Suspension of operations
On 8 March 2022, McDonald's announced that it would be temporarily suspending operations due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. As a result, it had halted operations of roughly 850 restaurants in Russia.
At the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, McDonald's had over 800 restaurants across Russia with a total of 62,000 employees, "hundreds" of suppliers, and millions of daily customers.[14][15]
Following pressure on social media, McDonald's announced on 8 March that it was temporarily suspending its operations in Russia while it would continue to pay its employees based in Russia.[14][15] A BBC reporter, who attended the closing of the first McDonald's in Moscow, stated that the mood was solemn, with people flocking to witness the event, and it was also "hugely symbolic," as the first store's opening was "when iron curtains were crumbling & Russia was embracing the West."[15] Reuters also emphasized it had symbolic importance as a symbol of prospering American capitalism amid the collapse of the Soviet system.[16] In Russia, the Ronald McDonald House Charities was originally meant to remain active.[15] After the takeover of the former CFO Oleg Paroev McDonalds Russia's restaurants remained open as of mid March 2022.
On 18 March, it was reported that McDonald's remained unable to close some locations in airports or transit stations.[17]
On 16 May 2022, after temporarily closing its restaurants, the company decided to exit Russia altogether.[18] On 27 May 2022, it was reported that McDonald's was selling its stores in Russia to a local licensee, Alexander Govor. Patent filings showed "Fun and Tasty" and "The Same One" as potential brand names for the firm taking over.[19] Shortly after the announcement, McDonald's branding was removed and a new logo was introduced.[20]
Shutdown, replacement and aftermath
On announcement of closure, Duma state speaker Vyacheslav Volodin was quoted as saying "McDonald's announced that they are closing. Well, good, close down! Tomorrow there won't be McDonald's, but Uncle Vanya's." A trademark was filed under that name, using the Golden Arches on their side with a line.[17] McDonald's has a 15-year option to buy its former restaurants back from the new Russian chain.[21]
Alexander Govor replaced the brand with Vkusno i tochka ("Simply Delicious"). The restaurants offer replacements for all menu items, but most are rebranded.
In November 2022, McDonald's announced that due to "extensive local supply issues" its licensee in neighbouring Belarus would stop operating under its name, and the restaurants were rebranded as Vkusno i tochka.[22]
On 1 December 2022, the last nine Russian McDonald's restaurants at train stations and airports in St. Petersburg and Moscow closed.[2]
