Why Hollywood Is Turning Food Into Its Next Business Opportunity

Food is becoming the next creator business playbook in Hollywood, and the 2026 L.A. Times Food Bowl highlighted how entertainment influence is translating into restaurants, brands, and products. The event, held October 23-24 at Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar, featured tastings, chef demos, and the release of The Los Angeles Times’ 101 Best Restaurants guide. Saturday Night Flavor brought actors and comedians Anthony Anderson and Cedric the Entertainer to the stage for their AC Barbeque venture, alongside chef Roy Choi and other local culinary figures. Anderson said he’d previously discussed a food company with George Lopez before teaming with Cedric. The piece also notes LA rapper BLXST’s partnership with Everytable, aimed at expanding access to fresh, affordable meals.