Haute Event: Johnny Van Zant, Gary Rossington and Rickey Medlocke from Lynyrd Skynyrd Check Out Their New Rest...

Johnny Van Zant, Gary Rossington and Rickey Medlocke from Lynyrd Skynyrd were thrilled with the progress of their new restaurant and bar as they toured Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer at Excalibur today.

The restaurant, slated to celebrate its grand opening in early December, will feature Texas barbecue from Kreuz Market, based out of Lockhart, Texas. Van Zant, Rossington and Medlocke were in Las Vegas for their sold-out concert at the M Resort but made it a point to stop by and see the beginning of their first and only restaurant.

These rock ‘n’ roll legends were in the best of spirits and found themselves in awe of the restaurant, saying it was a friendly kind of cool place that they can’t wait to hang out in. Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer will have dancing bartenders and nightly performances for patrons to enjoy. Three of the ladies showed up to give the band members a sneak preview of some of their high-energy moves. Before their performance began, Van Zant shouted, “Free Bird” and then went on to say, “I’ve always wanted to stand in the audience.” As the girls finished their smokin’ hot routine, the legendary rockers clapped and whistled giving the ladies a nod for their dancing skills.

After touring the space, the band discussed an upcoming tasting, as well as a few Southern favorites they have planned for the menu. Rossington said, “All this is cool, but the food has gotta be good.” The Schmidt family of Kreuz Market has perfected their barbecue for more than 100 years, earning the restaurant the No. 2 spot in the nation for barbecue by Zagat.

Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer will serve 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.

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.

Click on the photos below to enlarge.

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