Remembering an American Icon

“Toby Keith did things his way – amazing artist, songwriter, patriot, and man of faith….” – Lee Greenwood

Iconic Country music singer Toby Keith has died at age 62. Keith passed peacefully on February 5th, 2024 surrounded by his loved ones.

Keith was known for his songs Red Solo Cup and Should’ve Been a Cowboy just to name a few. Not only was he a Patriotic American who supported our Military in their efforts to protect our country and borders, but he was also a restauranteur.

Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill

Image courtesy of Toby Keith’s Bar & Grill

It is a restaurant chain inspired by the country music singer Toby Keith and founded by Boomtown Entertainment. The bar is named after Keith’s 2003 single “I Love This Bar“, which was taken from his eighth studio album Shock’n Y’all.

The first of many Toby Keith’s Bar and Grill opened in 2005 in Keith’s home state Oklahoma. The bar and grill operated as a full-service restaurant with a large bar in the shape of a guitar. They primarily served Southern food. The bars regularly had live musical entertainment from local performers without a cover charge. During his lifetime, Keith made surprise visits to franchises, where he performed and socialized with fans.

When asked about the signature Bologna sandwich on the menu. Keith let everyone know it was one of his favorite dishes. The singer has fondly told a story about an executive chef who was thoroughly disgusted upon discovering the sandwich would be featured on the restaurant’s menu.

Toby stood firm in his belief that the people would love it. He was correct in that assumption because the Executive Chef acknowledged that the sandwich was responsible for the restaurant’s remarkable success, boasting an opening volume three times greater than the other establishments he had assisted in opening.

The Bologna Sandwich is a Southern staple of lower-middle-class Southern Americans. If done right, it can be a quick and delicious dish.

Friends and Loved Ones

When asked about Keith’s passing some of his friends had wonderful memories about their friend. May he rest in peace.

“Toby Keith has gone home. This is very sad news. We loved and respected him on every level and whispered many a prayer for him as he fought this illness. God must have needed a big-hearted Oklahoma singing boy for the great choir. Well, he got one. RIP Toby Keith.” – The Oak Ridge Boy

“It’s heartbreaking to lose Toby Keith. I’ve always been a big fan of Toby and his music, and I’ll always treasure singing with him. Toby was a great American.” – Crystal Gayle

“Toby was the embodiment of GOD, Family, & Country… and had a way of making you stand up a little taller when singing about (or honoring) our service men and women. We are better country music artists because of the life and legacy of Toby Keith. Rest well, brother, may your music and legacy live on forever!” – Chapel Hart

Fried Bologna Sandwich Recipe

Image Courtesy of Toby Keith Bar & Grill

Ingredients

1 package of regular or Thick Bologna
1/2 cup shredded American cheese
1 loaf of white bread (your choice)

Cooking Directions

In a medium skillet, add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
Once the butter has melted, add Bologna
Let cook on both sides depending on the thickness (About 1-2 minutes on each side.)
Add shredded cheese.
put a lid on the skillet for 25-35 seconds so the cheese will melt on the Bologna.
Meanwhile, toast white bread to your liking.
Add Dijon mustard, regular mustard, or mayo.