Comedians and grillmasters Anthony Anderson and Cedric The Entertainer, founders of the AC Barbeque brand, are partnering with Arby’s on two meaty new barbecue sandwiches. Along with the sandwiches, the Atlanta-based fast-food chain is offering sauces developed by the famous duo for their product line.
Both sandwiches reinforce Arby’s “we have the meats” mantra. The Quarter Pound Brisket Sandwich is piled high with 13-hour slow-smoked brisket that’s topped with garlicky dill pickles and served on a toasted sesame seed bun, while the Quarter Pound Pulled Pork Sandwich features pork smoked over hickory wood for six hours, then topped with the same pickles and layered on the same bun.
Both can be ordered with AC Barbeque’s new sauces. Cedric’s Sweet Bussin Brown Sugar Sauce has a sweet and tangy flavor profile from its blend of slow-cooked brown sugar that develops malt and caramel flavors as it simmers. Anthony’s Spicy Chipotle Smoke Sauce is infused with some heat from the chipotle peppers, resulting in a smoky, spicy kick that complements both the pulled pork and brisket.
AC Barbeque's sauces at Arby's. | Photo courtesy of Arby's.
The two comedians started AC Barbeque as a lifestyle brand, founded on the principles of Black excellence, family tradition and bringing people together, according to its website. The company “aims to provide the tools, flavor, and community that’ll take grilling to the next level,” it says. Their product line includes rubs and sauces, barbecue accessories and logoed merch, such as hats and shirts. And AC Barbeque’s first restaurant is in the works, coming soon to Westfield Century City, Beverly Hills.
Arby’s doesn’t seem to roll out limited-time offers as often as other fast-food chains, but when it does, they usually focus on meat. Last year, brown sugar bacon was featured in an LTO, layered on Arby’s signature roast beef sandwich along with Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, and a creamy Dijon spread on a Hawaiian bun.
The brand is no stranger to celebrity partnerships either. Chardonneigh’s Horsey Sauce,launched last May in tandem with the Kentucky Derby, tied into Beyonce’s release of her Cowboy Carter album. And last summer, the chain teamed up with actor Kyle MacLachlan to promote the return of its Potato Cakes.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.