News Summary
AC Barbeque, the barbecue restaurant by comedians Anthony Anderson and Cedric the Entertainer, has reopened following a brief closure due to permitting complications. Located at Westfield Century City mall, the establishment was closed for three days after the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health found it was operating without the required approvals. Following a resubmission of permits, the restaurant welcomed back customers with its diverse menu featuring signature dishes. Anderson and Cedric aim to honor Black culture through their culinary venture.
Los Angeles – AC Barbeque, a barbecue restaurant created by comedians Anthony Anderson and Cedric the Entertainer, has reopened after a three-day closure due to permitting issues. The restaurant, located in the dining hall of Westfield Century City mall, welcomed customers again on Friday afternoon.
The establishment had its grand opening on May 7, but was mandated to shut down two days later after the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health discovered that the restaurant had opened without the necessary approvals and permits. A representative from AC Barbeque clarified that they had received initial approval from the city of Los Angeles, but a subsequent site visit by a county official revealed that the permitting application was incomplete.
Following the resubmission of the required permitting paperwork, AC Barbeque was granted the green light to resume operations. The restaurant’s closure was emphasized by Robert Earl, the operating partner, who confirmed that food safety was never in question during the permitting process.
Menu Highlights and Concept
AC Barbeque boasts a diverse menu featuring signature dishes like honey-glazed pork ribs with gold sauce and smoked brisket served with pickles and onions. Other offerings include sandwiches, smoked-and-fried wings, barbecue variety platters, half-racks of St. Louis-style ribs, and a selection of sides such as mac and cheese and cornbread. For those with a sweet tooth, a banana pudding dessert is available.
The restaurant promotes a casual dining experience, highlighted by welcoming signage stating “Welcome to the cookout.” Additionally, AC Barbeque features a selection of branded spice rubs and barbecue sauces that customers can purchase.
Background on AC Barbeque
AC Barbeque serves as the first physical location for Anderson and Cedric’s television show Kings of BBQ on A&E, which focuses on celebrating pitmasters and the culture of barbecue throughout the United States. Both comedians are familiar figures in American entertainment, with Cedric being known for his work on The Neighborhood, Original Kings of Comedy, and Barbershop; while Anthony has gained recognition for his roles on Blackish, Law & Order, and We Are Family.
Through their restaurant, Anderson and Cedric aim to showcase and honor Black culture and its significant contributions to barbecue. They intend to host guest pitmasters and special events to further engage the community and celebrate this rich culinary art. Prior to launching this brick-and-mortar location, AC Barbeque had introduced a “virtual dining” experience at Jackson State University in Mississippi, along with a food truck venture at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
Future Plans and Local Involvement
AC Barbeque’s operating team has garnered a following since its opening, with popular menu items regularly selling out. Renowned local pitmaster Burt Bakman, recognized for his role at Slab and Trudy’s Underground Barbecue, contributed to the development of the restaurant’s menu.
The grand opening event showcased a star-studded attendance, further boosting the restaurant’s visibility. The establishment is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., located at 10250 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles.
Beyond its current operations, Anderson and Cedric have plans to expand AC Barbeque into a chain across the country, ensuring that more individuals can experience the unique offerings and cultural significance of their culinary venture.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times
- Wikipedia: Barbecue
- Eater LA
- Google Search: AC Barbeque
- KTLA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Barbecue
- ABC7
- QSR Magazine
