McDowells

McDowells is a fictional fast-food restaurant chain that originated in the 1988 film Coming to America. In the movie, McDowells is portrayed as a parody of McDonald's, featuring a similar golden arch logo and menu items, but with subtle differences. The restaurant is owned by the character Cleo McDowell, who is the love interest of Prince Akeem. McDowells serves as a significant setting throughout the film, highlighting themes of cultural assimilation and the pursuit of the American Dream.

The film's depiction of McDowells humorously plays on the ubiquity of American fast-food culture. Prince Akeem, a wealthy prince from the fictional African nation of Zamunda, takes a job at McDowells upon arriving in Queens, New York, seeking to understand the common man. This employment allows him to interact with various characters and experience a slice of everyday American life. The restaurant's owner, Cleo, is a strong-willed businesswoman who initially has a complicated relationship with Akeem but eventually comes to support him. The success of McDowells in the film is presented as a testament to entrepreneurial spirit. The fictional establishment has since become a memorable element of the movie's cultural impact.