In a visit that underscored a pivotal moment for Russia’s fast food landscape, the mayor of Moscow, Sergei Sobyanin, toured the newly opened flagship fast food restaurant on Pushkinskaya Square. The establishment marks a notable transition, replacing the former McDonald’s outlet that exited Russia ahead of its launch. The ceremonial moment was captured in an official statement area where the city’s leadership framed the event as a public milestone for the capital’s dining scene and local business resilience.
The rebranded network, now operating under the name Delicious — period, began its rollout with a carefully staged opening. At 11:00 Moscow time, the first fourteen restaurants of the chain reopened under the new brand identity, with the flagship venue on Pushkinskaya taking sunlit center stage at noon. This staggered reopening mirrored a strategic approach to restore service speed and consistency while reassuring customers and suppliers of continuity in a familiar dining experience.
As Sobyanin emphasized, the move represents more than a cosmetic rebranding. The initiative is rooted in local industry leadership, showcasing a fast food model that preserves the standard of service, menu structure, and product quality that customers expect. A substantial portion of the supply chain relies on Russian producers, reinforcing a domestic procurement philosophy aimed at stabilizing the market and supporting local producers. The mayor also extended congratulations to the restaurant staff, recognizing the team’s efficiency, professionalism, and seamless execution during the transition period.
“Traditionally, this perception is that the brand is American,” he noted. “In reality, everything here is rooted in Russia. The sign may change, but the core experience remains the same. We appreciate the patience of customers and the steadfastness of the team—this continuity is essential for the community.”
Sobyanin recalled the broader employment implications tied to the transition. Employees who were part of the previous corporate network, numbering over fifty thousand, have the opportunity to continue their roles within the new framework. Beyond direct employment, approximately one hundred thousand jobs will be sustained across related supply enterprises, underscoring the broader economic impact of the rebranding effort. The commitment to preserving jobs signals a coordinated effort to balance brand evolution with workforce stability, a move viewed as beneficial for both workers and the local economy.