Roscoe’s 50th Anniversary Festival Unites LA
Roscoe’s House of Chicken N’ Waffles celebrates 50 years of flavor, soul, and community with a sold-out “Thank You, LA” festival.
A Golden Celebration of LA Flavor and Culture
LONG BEACH, Calif. — Roscoe’s House of Chicken N’ Waffles, one of Los Angeles’ most beloved culinary institutions, celebrated 50 years of flavor, soul, and community with its sold-out “Thank You, LA” Festival at Shoreline Waterfront Park. Drawing more than 7,000 guests, the event became a vibrant homage to the city that helped shape its half-century legacy.
From its beginnings in 1975 to its rise as a cultural landmark, Roscoe’s has stood as more than a restaurant — it’s a gathering place for generations of families, celebrities, and music icons. The 50th Anniversary Festival captured that same spirit, uniting Angelenos in celebration just ahead of National Chicken and Waffles Day on October 20.
A Soulful Soundtrack to a City’s Story
Hosted by comedian Scruncho, the festival’s stage lineup was a showcase of the city’s musical heartbeat, blending R&B, soul, gospel, and funk. Performers included Kayla Brianna, Stefan Benz, Dalby, Azar Lawrence, Deyra Barrera with Mariachi Gallos de Oro, 1500 or Nothin’ Band, Sainted Trap Choir, Henry “Southside Slim” Harris, Soul Sauce, and José Rizo’s Picoso, along with appearances from DJ Carisma, Soul Therapy, and father-daughter duo DJ Qwess Coast and DJ Aye Jaye.
The festival’s closing moments — led by the Sainted Trap Choir — brought the crowd to its feet, merging modern soul with the timeless roots that helped define Roscoe’s identity in the heart of Los Angeles.
Honoring Legends and Community Leaders
Roscoe’s introduced the inaugural Golden Waffle Award, celebrating longtime supporters and cultural icons who elevated the brand and its legacy. Honorees included Arsenio Hall, Snoop Dogg, Big Boy, Stevie Wonder, Whoopi Goldberg, Samuel L. Jackson, Shaquille O’Neal, and Larrance Dopson of 1500 or Nothin’ for his work in music storytelling and community engagement.
“This moment isn’t just about chicken and waffles—it’s about love, loyalty, and the city that lifted us up,” said Herb Hudson, Founder of Roscoe’s House of Chicken N’ Waffles. “For 50 years, Los Angeles has shown up for us. This festival was our way of showing up for LA.”
Legacy Meets the Next Generation
Beyond the stage, the festival captured Roscoe’s enduring connection to family and culture. The Kid Zone, hosted by @RoyaltyBrown and community partner LA Rams, featured live games, cheer squad appearances, mascot Rampage, and a mini football field — embodying the same intergenerational love that has defined Roscoe’s for decades.
Local businesses and cultural staples including Marathon Burger, Randy’s Donuts, Dr. Bombay Snaxx, I Love Funnel Cakes, Big Easy Soul Kitchen, Karl Kani, Urban Finch, and Modern Connections rounded out the block-party-style atmosphere — a celebration of both food and fellowship.
Looking Forward: Beyond 50 Years
With plans underway for new restaurant openings in Union Station (DTLA), San Diego, Pasadena, San Jose, and Palm Springs, Roscoe’s remains a symbol of Black entrepreneurship, culinary innovation, and community resilience.
“This was history in the making,” said Serese Styles, Executive Producer of Roscoe’s 50th Anniversary Celebration and VP of Brand Strategy & Cultural Engagement. “We wanted to honor our past, celebrate our city, and set the stage for what’s next — the next 50 years of Roscoe’s.”
As Los Angeles prepares to celebrate National Chicken and Waffles Day on October 20, Roscoe’s golden anniversary serves as both a love letter to the city and a blueprint for cultural legacy in motion.
