McDonald’s operations in Russia: franchise continuity and planned openings
McDonald’s continued presence in Moscow and St. Petersburg hinges on a franchise model operated through Rosinter, with locations continuing to run at train stations and airports. This arrangement allows the chain to persist in the market under the franchisee structure, while the parent company maintains strategic oversight. A close source to the franchisee, cited by TASS, described the setup as a unique agreement that prevents direct franchise acquisition by the American brand, permitting ongoing activity to operate on a quiet, steady basis.
Reports from TASS note that McDonald’s outlets in Russia are situated at major transit hubs including Sheremetyevo and Domodedovo international airports, as well as at the Leningradsky railway station in Moscow. In St. Petersburg, the chain is described as continuing to run outlets at Pulkovo airport and several train stations, maintaining a presence in key travel corridors even as broader corporate arrangements evolve.
Earlier, a newly appointed owner signaled plans to open 15 McDonald’s restaurants, a development announced on June 12. This suggested momentum to refresh and expand the brand’s footprint in the region, signaling confidence in continuing operations through a mix of existing and new locations.
On Russia Day, additional outlets were anticipated to launch along major thoroughfares in Moscow, including Bolshaya Bronnaya, Arbat, Krasnaya Presnya, Leningradskoye and Kashirskoye highways, Bolshaya Dorogomilovskaya, Bolshaya Ordynka, Pokryshkina, Butyrskaya, Lyublinskaya, Marshal Zhukov Street, and the Kolomensky crossing. In the Moscow region, the expansion was expected to bring workplaces to Reutov, Khimki, and Odintsovo, signaling a broader capital area strategy to enhance accessibility for travelers and residents alike.
Industry observers emphasize that the ongoing franchise approach is shaped by licensing agreements and regional market dynamics. The arrangement allows Rosinter to manage day-to-day operations while McDonald’s retains brand standards and strategic control, ensuring consistency across stores that remain connected to the global chain. The situation illustrates how multinational brands adapt to local competitive environments while preserving core identity and customer experience.
Analysts note that the Moscow and St. Petersburg markets continue to attract a steady stream of consumer traffic, driven by tourism, business travel, and dense urban populations. The resilience of the McDonald’s brand in these cities depends on reliable supply chains, effective franchise governance, and continued collaboration with local partners. Observers also point to the importance of keeping menus relevant to regional tastes and regulatory frameworks, while maintaining familiar global appeal that resonates with both casual diners and regular customers.
Despite shifts in corporate structure, the practical implications for patrons remain straightforward: familiar menu items, consistent service expectations, and a network of outlets that stay accessible at major transit nodes. For travellers, the presence of McDonald’s in airports and stations offers convenient dining options, contributing to a recognizable, predictable experience amid a busy travel schedule. For local communities, ongoing operations provide employment opportunities and a familiar brand presence in shopping and transit districts.
As the situation evolves, observers will watch for additional regulatory updates, franchise developments, and announcements from Rosinter and McDonald’s about new openings, store refreshes, or changes in the management framework. The narrative underscores how international brands balance corporate strategy with regional execution, aiming to deliver reliable service across high-traffic locations while navigating the complexities of a dynamic market landscape.
In summary, McDonald’s in Russia continues to operate through a franchise arrangement with Rosinter, retaining locations at key travel hubs in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Plans for more openings and expansions were hinted at with a forthcoming rollout around Russia Day and other strategic corridors, reflecting ongoing efforts to sustain the brand’s footprint in major cities while aligning with regional business aims and consumer demand. The overall trajectory points to steady activity rather than rapid expansion, anchored by a durable presence in transit-focused locales and a commitment to maintaining the McDonald’s experience in a challenging market.