Wiener's Circle Wins Halloween With ‘Coming to America' Costume

Who said restaurants can’t dress up for Halloween? 

Wiener's Circle – the hot dog stand that became known for its sassy staffers – decided to convert its store into McDowell's, just like the fictional restaurant in the 1988 film "Coming to America."

The restaurant went all out; all the signs were changed to McDowell's, and all the workers dressed as fast-food workers from the movie. General Manager Scott Brooker said customers have been fooled, thinking the famous stand is no longer operating (but don’t worry, they are still serving their famous hot dogs).

In the film, Cleo McDowell explains how his restaurant is different from McDonald’s: “They got the Big Mac, I got the Big Mick. We both got two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles and onions, but their buns have sesame seeds. My buns have no seeds.”

Winer's Circle was sold last month, but Brooker explained that while they are under new leadership, restaurant management wanted to let everyone know they are still serving hot dogs that have been named as among the best in the country.

“McDowell’s just seemed like the best way to do it,” Brooker said. “We’re across from McDonald's. They got the Big Mac, we got the Big Mick.”

The restaurant, located at 2622 N. Clark St., is known for its authentic Chicago-style char-grilled hot dogs and hamburgers. It has also become a YouTube fan favorite and tourist attraction thanks to its late-night shenanigans, which include employees hurling insults at customers and the ever-popular “milkshake.”

The Wiener Circle will serve the "Big Mick" through the weekend.

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