Cedric the Entertainer & Anthony Anderson open AC Barbeque in LA Mall

Cedric and Anderson Fire Up LA with AC Barbeque

On May 7, 2025, comedy icons Cedric the Entertainer and Anthony Anderson cut the ribbon at their new restaurant, AC Barbeque, located at Westfield Century City Mall in Los Angeles. The duo, blending flavors from their Compton and St. Louis roots, celebrated the grand opening with a star-studded event, sharing their excitement on Instagram. With Summer just around the corner, this new food spot is perfect for the season. Furthermore, this collaboration between Cedric and Anthony signifies the unity within Hollywood.

Cedric the Entertainer: Comedy Royalty with a Taste for Success

Cedric Antonio Kyles, widely known as Cedric the Entertainer, was born on April 24, 1964, in St. Louis, Missouri. A powerhouse in comedy and entertainment, he first gained national attention through stand-up showcases like BET’s ComicView and HBO’s Def Comedy Jam in the 1990s, quickly becoming a fan favorite for his storytelling and Southern charm, per Wikipedia. His breakout moment came with The Original Kings of Comedy tour and Spike Lee’s 2000 concert film of the same name, where he shared the stage with comedy giants Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley, and Bernie Mac. That success propelled him into a string of memorable film roles, including the sharp-tongued Eddie Walker in Barbershop (2002) and Maurice the dancing lemur in the hit Madagascar animated franchise, which showcased his signature voice work.

Cedric’s talents extend beyond the stage and screen. He hosted Who Wants to Be a Millionaire from 2013 to 2014, adding his own flavor to the classic game show format, and has starred as Calvin Butler in CBS’s hit sitcom The Neighborhood since 2018—a role that continues to spotlight his comedic range while tackling timely social issues. Over the years, Cedric has been honored with four NAACP Image Awards and received a coveted star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2019, underscoring his influence across generations. Additionally, his latest venture, AC Barbeque, taps into his roots and larger-than-life personality. Offering fans a flavorful extension of the brand he’s built through decades of laughter and leadership in entertainment.

Anthony Anderson: Versatile Star of Screen and Stage

Anthony Anderson, born on August 15, 1970, in Compton, California, is a celebrated actor, comedian, and producer whose career spans over three decades. He rose to mainstream prominence with his starring role as Andre “Dre” Johnson Sr. in Black-ish (2014–2022), a culturally resonant sitcom that earned him 11 Emmy nominations and solidified his place as a comedic force. Beyond television comedy, Anderson has displayed impressive dramatic range with roles in critically acclaimed films like Hustle & Flow (2005) and Martin Scorsese’s The Departed (2006), and in procedural drama Law & Order, where he played Detective Kevin Bernard from 2008 to 2010, and again in 2022.

Outside of acting, Anderson has built a strong reputation as a television host. He led the reboot of To Tell the Truth from 2016 to 2022. Bringing humor and relatability to the game show format. In January 2024, he hosted the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards. An appearance that sparked conversation due to past misconduct allegations, though no charges were filed. Despite the controversy, his hosting chops remained evident. Most recently, Anderson launched a new game show, We Are Family, on Fox in 2024. Which is co-hosted with his real-life mother, Doris Bowman (aka “Mama Doris”). Showcasing celebrity relatives performing on stage—a lighthearted project that blends his comedic timing with family charm.

AC Barbeque Grand Opening

AC Barbeque opened its doors on May 7, 2025, at Westfield Century City Mall’s rooftop food court, drawing crowds with its St. Louis ribs, smoked chicken, and chopped brisket, per Eater LA. Cedric and Anthony Anderson, joined by pitmaster Burt Bakman, hosted a lively ribbon-cutting, with Anderson joking, “We’re bringing Compton and St. Louis to your plate,” per People. Their Instagram posts, captioned “AC Barbeque is LIVE!” showed fans lining up, per posts on X. The menu, featuring sides like mac and cheese and banana pudding, uses their branded rubs and sauces, available online, per ACBarbeque.com.

For food lovers, the AC Barbeque grand opening marks a flavorful addition to LA’s dining scene, rooted in cultural heritage.

AC Barbeque Menu Highlights

The AC Barbeque menu, crafted with pitmaster Burt Bakman, blends St. Louis and Compton flavors. Offering St. Louis ribs, pulled pork, and smoked shredded chicken sandwiches with Comeback sauce. Sides include coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread, with drinks like sweet tea and lemonade. The banana pudding dessert, topped with Nilla wafers, has fans raving. Their rubs and sauces, sold online, let home cooks replicate the flavors.. AC Barbeque menu highlights promise a soulful BBQ experience, rich with cultural authenticity.

Westfield Century City Mall

Westfield Century City Mall, a premier LA shopping destination, hosts AC Barbeque on its rooftop food court. With 1.3 million square feet and 200+ stores, the mall attracts 15 million visitors annually. Its open-air design and dining options, including Eataly and Shake Shack, make it ideal for high-profile openings. The rooftop’s vibrant atmosphere amplified the grand opening’s buzz. With social media posts noting, the hottest addition to the franchise. For locals, Westfield Century City Mall is a culinary and social hub, perfect for AC Barbeque’s debut.

Cultural Impact of AC Barbeque

AC Barbeque joins a wave of celebrity-driven food ventures, like Snoop Dogg’s Snoopermarket, reflecting cultural pride. Cedric and Anderson’s Compton-St. Louis fusion celebrates Black culinary traditions, with critics praising their “authentic storytelling through food.” The restaurant’s prime mall location boosts LA’s BBQ scene, competing with spots like Bludso’s. Fans on X called it “a win for Black entrepreneurship,” per. Their sauces’ online sales extend their reach. For foodies, the cultural impact of AC Barbeque highlights its role in elevating diverse flavors and community pride.

The future of AC Barbeque

Cedric the Entertainer and Anthony Anderson’s AC Barbeque grand opening brings bold BBQ flavors to LA. Rooted in their Compton and St. Louis heritage. Whether you’re a comedy fan, a BBQ enthusiast, or a mall visitor, this launch offers a taste of culture and celebrity. For diners, it’s a chance to savor ribs and banana pudding. For others, it’s a story of Black entrepreneurship. Visit ACBarbeque.com or Eater LA for menu details and updates on this 2025 culinary milestone.