After 32 years of operation, McDonald's has decided to completely leave Russia and sell all its stores to a local entity that will not use its logos.
This is a complete departure from one of the symbols of American capitalism and globalization against the background of the war, as it is a course that many will see as an expression of the great isolation of the Russian public from the world.
The information about the dramatic departure, which also includes a financial loss to the company valued at over $ 1 billion, was given to the network's franchisees in a statement by CEO Chris Kempaczynski, through the New York Times.
Some would argue that providing work and food to tens of thousands of people is the right thing to do.
But we can not ignore the humanitarian crisis caused by the war in Ukraine.
We have a commitment to our global community and we can not ignore the situation. "
The decision is very complex in light of the huge investment the company has made in the country, an investment that included the overall construction of the food chain from the producers to its restaurants.
Today, before closing, the chain has 850 restaurants and 62,000 employees throughout Russia.
"It is important to know that this is not a simple decision given the size of our operations in Russia," the CEO wrote.
It appears: McDonald's first branch in Russia, also to close, Photo: AP
Chris Kempaczynski also referred to the symbolism of the decision and noted in a letter to his employees that "our golden arches today can not be imagined in Russia, representing the same hope and promise they have and that led us to enter the Russian market 32 years ago".
Regarding McDonald's large staff in the country, the CEO noted: “We take care of our employees and pay them full pay until closing a deal with a local franchisee.
We will also ensure that employees have employment continuity in the new property of our restaurants. "
It is important to mention that McDonald's officially opened its first restaurant in Russia after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1991. The opening included huge queues of thousands who lined the doors of the American sergeant who then arrived in Moscow.
Kempaczynski noted that entering Russia: "It was an exciting decision in the history of McDonald's, it was a milestone that provided us with great pride and excitement. On both sides of the Iron Curtain, the beginning of a new era. "
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