BERNE, Ind. — Reba McEntire is returning to TV with a new sitcom this fall and one Indiana couldn't be happier.
The country star's show, "Happy's Place," premiered on NBC Friday night and patrons at Happy's Place Tavern in Berne, Indiana are already among its biggest fans.
Those who work at the bar, which opened in 1934, say it's one of the happiest places in the United States.
"What makes it Happy's Place is that everybody is welcome. It doesn't matter your background, how much money you have or don't have, everyone is treated the same," bar manager Ben Farrow told WPTA-TV.
Located on Main Street in Berne, Happy's Place has been living up to its name, giving everyone a place to celebrate life's big moments.
"Everybody is happy. Everybody used to come in have a good time all the time. I think I've only had one loose cannon all these years," said owner Troy McMillion.
McMillion said the trick to making everyone so happy is to make sure they have a drink in their hand.
At it's peak, the owner said Happy's Place was standing room only, with live bands and parties that would last through the night.
But it hasn't been all smiles the last couple of years.
"I just got to get the fun back in here again," McMillion said.
Then one night, he said he was watching TV when he saw a commercial for McEntire's new show, that coincidentally shared a name with his bar.
"I couldn't believe it. This is the only place around with that name," he said. "I don't know how they ever came up with that name. Anyways that's cool."
The enthusiasm was shared with Farrow.
"This just gives us another avenue of getting our name out there and more people coming in," he said.
The bar planned a viewing party to watch the show's premiere Friday night, with Reba-themed cocktails and food. McMillion hopes the show helps bring more people in the door, including McEntire and the "Happy's Place" cast.
"They are all welcome. I think they will like it here," he said.
Consider that invitation received. The cast of "Happy's Place" reached out to the bar with a video after learning of the watch party.
"We thank you from the bottom of our hearts," McEntire said in the video.
"From our happy place to your happy place, have a great premiere night. We love you, we hope you keep coming back to this 'Happy's Place' and that Happy's Place," said actress Melissa Peterman, who portrays Gabby on "Happy's Place."
"And I can't wait to visit yours," added Belissa Escobedo, who plays Isabella on the show.
Watch "Happy's Place" Fridays at 8 p.m. on Channel 13.