It has been 3 decades since the popular fast food restaurant in the United States (US), McDonald’s was based in Russia, now everything is over when the company officially leaves the country.
An official statement issued by the company has confirmed the matter, which previously only boycotted Russia on humanitarian grounds.
According to McDonald’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chris Kempczinski, this decision was taken on a humanitarian basis even though it will have a profound impact on tens of thousands of employed people as well as access to food.
He added that the company did not want the ‘Golden Arches’ to be a symbol of support for the violence perpetrated by Russia.
In addition, McDonald’s also announced that all of its 850 stores across Russia will be sold to local buyers.
As it is known that Russia is building their own version of McDonald’s by giving opportunities to local merchants to open their own businesses.
It also includes rebranding by local representatives of its name, services and menu.
Meanwhile, McDonald’s is said to have allocated the elimination of charges of up to $ 1.4 billion to cover withdrawals from investing in Russia.
Remembering the story of McDonald’s in Russia, the fast food restaurant first opened in Russia’s Pushkin Square in 1990.
At the time of its opening, the Russian government was still under the rule of the USSR and its entry was symbolic of the reconciliation of the Cold War.
Yet, after Russia’s actions in invading Ukraine to the point of sacrificing thousands of innocent lives, it is indirectly contrary to the symbolism that McDonald’s has held for 30 years.
On the other hand, McDonald’s actions are likely to ignite a ‘fire’ for other companies to exit directly from the Russian market.
Among the companies still tied to Russia but boycotting it are Starbucks, Coca Cola, Levi’s and Apple.
Even so, there are still companies that are seen refusing to leave Russia for their own reasons such as Burger King and Marks and Spencer.
