News Summary
Comedians Anthony Anderson and Cedric The Entertainer have launched AC Barbeque at the Westfield Century City Mall, offering smoked meats and a taste of their cultural heritage. The grand opening took place on May 6, attracting numerous celebrities. The restaurant features a menu filled with smoked meats and delicious sides, creating a welcoming atmosphere for families and friends. Anderson and Kyles aim to expand this culinary venture across the country while promoting community and celebration through food.
Los Angeles – AC Barbeque, a new restaurant co-owned by comedians Anthony Anderson and Cedric The Entertainer, officially opened on May 7 at the Westfield Century City Mall. The eatery brings a unique culinary experience that emphasizes smoked meats inspired by the duo’s hometowns of Compton, California, and St. Louis, Missouri.
The grand opening of AC Barbeque was celebrated with a launch party on May 6, attracting a star-studded guest list that included notable celebrities like Don Cheadle, Martin Lawrence, and Marlon Wayans. Located strategically towards the front of the mall’s rooftop food court deck, the restaurant is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The menu at AC Barbeque showcases a variety of smoked meats, including St. Louis ribs, smoked chicken, chopped brisket, chicken wings, and pulled pork. To complement these main dishes, a selection of sides is available, featuring coleslaw, fries, sweet potato fries, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, and cornbread. Diners can also enjoy extras like pickles, pickled onions, and a range of sauces.
Sandwich lovers have a special treat with options served on Martin’s potato buns, particularly the smoked shredded chicken sandwich topped with Comeback sauce. Beverages offered include classic choices like lemonade, sweet tea, Arnold Palmer, and fountain drinks. Dessert options feature the indulgent banana pudding topped with Nilla wafers.
AC Barbeque aims to reflect the cultural values of community and celebration that are deeply rooted in Anderson and Kyles’ personal experiences. The duo plans to expand this culinary venture across the country in the future.
The development of AC Barbeque is significantly influenced by Anderson and Kyles’ reality series on A&E, titled “King of BBQ.” The comedians had previously taken strides in the food industry by launching a campus kitchen at Jackson State University and a food truck at Howard University in 2024. They have also created their own branded rubs and sauces so that customers can replicate the AC Barbeque experience at home by purchasing these products online.
The restaurant joins several new establishments at Westfield Century City Mall, including Cafe Knotted and Chagee, with more anticipated openings such as Casa Dani and Super Peach later this year. Anderson humorously noted that he did not want to include his mother’s recipes on the menu, opting instead for original offerings that reflect their unique brand.
Designed to create a friendly and lively atmosphere, AC Barbeque aims to offer dining experiences reminiscent of family reunions, highlighting the importance of community and shared meals. Both Anderson and Kyles have expressed their desire for AC Barbeque to serve as a space for laughter, joy, and celebration, reinforcing the restaurant’s mission to connect people through the love of food.
With its opening at Westfield Century City Mall, AC Barbeque sets out to introduce a taste of their cultural heritage while reinforcing their commitment to providing quality smoked meats and a welcoming dining environment for everyone.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Eater: AC Barbeque Opens in Century City
- ABC7: Anthony Anderson and Cedric The Entertainer Open AC Barbeque
- QSR Magazine: Anderson and Cedric Open BBQ Fast Casual
- LA Weekly: BBQ with Anthony Anderson and Cedric The Entertainer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Barbecue
