THACKERVILLE, OK - Toby Keith's signature restaurant is now officially open in Love County. And the musician was in town for Monday's grand opening, giving away more than just autographs. Shelby Levins reports.

Rounds of applause, and lots of flashes met Toby Keith as he ushered in the grand opening of his third “I Love This Bar and Grill” in Oklahoma.

"This is where I live, and to be part of an Oklahoma business makes it that much more worthwhile and meaningful,” Keith said.

In addition to supporting his home state, and providing more than 175 new jobs to the area, Keith is a well known supporter of American troops. And he gave lunch to the Heislers – a military family from Fort Sill.

"Toby comes over to the desert and supports our soldiers every chance he gets. It was really nice to be able to come here and tell him thank you for supporting our soldiers so much,” SFC Nick Heisler said.

Keith also took time to sign autographs and thank other veterans Monday afternoon.

"He was real - a person like we are. He's got a nice place here. His business is great; and he's a great person because he thinks a lot about his fans,” said local Vietnam vet Red Eberhart.

Eberhart says Keith's patriotism and personal appreciation still strikes a chord with him, even decades after fighting in the Vietnam War.

"Since I got out of Vietnam in 1970, I thought the American people really didn't think much of the Vietnam veterans and stuff. But when people do stuff like that I almost get a tear in my eye - it means something,” Eberhart said.

Year round, Keith runs his "American soldier special," where troops can be treated to a cheeseburger, freedom fries and a drink all free of charge. (One time only though, according to the menu.)

"I love him for helping out and doing what he does for the veterans and going overseas and taking care of the kids. These kids now days have a tough road,” Eberhart said.

Toby Keith's I Love This Bar and Grill features a menu of down-home style cooking, including the musician's favorites like chicken fried steak and fried bologna sandwiches. And guests can enjoy live music with no cover charge on Friday and Saturday night.