The first branch of the renovated Russian McDonald’s will open on Sunday, after the American fast food chain left the country and sold its Russian activities. Fifteen branches will open in Moscow and the surrounding area under a new name and logo, but in the same locations, with the same staff and almost identical menus.
–
After more than 30 years, McDonald’s closed its Russian operations in March in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The chain had more than 62,000 local employees in the country. Some restaurants at airports and train stations will continue to operate under the American McDonald’s logo for the time being through special franchise agreements.
– The new logo. Photo: via REUTERS
The new owner is Alexander Govor, who has operated 25 McDonald’s restaurants in Siberia as a licensee since 2015. Govor bought all 825 McDonald’s locations across the country and says he plans to reopen them within two months.
McDonald’s comeback has sparked a lot of reactions on Russian social media in recent days. The fast food chain has historical significance in Russia. The opening of the first branch in the 1990s was a sign of change in the country. There were rows of customers 500 meters long at the door. The closure of McDonald’s stores was seen as equally symbolic of the escalation of tensions between the West and Moscow.
–
