Golden Arcs.
Pay close attention to that last syllable. Our founder certainly does.
A LITTLE QUEENS. A LOT OF CHARACTER.
BIG DREAMS.
GOLDEN
ARCS.
A neighborhood burger joint. A very proud owner. And a new hire with a surprisingly impressive family tree.
MEET THE FAMILY
MADE FAMOUS
ON SCREEN1988COMING TO AMERICA
ON SCREEN1988COMING TO AMERICA
Good people.
Very interesting résumés.
HAS TASTE.
THE HEART BEHIND THE COUNTER
FAMILY FIRST.
SEEDS NEVER.
Meet Cleo McDowell: restaurant owner, Lisa’s dad, and a man with absolutely no doubts about his own originality. He takes his business seriously. He takes his family even more seriously. And he has a very detailed explanation for the sign outside.
In Coming to America, Cleo gives Akeem and Semmi a place on the team without knowing quite how royal their references are. For Cleo, it’s another day running the restaurant. For the new hires, it’s a considerable change in dress code.
The scene behind the line“My buns have no seeds.”
CLEO McDOWELL — A MAN WHO KNOWS HIS PRODUCT.
CLEO WOULD LIKE TO CLEAR A FEW THINGS UP.
IT’S ALL IN
THE DETAILS.
McDowell’s is the movie’s send-up of a very familiar burger chain. Cleo, naturally, considers the matter settled.
The Big Mick.
Two beef patties and a name Cleo is prepared to defend at length.
0
Sesame seeds.
A smooth bun. An extremely specific point of pride. Further questions? See Cleo.
THE MOVIE THAT BROUGHT US TOGETHER
FEATURE PRESENTATION ✦ 1988COMING TO
AMERICA.
In John Landis’s 1988 comedy, Prince Akeem leaves the royal comforts of Zamunda with Semmi, hoping to find love on his own terms. In Queens, he keeps his title quiet and takes a job at McDowell’s. The uniform is plaid. The adjustment is considerable.
Here he meets Lisa, Cleo’s daughter, and discovers a life beyond the palace. For a place with such a familiar silhouette, McDowell’s ends up at the heart of a wonderfully unusual love story.
Explore the film at Paramount
- THE PRINCE
- Eddie Murphyas Akeem
- THE ROYAL PLUS-ONE
- Arsenio Hallas Semmi
- THE HEART OF THE STORY
- Shari Headleyas Lisa McDowell
- THE MAN IN CHARGE
- John Amosas Cleo McDowell
A LITTLE EXTRA ON THE SIDE
GOOD
QUESTION.
Cleo has answers.
Some are even brief.
Was McDowell’s a real restaurant?
McDowell’s belongs to the movie, but its original Queens filming address is real: 85-07 Queens Boulevard, Elmhurst. This website is a fan-made tribute, with an imaginary menu and no real pickup counter.
The film’s New York locationsIs every menu item from the movie?
The Big Mick and Cleo’s seedless-bun distinction come from the film. Our expanded menu, prices, and items like Golden Crust Patty and Bodega Juice are playful additions for this tribute. Think of it as letting Cleo have a little more room on the menu board.
See what’s on the boardAnd the chocolate shake?
Our Sexual Chocolate shake takes its name from Randy Watson’s band. Film-themed pop-ups have had the same delicious idea. It’s a musical wink on our menu, rather than an original on-screen menu item.
A real-world McDowell’s tributeNOW THAT WE’RE ACQUAINTED.
GOOD STORY.
GREAT LUNCH.
Pull up a chair. You’re family now.