Cedric the Entertainer and Anthony Anderson launch a brand-new Barbecue empire. Harkening back to simpler times in their own childhoods, they launch AC Barbeque to bring back the feeling of friendship and community to everyone's backyard. With dreams of what the Empire could become, they search out expert advice from Kevin Bludso, a legendary pit master who tells them to be authentic and create quality with their products. He suggests they'll need a food scientist to bring their products to life and find Pilot R&D to help them develop their signature rubs and sauces. The guys then explore LA BBQ and all the different influences each pitmaster brings to their foods.

The guys visit Cedric's hometown of St. Louis and some of Cedric's old stomping grounds, then the famous Kenrick's Butchers, where they learn all about St. Louis signature-style pork steak and tips.