Anthony Anderson and Cedric The Entertainer Discuss Their Hip-Hop Comedy Revival and Barbeque Business Ventures

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Celebrity Chefs Anderson and the Entertainer Launch AC Barbeque

Los Angeles, CA – Comedic icons Anthony Anderson and Cedric the Entertainer have officially entered the competitive world of barbecue, debuting their joint venture, AC Barbeque, at the Westfield Century City Mall. The collaboration blends their distinct culinary backgrounds and business acumen.

From Comedy Stages to Smoker Kings

While Cedric The Entertainer may have playfully acknowledged Anthony Anderson’s superior grilling skills stemming from his Food Network appearances, the pair have united their passions to establish AC Barbeque. Rooted in their respective hometowns of Little Rock and St. Louis, the veteran entertainers are bringing their personal heritage and entrepreneurial spirit to the restaurant.

Anderson playfully recalled a moment during sauce development, involving a food scientist, where he meticulously critiqued the “viscosity” of a condiment, a moment he said “blew Ced’s mind.”

“I humbly accept Ced saying that I’m the better griller, but ced is a better curator of parties, so that we can have a place to come to, to grill, to celebrate, so it’s a marriage made in heaven for both of us,” anderson stated.

A Year in the Making: From HBCU Pop-Ups to Brick and Mortar

The opening at Westfield Century City is the culmination of over a year of planning. The concept was refined through a series of pop-up events at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the South and East Coast.

“We loved this possibility to be on the HBCU campuses,and eventually a couple of other universities,where we were able to again,create a test kitchen,create the things that we knew that could sell fast. Brisket sandwiches, wraps, these things that you learned that you didn’t think about,” shared Cedric The Entertainer.

These pop-ups helped shape the restaurant’s format, aligning with the fast-casual dining preferences of a mobile student population.

The AC Barbeque Menu: A Blend of Tradition and Convenience

AC Barbeque’s menu caters to both swift bites and leisurely meals. The restaurant offers wraps, sandwiches, and sides for customers on the go, alongside traditional platters featuring a variety of smoked meats, sauces, and sides like slaw, baked beans, and macaroni and cheese.

Menu Category	Popular Items
Sandwiches & Wraps	Pulled Pork Sandwich, Brisket wrap
Platters	Smoked Chicken, Pulled Pork, Brisket
Sides	Macaroni & Cheese, Baked Beans, Slaw
Desserts	(Details not specified in source)

“The pulled pork sandwich is amazing. The mac and cheese, [and] the baked beans are really popular there. We’ve got a new brisket wrap that we do, that’s a lot of fun,” Cedric boasted.

Leveraging Star Power for Business Success

Both Anderson and Cedric emphasize the importance of their established brands in launching AC Barbeque. They believe their experience in entertainment translates directly to marketing and creating a desirable product.

“Television, film on stage, on Broadway, solo man with the mic telling jokes. It lends itself to being able to market a great product, but along the way, we also had to create a great product,” Anderson explained. “Our resilience in energy of understanding that it takes more than one shot to be great. It takes more than one hit to be a star.”

The duo is already planning future menu additions, hinting at “Rib Tip Tuesday” and “Burnt End Friday” specials.

The Rise of Celebrity-Owned Restaurants

The trend of celebrities entering the restaurant industry isn’t new, but has dramatically increased in recent years. According to a 2023 report by Restaurant Business Online, celebrity-backed restaurants are increasingly attractive investment opportunities, benefiting from built-in brand recognition and social media reach. Though, success hinges on delivering quality food and service alongside the star power.

did You Know? Celebrity endorsements can increase restaurant foot traffic by as much as 30%,according to a study by the National Restaurant Association.

Pro Tip: When evaluating a celebrity-owned restaurant, prioritize reviews focusing on food quality and service, not solely on the celebrity association.

Frequently Asked Questions About AC Barbeque

What are your thoughts on celebrity-owned restaurants? Do you believe star power guarantees success? Share your opinions in the comments below!

how does teh duo’s improvisational style on “Inside the NFL” contribute too their broader appeal and brand recognition?

