Lynyrd Skynyrd opens BBQ & Beer joint in Vegas

Lynyrd Skynyrd, one of the most iconic rock bands in American history, is kicking-off the Grand Opening of their first Southern barbecue, music and entertainment joint, “Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer” this December at the Excalibur Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. The week-long celebration begins Thursday, December 1, 2011 with a series of rockin’ live concerts, promotions, giveaways and of course, mouthwatering BBQ - all leading up to the exclusive Grand Opening on Thursday, December 8th. The once-in-a–lifetime Grand Opening on Thursday, December 8th kicks-off with an “Eat ‘N’ Greet” luncheon with Lynyrd Skynyrd and Jeff Arnett, the 7th master distiller in Jack Daniel’s 142-year history, followed by an intimate Lynyrd Skynyrd concert that evening.

Tickets for the Grand Opening Eat ‘N’ Greet and Lynyrd Skynyrd concert go on-sale beginning Friday, October 28th, 2011 at 10:00 A.M. through the Excalibur Box Office and by calling (702) 262-4400.

“With Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer, we wanted to create the kind of place that we’d like to hang out at,” says Johnny Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd. “With Southern-style barbecue and great music, this will be the perfect spot for rock and barbecue fans to kick back and have a great time in Vegas.”

“Lynyrd Skynyrd fans from around the globe have reached out about coming out for the grand opening of Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer,” says Michael Frey, co-owner of parent company, Drive This! Entertainment. “We plan to put on a party that fans and barbecue lovers alike will never forget.”

The grand opening celebration will kick off the first day of National Finals Rodeo on Thursday, Dec. 1, and culminate with an exclusive “Eat ‘N’ Greet” luncheon and evening concert by Lynyrd Skynyrd on Thursday, Dec. 8. Throughout the week, Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer will feature a series of live bands, promotions, giveaways and more.

The “Eat ‘N’ Greet” luncheon will feature a unique opportunity for fans to enjoy an intimate meal with the band members of Lynyrd Skynyrd and a presentation by Jeff Arnett, the 7th master distiller in Jack Daniel’s 142-year history. The evening concert will offer Lynyrd Skynyrd fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be one of just a few hundred people to see the iconic band perform in their first dining venue. Tickets for the grand opening concert are priced starting at $300 per person. Tickets for the “Eat ‘N’ Greet” and concert package are available for $750 per person. This package will also include an array of signature grand opening items including a limited edition single-barrel bottle of Jack Daniels topped with a commemorative bronze bottle-necker autographed by Arnett and the band members of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Tickets for this 21+ concert will be available at the Excalibur Box Office at 702.262.4400 starting on Friday, Oct. 28, 2011. A portion of proceeds from both events will be donated to the Lynyrd Skynyrd Foundation, which will then make contributions to the Epicurean Charitable Foundation of Las Vegas and Nevada Children’s Medical Center.

Developed in partnership with Lynyrd Skynyrd and Drive This! Entertainment, a Las Vegas-based hospitality company that owns and operates RHUMBAR at The Mirage, Tacos & Tequila at Luxor Hotel and Casino and Casa Fuente in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer will serve fare from Kreuz Market in Lockhart, Tex. A tour of barbecue joints throughout the nation led them to the 111-year-old Texas institution, where the barbecue has been refined to perfection by the Schmidt. Kreuz Market has been widely recognized as one of the top barbeque restaurants in the country, with top honors for their brisket and sausage by the Food Network and Travel Channel, and a rating as Zagat’s number two barbecue spot in the nation.

The band’s famed “Hell House” is the inspiration behind the atmosphere, and band members Van Zant, Gary Rossington and Rickey Medlocke have consulted with the culinary team to highlight some of their Southern favorites.

Designed to capture the spirit of the band’s “Hell House,” the walls are made of authentic barnyard wood, with concrete floors and aged brick completing the downhome feel of the space. Never-before-seen Lynyrd Skynyrd relics including original album covers, guitars, artwork and photos from the bands more than five-decade-long career will be on display for fans. The staff is part of the action – hot bartenders and servers will be swinging, singing and jumping atop the bars and stage throughout the night -- leading riotous sing-alongs to classic rock songs and Lynyrd Skynyrd favorites.

Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer will serve mouthwatering ribs, brisket, chicken and more. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the high-energy hangout will transform into a late-night, high-energy rock club every night with great music and entertainment. Guests may visit the Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer web site at LynyrdSkynyrdLV.com, follow Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer on Twitter at www.twitter.com/LynyrdSkynyrdLV , or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LynyrdSkynyrdBBQ.

In 2006, Michael Frey teamed up with Craig Gilbert to launch the food, beverage and entertainment company, Drive This! Entertainment (www.drivethisentertainment.com ). Their first venture, Tacos & Tequila (www.tacosandtequilalv.com ), opened daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner at Luxor Hotel and Casino in October 2008. The highly-stylized restaurant has a fun, high-energy vibe, an array of margaritas, and an authentic Mexican menu. RHUMBAR (www.rhumbarlv.com ), a highly-stylized cocktail lounge and patio at The Mirage, offers a Caribbean-inspired atmosphere and striking views of the Las Vegas Strip. Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer, the company’s third venture, opens in December 2011. American Burger Works (ABX) also opens in December 2011 alongside Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer, with a New-York style warehouse feel featuring all-American burgers and fries.