Anthony Anderson and Cedric The Entertainer cut the ribbon at the grand opening of AC Barbeque, officially welcoming guests to “the cookout” at Westfield Century City. (courtesy photo)

 

Last week, longtime friends and entertainment icons Anthony Anderson and Cedric The Entertainer launched the grand opening of AC Barbeque, their first brick-and-mortar restaurant, at Westfield Century City, where a welcoming crowd gathered to support the launch of this new venture.

Cedric The Entertainer stood near the entrance of AC Barbeque, his words carrying the weight of experience and pride.

“You want to be able to put something out there,” he said.

With cleavers in hand, Anthony Anderson and Cedric The Entertainer slice into AC Barbeque’s signature smoked meats, kicking off the celebration with bold flavor and flair. (courtesy photo)

“We’re doing television, creating characters people love and remember that make folks laugh, and they grow up with them. I’ve had that. So many people come up to me like, ‘Man, I grew up on that.’”

Now, with the launch of AC Barbeque at Westfield Century City, Cedric sees a new chapter unfolding, one just as meaningful, just as lasting.

Guests celebrate the grand opening of AC Barbeque with music, dancing, and good vibes on the Westfield Century City terrace. (Nathan J. Lee/L.A. Sentinel)

“Opening this restaurant offers us the same ability,” he continued. “We’re in the community. We have something real. We have the opportunity to build this where it’s franchisable, where it can grow.”

This is a restaurant, and a legacy. “Two friends, two Black men got together with an idea and a dream and built something that was bigger than what people expected,” he said.

Couple Flo and Brandon share a laid-back moment at AC Barbeque’s grand opening. (Nathan J. Lee/L.A. Sentinel)

“We’re in grocery stores, we’re live. We got restaurants, we got TV shows about it; it’s like a whole thing. Food trucks on college campuses, educational programs. We’re not leaving anything on the table. This is what it’s all about,” Cedric said, referring to the BBQ brand’s fast-growing popularity.

Anthony Anderson did not hesitate when asked about the most meaningful part of the journey.

AC Chopped Brisket, tender smoked brisket piled high with All Day Sauce, pickles, and onions on white bread. (Courtesy photo)

“I’m not going to lie,” he said, holding nothing back. “Strengthening my friendship with Cedric has been the highlight of this.”

Their bond spans more than 25 years but building AC Barbeque brought them even closer. Their decades-long friendship turned into something tangible and lasting through this project.

“On top of opening up this restaurant, on top of creating a culture in the barbecue community and making it family, it’s a reflection of our friendship. It’s a reflection of where we come from and what we do,” Anderson said, looking back and capturing the heart of their shared experience.

The menu is bold, flavorful, and crafted for food lovers who appreciate soul food with a twist. Attendees did not hold back on their praise. One guest, Christine, could not get enough of the brisket or the mustard-infused coleslaw.

“They have a little twist on things, which is nice,” she said. “It wasn’t your typical barbecue.” Others, like Flo and Brandon, were drawn in by the variety and generosity of the service.

“We didn’t know what to expect,” said Brandon, who attended the Exclusive Sneak Preview with partner Flo. He explained that the moment they walked in, they were greeted with generous plates of food, including Cajun-seasoned chicken sliders that quickly won them over. The couple described the meal as “really good barbecue” and agreed AC Barbeque is the kind of spot they would definitely return to.

Rose, a longtime family friend of Cedric, summed it up best, “The food is great. The mac and cheese is good. The beans are spicy. The chicken is good. And I’m just loving being here to represent.”

Set on level 2 of the Westfield Century City Dining Terrace, the restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating, a rotating menu of grillmaster recipes, and plans for surprise guest chefs. Open daily, AC Barbeque is designed to bring people together over smoky goodness and shared stories.

“Opening AC Barbeque at Century City is like inviting everybody to join the cookout,” Cedric concludes.