CHERRY HILL, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — The popularity of Eddie Murphy’s classic movie "Coming To America" has endured for decades. And with its sequel, “Coming 2 America,” out, the franchise is back in the spotlight.
The Cherry Hill Mall is getting in on it, with a pop-up version of McDowell’s — not McDonald’s — McDowell’s, the fast-food restaurant where Murphy’s Prince Akeem character worked.
“It’s a tribute to the movie,” explained Joe McCullough, CEO of JMC Pop Ups, the company bringing the enduring sight gag to the mall starting April 16. “You’re going to see similar food items that are in the movie, logos, photo ops that are taken directly from the movie that were reconstructed.”
There will be golden arcs — not arches — and visitors will be able to order a "Big Mick" — on the unseeded bun, of course — in addition to other items that would be served at the fictitious burger joint.
A ticket is required to get in, so crowd size can be controlled. And they’re selling fast, which surprise McCullough says doesn’t surprise him.
“It’s something that’s been around for 30-plus years and still has that amazing staying power and fan power,” he said.
Right now, the pop-up is scheduled to run through April 25, but McCullough tells KYW Newsradio they have been considering adding more days of operation. They have also discussed bringing McDowell’s to other locations.
“I get the question all the time: 'Does Eddie Murphy know you’re doing this?'" he said. "I don’t know if he does or not, but I hope he’d be pretty happy with what we’re going to pull off."
Patrons are encouraged to dress like their favorite characters. More information on the pop-up, tickets and the menu (good luck to whoever tries the "Magnum Mick"!) is available online.
McCullough said part of the money earned from this pop-up and others will go to a nonprofit youth robotics program.
His company also has a science fiction pop-up opening next week at the Willow Grove Park Mall.