.

A portion of proceeds from the grand opening concert will be donated to the Epicurean Charitable Foundation of Las Vegas, the Lynyrd Skynyrd Foundation and Nevada Children’s Medical Center.

Las Vegas-based Michael Frey and Craig Gilbert of Drive This! Entertainment came together with Lynyrd Skynyrd to develop Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer, a concept they plan to expand into other cities.

Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer serves ribs, brisket, chicken and more. Open daily for lunch and dinner, the restaurant and bar transforms into a late-night, high-energy rock club every night with great music and entertainment.

Drive This! Entertainment also owns and operates Tacos & Tequila at the Luxor, Rhumbar at The Mirage and Casa Fuente in the Forum Shops at Caesars.

Click on the photos below to enlarge.

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