Lenny Bent, the owner of Sylmar-based production catering company Cookin’ with Lenny, recently opened a new restaurant in Chatsworth. The restaurant, Cookin’ with Lenny Smokehouse, opened in mid-August and features barbecue fare. The eatery is Bent’s first restaurant. He previously branched out of his catering business to operate a food truck throughout the Valley. “From the very beginning of the meal to the very end, this isn’t corporate dining,” said Bent of the new restaurant. “At Lenny’s, we pride ourselves in serving an individualistic, unique and amazing dining experience.” A long-time provider of gourmet catering to film and television shows, Bent first started in the food service industry in 1988 with a company called Movieland Catering. He worked on the sets of shows such as “Cheers” and “Family Ties.” Bent has said that one of the most challenging things about catering to production crews is trying to consistently offer a new variety of food options. With this restaurant, he is focusing on a menu of Southwestern, Cajun and American dishes, including a N’awlins BBQ Shrimp appetizer and Raspberry Chipotle Baby Back Ribs. There is also a separate menu for family-style dining, with multiple entrée and sides options designed for multiple diners. Entrées run from $14.95 to $28.95, with the Family Feasts coming in between $43.95 and $53.95. “I don’t prepare any sort of regional barbecue,” Bent said in a prepared statement. “Our dishes and barbecue are unique to themselves.” The location is opens at 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and at noon Saturday and Sunday. –Kelly Goff
Catering Firm Opens BBQ Restaurant