The Dynamic Duo: A Return to Roots

Anthony Anderson and Cedric the Entertainer, two titans of comedy, are experiencing a remarkable resurgence. Beyond their individual successes in television and film – Anderson with Black-ish and Law & Order, and The Entertainer with The Neighborhood and a prolific stand-up career – the pair are actively reigniting their collaborative spark and diversifying their portfolios with exciting new business ventures, most notably in the barbeque space. This article dives into their recent projects, the evolution of their comedic partnership, and the strategies behind their entrepreneurial moves.

Reconnecting Through comedy: The “Inside the NFL” Chemistry

Their recent work together on Inside the NFL on Amazon Prime video has been a key catalyst for this revival. the show, leveraging their natural chemistry and sharp wit, provides a unique comedic lens on the world of professional football.

Improvised Banter: A significant portion of their appeal stems from their unscripted interactions and ability to riff off each other. This improvisational style, honed over years of performing together, resonates with audiences seeking authentic entertainment.

Expanding reach: Inside the NFL has introduced their brand of humor to a broader demographic, including sports enthusiasts who may not have been familiar with their stand-up or acting work.

Social Media Engagement: The show’s clips and behind-the-scenes moments frequently go viral on social media platforms like tiktok and Instagram, further amplifying their reach and generating buzz. This is a prime example of leveraging digital marketing for comedic content.

From Stage to Smoke: The Barbeque Business Boom

Both Anderson and The Entertainer have independently ventured into the competitive barbeque industry, demonstrating a keen business acumen alongside their comedic talents.

Anthony Anderson’s “Ta-Quila”

Anthony Anderson’s foray into the food world began with “Ta-Quila,” a barbeque and tequila-focused restaurant in Los Angeles.

Culinary Passion: anderson has openly discussed his love for barbeque and his desire to create a welcoming space where people can enjoy good food and good company.

strategic Location: The restaurant’s location in a high-traffic area of Los Angeles contributes to its visibility and accessibility.

Brand Extension: “Ta-Quila” isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a brand extension of Anderson’s personality and lifestyle,incorporating his passion for tequila alongside his barbeque offerings. This is a smart branding strategy.

Cedric The Entertainer’s “Cedric’s Tavern” & Beyond

Cedric The entertainer has taken a slightly different approach, initially launching “Cedric’s Tavern” in St.Louis, Missouri, and expanding into other food-related ventures.

Community Focus: “Cedric’s Tavern” is deeply rooted in The Entertainer’s hometown, serving as a community gathering place and showcasing local flavors.

Franchise Potential: The success of the initial tavern has sparked discussions about potential franchising opportunities, allowing for wider expansion and brand recognition.

Partnerships & Investments: The Entertainer has also been involved in investments in other food and beverage businesses, demonstrating a diversified approach to his entrepreneurial pursuits. He’s actively exploring restaurant investment opportunities.

The Influence of hip-Hop on Their Comedy Styles

Both Anderson and The Entertainer’s comedic styles are heavily influenced by hip-hop culture. This influence is evident in their timing, delivery, and subject matter.

Rhythmic Delivery: Their comedic timing frequently enough mimics the rhythmic patterns of rap music, creating a unique and engaging performance style.

Cultural Commentary: They frequently incorporate social and political commentary into their routines, reflecting the tradition of hip-hop as a platform for addressing important issues.

storytelling: Both comedians are masterful storytellers, a skill honed through years of performing in front of live audiences and drawing inspiration from the narrative traditions of hip-hop. This is a key element of stand-up comedy.

Navigating the Entertainment Industry: Lessons Learned

Their longevity in the entertainment industry speaks to their adaptability and business savvy.

Diversification is Key: Both Anderson and The Entertainer have consistently diversified their careers,moving between television,film,stand-up comedy,and now,entrepreneurship.

Building a Brand: They have both successfully cultivated strong personal brands, allowing them to leverage their recognition and influence across multiple platforms.

* Staying Relevant: By embracing new technologies and platforms, such as social media and streaming services, they have remained relevant to a constantly evolving audience. This demonstrates effective career management.

The Future of the Partnership & Ventures

The renewed collaboration between Anthony anderson and Cedric The Entertainer, coupled with their individual business ventures, signals a dynamic and exciting chapter in their careers. Their ability to seamlessly blend comedy, entrepreneurship, and