Mixed reactions over McDonalds Kazakhstan closure
Business
Decision to close taken due to disturbed supply chain caused by Russia-Ukraine war
ALMATY (Reuters) - Workers defaced McDonald s locations in Almaty, Kazakhstan s after the fast food chain s local operations appeared to suffer collateral damage from the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Opinions over the brand s departure from the 20 million-person nation of Central Asia were mixed on social media and among bystanders in the area of an Almaty restaurant where workmen were removing the tall, white lettering off the structure.
Local resident Karina said, "I used to spend time there with my friends. It was one of the greatest spots." "At the time, no other fast food chain can match the menu that McDonald s offered at the same price, thus I doubt any other business will be able to compete with McDonald s in Kazakhstan," she added.
Others called the brand s exit a minor annoyance or promised to try out other fast food restaurants.
Several restaurant chains including KFC, Burger King and Hardee s have locations in Kazakhstan.
Popeyes also announced last month that it will be partnering with Centras Group to establish hundreds of locations there.
Industry insiders, however, claim that because the US brand s certifications and audits were costly and time-consuming, local meat producers chose not to bother.
Due to supply challenges, the Kazakh firm said on Thursday that it will shortly reopen its eateries under a new name.
Following Russia s invasion of Ukraine and the ensuing Western sanctions against Moscow many Kazakh enterprises have had supply issues. The biggest commercial partner of Kazakhstan is its neighbor Russia.
