McDonald’s, the famous American fast-food chain, possibly the single most identifiable brand in the entire world, has closed all their stores in Kazakhstan. McDonald’s opened 27 stores in the large Central Asian nation after their first store opened in Astana in 2016. McDonald’s was hugely popular, and most locals seem to be sad that the golden arches will be disappearing. Although this might have more to do with the general feeling of where the country is headed rather than a deep desire for a Big Mac.
The reason McDonald’s closing is supply issues from the war in Ukraine. McDonald’s in Kazakhstan imported their beef from Russia until this became impossible due to sanctions prohibiting McDonald’s from using Russian produce. Hypothetically there is enough beef in Kazakhstan to more than satisfy the requirements for quarter pounders and cheeseburgers, however none of the suppliers in Kazakhstan have undergone the necessary checks and regulations that McDonald’s requires.
It hasn’t been announced what will happen to the closed stores, however there is still hope for those wanting some fine American cuisine, with KFC, Hardee’s and Burger King all still operating.
Iceland
Opening in 1993, McDonald’s was forced to leave Iceland in 2009 when the global financial crisis hit the small island nation. You might remember banks in Iceland going broke and the resulting turmoil. The financial instability also made it too expensive to operate meaning McDonald’s had to close their doors. A local chain called Metro bought the stores and mixes McDonald’s style products with local items.
Russia
For the same reason as Kazakhstan, McDonald’s in Russia were unable to operate due to the Russian invasion in Ukraine and the resulting sanctions. The closed McDonald’s outlets were reopened as a locally owned imitation called Vkusno i Tochka, meaning Tasty and That’s It.
The first McDonald’s famously opened in Pushkin Square, Moscow in 1989 when it was still the Soviet Union. People queued for hours to get their hands on a Big Mac, the epitome of capitalism.
Belarus
Another victim of the Russian aggression in Ukraine, Belarus has also found it impossible to operate under the sanctions and other supply issues that have come about. The Russian company Vkusno i Tochka will also take over the Belarussian stores as they did in Russia.
Bosnia i Herzegovina
At the end of 2022 McDonald’s International revoked the licence of the local Bosnian operator. Although it hasn’t been announced, it’s been reported that the local licence holder owed millions in rent for the stores as well as getting involved in political campaigns. There were 6 stores in Bosnia until the end of December 2022.
San Marino
McDonald’s in the small mountainous land locked country surrounded by Italy was opened in 1999. Only one outlet was ever opened. It was forced to close due to poor sales. The franchisee blamed McDonald’s stores operating just across the border in Italy for the poor sales.
North Macedonia
North Macedonia had 7 stores which operated from 1997 until 2013. In 2013 McDonald’s International cancelled the licence of the local Macedonian operator meaning all 7 restaurants had to close. It’s not known why McDonald’s withdrew the licence in Macedonia however there are talks of the golden arches returning.