Well, good, close down! This has been a long time coming since my Fast Food in the USSR video. More than 800 of these restaurants went on the market until Siberian businessman and former licensee of the chain Alexander Govor came along, offering to operate a new fast-food brand. Russia's McDonald's restaurants reopened Sunday under the new brand name Vkusno & tochka. That's because more than 100 branches are owned by franchisees who are ignoring the shutdown call. I am not a regular at McDonald's, but I have very vivid childhood memories of their food. The fries (55 rubles, or $1) to me seemed a bit sadder, less salty and crispy than I was expecting. Your email address will not be published. These Russian nuggets didn't disappoint: They are crispy, the chicken is tender, and they have the same weird shape as always. [13], On 16 May 2022, after temporarily closing its restaurants, the company decided to exit Russia altogether. The McDonalds logo had to be taken down. WebCHICAGO, May 16, 2022 After more than 30 years of operations in the country, McDonalds Corporation announced it will exit the Russian market and has initiated a We will definitely do something similar, he continued. Well, theres a real explanation for this one. A regular combo served with a side of famous fries and a drink cost 279 rubles, equivalent to $4.41. McDonald's expects that its Russian shutdown will cost the fast-food giant roughly $50 million a month, or 5 cents to 6 cents per share. Still and all, that doesn't seem to be enough for Vkusno & tochka, which has said fries are off the menu, at least until the fall. McDonald's in Russia has been rebranded as "Tasty McDonald's is called Vkusno i Tochka, which means "tasty and that's it". Govor said he plans to reopen all McDonald's roughly 850 Russian restaurants by the end of the summer. Is it actually much larger than the standard McFlurry cup? However, we have a commitment to our global community and must remain steadfast in our values. The relaunch date coincides with Russia Day, when the Russian Federation came into existence and McDonalds opened its flagship store in Moscows Pushkin Square more than three decades ago. as well as other partner offers and accept our. The next data about the assortment of the new McDonalds in Russia and the names of dishes were Russia's replacement for McDonald's opened today, 12 June, with crowds of hundreds queuing to get in and try the food. "[6] Beginning in 1976, McDonald's of Canada attempted to open two portable restaurants during the Games, near Luzhniki Stadium, the primary venue. Big Macs, Happy Meals and McFlurrys are gone but cheeseburgers, nuggets and fries are still on sale. Heres how its spending your money, Parents know best: Rep. Burgess Owens wants to fund school choice at national level, 2023 Sterling Scholars semifinalists: Southwest Region, 2023 Sterling Scholars semifinalists: Northeast Region. Alexander Govor, a Russian businessperson, bought Russia's McDonald's restaurants after the burger giant quit the country following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. AFP via Getty Images The Russian company that bought 700 McDonalds eateries from A double cheeseburger was going for 129 roubles ($2.31) compared with roughly 160 under McDonald's and a fish burger for 169 roubles, compared with about On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. The box the fish burger came in does look a bit awkward, however, with its plain text and a band of color, as if it was a prop for kids playing at their make-believe restaurant. Some menu items are cheaper. I also noticed the absence of the pickle slice, which I liked. Vkusno & tochka has a new logo, a minimalistic depiction of a burger and two fries and a new slogan: The name changes, love stays.. NOW WATCH: We tried the world's most expensive Big Mac at a McDonald's in Switzerland. McDonald's bought 4% of Russia's potatoes and 2% of its cheese, according to a study published by the Higher School of Economics. There aren't any Big Macs or McFlurrys on Vkusno & tochka's menu, although Govor said: "The Big Mac is the story of McDonald's. Excluding the closure of all restaurants in Russia, the Company expects: net restaurant unit expansion will contribute about 1.5% to 2022 Systemwide sales growth in constant currencies. [24] In January 2023, McDonald's closed its restaurants in Kazakhstan, believed to be due to supply issues, with its restaurants expected to be rebranded.[25]. Some former McDonald's items weren't immediately available because of logistical difficulties, and trade restrictions mean dishes will likely change, Oleg Paroev, CEO of Vkusno & tochka, said, per The Wall Street Journal. Russian history in two badges. Russians and Belarusians Banned From Participation in European Table Tennis Competitions, Wimbledon to Ban Russian and Belarusian Tennis Players, Dmitry Peskov: Amendments to US Sanctions are Far From Being Put in Action, Russian Economy Appeared to Be More Stable Than West Expected, Finland Seized Over $80 Million in Russian Property, Survey: Russians Consider Sanctions Strengthening Factor for Society and Economics, EU Froze Russian Assets Worth 68 Billion Euros, Russia Launched Navigator on Support Measures Under Sanctions. as well as other partner offers and accept our. The packaging for fries and drinks are simple white containers. When Vkusno & tochka ("Tasty and That's It") the successor to McDonald's in Russia I couldn't quite tell whether that was actually the case, or it was just the depressing white box they were served in. Over the weekend, more than a dozen outlets that were previously McDonalds locations opened under new He reportedly paid far lower than market prices for the 850 McDonalds locations in Russia. The humanitarian crisis caused by the war in Ukraine, and the precipitating unpredictable operating environment, have led McDonalds to conclude that continued ownership of the business in Russia is no longer tenable, nor is it consistent with McDonalds values. McDonalds sold its Russian business, which makes up 2% of its global footprint, to Govor, a Siberian business owner who made his wealth co-owning a coal mining company in his hometown, selling that and investing in an oil company. As for the time, the double-arches restaurants will now be called Vkusno-i tochka, which translates as Tasty and thats it or Tasty, period, according to Al Jazeera. