Kel Mitchell is well-known for his acting career, particularly connected to burgers.
“Whenever people hear my name, they think of burgers,” he shared with the Post.
Mitchell’s rise to fame was largely due to his role in Nickelodeon’s “All That” and the sitcom “Kenan and Kel,” along with their film, where he played a goofy character named Ed. This character was a crucial part of the comedy in “Good Burger,” which he and Kenan Thompson brought to life.
Now, celebrating his recent 47th birthday, Mitchell is embracing his burger identity by hosting a festival dedicated to the beloved food.
Kel’s Burger Fest launched on August 30th, showcasing the “Best Burgers in Brooklyn,” all curated by Mitchell himself. “I enjoy burgers, spending time with my family, meeting fans, and organizing events,” he said.
Hosted at the BK Backyard Bar in Williamsburg, the event features notable local burger joints. Among the highlights are Brooklyn favorites like Bare Burger and Lacey Burger from Bushwick.
Mitchell has discovered various burger spots, including a restaurant loved by rapper Ah Boy. Owner Brendon Beck spoke about creating burgers that are both traditional and innovative, expressing gratitude for recognition from Mitchell.
At the festival, they’ll serve their special Oh Boy burgers, which consist of brisket and short rib patties topped with essential garnishes.
“Each bite captures the essence of simplicity,” Beck remarked, emphasizing a straightforward approach.
Mitchell ensures that there’s something for everyone, as the festival also caters to vegan attendees with options from Next Stop Vegan. This eatery touts itself as “the world’s most diverse plant-based restaurant,” featuring items like a Portobello Truffle Mac ‘n’ Cheeseburger and a unique plantain burger.
For Brenry Mena, owner of Next Stop Vegan, participating in the festival is a source of pride. “I’ve loved ‘Good Burger’ since I was young,” he shared, noting that their plant-based offerings are an essential part of their menu.
The festival, rich with community spirit, also features vendors selling unique food creations, including smash burgers, which are popular locally.
In addition, Mitchell’s event includes nostalgic elements like a retro video game lounge and a 90s-themed flea market, helping to create a festive atmosphere.
Past Success
Mitchell’s journey began as a teenager when he auditioned for various roles. He won the part by voicing his iconic character, Ed, influenced by stoner characters from “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure.”
The “Good Burger” concept debuted in a sketch on “All That” in the mid-90s and quickly became a fan favorite, complementing Mitchell’s and Thompson’s comedic chemistry. The subsequent movie became a cult classic.
Recipe for Greatness
The much-anticipated sequel on Paramount+ features various celebrity cameos, reinforcing Mitchell’s enduring legacy.
Reflecting on his journey, Mitchell expressed gratitude for the generational impact of “Good Burger.” He shared that he often receives requests from kids for his iconic voice when dropping his children off at school, noting the surreal nature of his continued popularity.
As a seasoned burger connoisseur, Mitchell has developed insights into what makes an excellent burger. “It should be juicy and bounce back when pressed,” he noted, while also emphasizing the importance of fresh ingredients.
Lastly, he’s often asked whether a burger qualifies as a sandwich. His stance? “Burgers deserve their own category. They’re something special,” he asserted.
