McDonald’s is set to reopen in Russia around mid-June, but this time under a new brand and not in every location. Some sites have been torn down, including a prominent site in the center of Lyubertsy, signaling a shift in the physical footprint even as the brand moves forward. Employment and supplier networks will continue, and customers will still be able to order food from vehicles as before, maintaining a familiar convenience for many drive-thru and curbside diners.
According to statements shared with the press, the plan is for McDonald’s to return to Russia in June under a different brand umbrella. The restaurant network and its menus will be preserved, and so will jobs for local staff. The vast majority of suppliers, more than 90 percent, are Russian and will keep collaborating with the business, ensuring continuity in sourcing and distribution. In essence, the key elements of the operation remain intact, with the only notable change being the brand name. This aligns with the company’s decision to withdraw from the Russian market by transferring ownership of its Russia-based operations to a local buyer, as reported by the agency after consultations with a McDonald’s representative.
Beyond the branding, there will be changes in what is offered. The process will include removing brand names from dishes, even if the recipes and products themselves stay the same. This transition means the stores will no longer display the McDonald’s name, logo, or trademark on menus, while the parent company keeps its intellectual property rights within Russia. The aim is to separate the business identity from the former global brand while preserving the local supply chain and customer experience, a move that reflects broader strategic shifts in the market. The company has indicated that the sale of its Russian business is underway, with the specific buyer yet to be identified, and it should be noted that all McDonald’s locations have been closed since March 14 in line with this strategic wind-down and transition period. The latest updates point toward a brand relaunch under local ownership rather than a direct continuation of the international brand, signaling a nuanced re-entry rather than a straightforward revival.