(Reuters) – Russians lined up at a Moscow train station on Tuesday for what could be their last meal at one of the few remaining McDonald’s restaurants in the country.
The fast-food giant is closing its doors in Russia after more than 30 years, becoming one of the biggest global brands to leave the country following the Russian army’s invasion of Ukraine.
The company had already decided to temporarily close its restaurants in the country in March. Among them, the emblematic establishment in Pushkin Square, in the center of Moscow.
“McDonald’s is now in only a few places,” said Irina, 32, who was queuing at the branch at Moscow’s Leningrad station, from where trains depart for St. Petersburg. “I miss McDonald’s, so when I go to St. Petersburg, I drop by and treat myself to a Big Mac.”
McDonald’s plans to sell 84% of its approximately 850 restaurants in Russia to a local buyer. The future of the remaining restaurants, operated by franchisees, remains to be clarified.
The new owners will not be permitted to use the McDonald’s name, logo, brand and menu.
“In accessible places in the center of Moscow and St. Petersburg, we are seeing strong demand,” franchisee Rosinter Restaurants said on Tuesday.
McDonald’s will keep its brand in Russia, which analysts say leaves the door open for a comeback.
(Reuters report, French version Lou Phily)
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