McDonald`s will temporarily close all its establishments in Russia from March 14, Kommersant was told in the company’s press service. Restaurant premises will be converted into volunteer centers. For how long the work of McDonald`s establishments in the Russian Federation has been suspended is not specified. The suspension of the fast food chain from the Russian market takes place against the backdrop of a Russian special operation in Ukraine.
“Due to operational, technical and logistical difficulties, McDonald’s plans to temporarily suspend service at network enterprises throughout Russia from March 14. The office of the company will continue to work as before,” the company said. They noted that at the moment McDonald’s in Russia cannot guarantee the uninterrupted operation of the main areas, the maintenance of the key assortment and the high quality standards that guests are used to.
“As a socially responsible company, McDonald’s is currently considering options for using temporarily closed premises to organize volunteer support centers,” the press service added. McDonald’s is ready to encourage guests who will take part in volunteer programs. They will be given loyalty points that can be used to purchase McDonald’s products after they open.
In addition, the Ronald McDonald House Charitable Foundation, which helps families with children, will continue its activities. The company clarified that it will continue to pay salaries to its employees. The suspension of 847 restaurants in Russia will cost the company $50 million per month.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said earlier that domestic catering chains could replace the 250 McDonald’s restaurants that operate in the capital over a period of six months to a year. For these purposes, the city authorities will allocate 500 million rubles. for concessional lending.
Read about the prospect of replacing the network with a domestic brand in the material “Kommersant” “McDonald’s deserves to leave with special honors.”