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. The new chain cannot use McDonalds logos or menu, and thisde-arching shows how much control the fast-food companyhas over the new outlets despite its exit. You can tell from the word gourmet it isnt going to be your standard, simple patty. Despite criticism of the chain in Soviet magazine The New Times, the plan was nearly finalized with the Moscow Olympic Organizing Committee. The cheeseburger came wrapped in a white and orange paper sheet. [19], Alexander Govor[ru] replaced the brand with Vkusno i tochka ("Tasty and that's it"). The new "fake" Russian McDonald's might look almost the same, but much of the taste and fun have disappeared just like Ronald McDonald himself. 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Instead of McFlurries, there is simply a milkshake (link in Russian). " Top Employers Institute", " McDonald's " ", "McDonald's " - ", "McDonald's temporarily closes 850 restaurants in Russia, nearly 2 weeks after Putin's forces invaded Ukraine", "McDonald's to exit Russia after more than three decades", "McDonald's, Starbucks, Coke, Pepsi join companies suspending business in Russia", "McDonald's, Coca-Cola and Starbucks halt Russian sales", "McDonald's, icon of post-Soviet era, to close all restaurants in Russia", "Russia aims to open its own version of McDonald's with similar logo after U.S. chain pulls out", "McDonald's is leaving Russia altogether", "McDonald's new brand name in Russia could be 'Fun and Tasty', "Russia's new version of McDonald's unveils logo", "Mcdonald's will have a 15-year option to buy its restaurants in Russia back", "No Big Macs served at 'Vkusno i Tochka' | DW | 14.06.2022", " . Their dedication and loyalty to McDonalds make todays announcement extremely difficult. Russia is really diggin' the Italian influence. McDonald's sold its Russian business in May and has been rebranded as "Vkusno & tochka. WebJul 1, 2022, 12:45 AM. "[11] Reuters also said it had "symbolic importance," as "a symbol of flourishing American capitalism as the Soviet Union fell. McDonalds restaurants in Ukraine remain closed while the Company continues to pay full salaries for its employees in the country and continues to support local relief efforts led by Ronald McDonald House Charities. Some suggested the delay was inconsistent quality amid the Soviet Union's meat shortages. Insider put the menu at the rebranded McDonald's in Russia to the test. The same can be said for this relaunch as huge crowds gathered to get a taste of the new McDonald's. Im sure it will be the flagship for us., BBC reporter Steve Rosenberg took to Twitter to talk about Russian history in two badges.. Tasty and thats it owner Govor said that 7 billion rubles, or $121 million, will be invested into the business in 2022, per The Guardian. Tian Bing/China News Service via Getty Images, NOW WATCH: The healthiest things you can get at McDonald's, Russia's McDonald's restaurants have reopened, Alexander Govor, a Russian businessperson, bought Russia's McDonald's. Gover may have also received help from sanctioned bank Sovcombank, BBC Russia reported. Tishely Ortiz is a freelance writer based in New York City. I grew up in an Italian family that is quite serious about food, so going to McDonald's was a big concession made to unappreciative children. The United States fast-food giant McDonalds announced on May 16 that it would exit the Russian market in the wake of Moscows invasion of Ukraine. There are plenty of interesting and strange items available at Russian McDonald's restaurants. [7], The first McDonald's in the country would open on Moscow's Pushkin Square on 31 January 1990 with approximately 38,000 customers waiting in hours long lines, breaking company records at the time. I placed my order on a greasy touchscreen, as usual. Here's what you can eat at Vkusno & tochka. Its infused with tarragon and mint flavors, allowing for a subtle but pronounced taste that will make you tingle. Blueberry Muffin. According to the channel, the rest of the items were simply renamed or lost the prefix Mac, as is the case with all sandwiches and sauces. Some might prefer something flatter, but it certainly adds more texture to the drink. According to the Economists Big Mac index, which looks at currency strength by comparing the price of the popular McDonalds menu item in countries around the world, the Russian Big Mac in normal times cost about 135 rubles, or just under $2.. On March 8, McDonalds announced it would be closing 850 restaurants in response to Russias Heres what you need to know, Japanese official denies Lee statement on commitment to expedite release of Lt. Ridge Alkonis, Utah Legislature finalizes record $29B budget. Similar to the chicken McWraps sold in the states, the Shrimp Roll includes the crispy breaded shrimp wrapped in a tortilla filled with Iceberg lettuce, onions, and a special sauce. At least with regard to [the] quality of the product. We dont have the right to use some colors, we dont have the right to use the golden arches, we dont have the right to use any mention of McDonalds, Gover told Reuters. They began using Russian-grown potatoes and a Russian factory is used to produce the original McDonalds french fry, along with Country Style Potatoes for all Russian franchises. Additionally, the McDonalds interior will stay the same while any trace of the old brands name will be removed. McFlurries, basic ice cream cones, and syrupy Sundaes might be the most popular items on the dessert menu in the United States, but those treats are far too simple for the Russian palate. Additional flavors include chocolate-caramel and chocolate-strawberry. [8] By 1997, there were 21 locations of the Russian chain. She graduated from Baruch College - the City University of New York - with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology (minors in English and Journalism). More than 800 of these restaurants went on the The next data about the assortment of the new McDonalds in Russia and the names of dishes were revealed in the network. Unfortunately, it now seems the logo will be the closest diners will be able to get toVkusno & tochka's fries because the rebranded chain has been forced to take the popular salty, crunchy treat off its menu, at least for now. Instead of the Big Mac, there is the Grandee (link in Russian). [16], On 1 December 2022, the last 9 McDonald's restaurants at train stations and airports in St. Petersburg and Moscow closed. If youre looking for something unique and refreshing to quench your thirst, try the Mojito Italiano. The ice cream (84 rubles, or $1.53) now comes in smaller cups than it used to. According to the Potato Union, there is currently no need to import french fries.". On Sunday, the doors of yellow arches reopened but under a new name and a new owner. All prepared according to the usual recipe and from Russian ingredients, just Goldenly fried on the outside with an interesting preference for 1000 island dressing as a sauce over the traditional tartar. March 14, 2022 at 5:27 p.m. Two months after the Berlin Wall fell, another powerful symbol opened its doors in the middle of Moscow: a gleaming new McDonalds. The first of former McDonalds restaurants is reopened with new branding in Moscow. Since 2015, he has been a McDonalds franchisee with 25 restaurants in Siberia. Another 200 will open by the end of this month while the entire 850 stores will be operating by the end of the summer, per Reuters. This exclusive comes with a minced beef and pork patty between two slices of mature cheese, sweet peppers, and grilled fresh salad on a soft potato bun. The Big Mac is the story of McDonalds. So, next time youre traveling, it might be wise not to deny a McDonalds meal right away. When Vkusno & tochka ("Tasty and That's It") the successor to McDonald's in Russia first unveiled its new logo, the red circle followed by two plump orange lines were described by media outlets like BBC as "a burger and two French fries." McDonalds priorities include seeking to ensure the employees of McDonalds Russia continue to be paid until the close of any transaction and that employees have future employment with any potential buyer. Sophistication, rich flavor, and texture are the essence of the dessert menu in Russia with the exclusive Belgian Chocolate Mousse. What took its place were two slanted yellow lines and a red dot, forming an M shape, within a green circle. [13] McDonald's has a 15-year option to buy its former restaurants back from Vkusno i tochka. McDonald's is exiting Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, pulling out of a market it's been a part of for 32 years. The new name is still not disclosed. One of the most notable changes is the packaging of all products, which is now plain white, or white with just a pop of color and the product's name. And our commitment to our values means that we can no longer keep the Arches shining there.. Loosen up your belt if you plan to indulge in Russias Grill Gourmet burger. For 188 rubles, the Panini Tuscany comes loaded with not one, but two juicy, grilled beef steaks, fresh slices of tomatoes, creamy Emmental cheese, crisp arugula, and raw onions. You may not even be tempted to indulge in what the fast-food chain has to offer while exploring a new country and culture, but it certainly can be worth your while. The rebranded McDonald's in Russia sold a record 120,000 burgers on its opening day, its CEO said. Moscow. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. When Vkusno & tochka ("Tasty and That's It") the successor to McDonald's in Russia first unveiled its new logo, the red circle followed by two plump orange lines were described by media outlets like BBC as "a burger and two French fries." Guys, figure it out over there, there is no need to poison people. Sid & Marty Krofft Television Productions Inc. v. 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On 18 March, it was reported that McDonald's remained unable to close some locations in airports or transit stations. Forget about the failed Might Kids Wings McDonalds tried to sell back in 2014. The bun and cheese are clearly identical to the original version - McDonald's was using 85% locally produced ingredients - but the meat patty seems slightly less salty, making that first bite a little less exciting. All Rights Reserved, Russia has rebranded its McDonalds and eliminated Big Macs, McDonalds adds a Taco Bell favorite to the menu, The 2023 Utah Legislature has wrapped. The restaurants do not offer replacements for the Big Mac[20] or the Happy Meal,[21] but otherwise are intended to be identical. The place that had represented Russia's openness to the West now underscored its sudden isolation. Theres no telling when or if McDonalds will resume its operations in Russia and Ukraine, but the company is taking a hit to its bottom line. [10][11] A BBC reporter who attended the closing said that it was "hugely symbolic," as the first store's opening was "when iron curtains were crumbling & Russia was embracing the West. But the venue was so symbolic that when a Russian investor reopened it earlier this month, promising to serve food that was "the same, but better," people lined up again. Grab six pieces for 191 rubles, or nine pieces for 271. However, the burgers on sale at Vkusno & tochka contain the same ingredients and are made with the same equipment as was the case under the McDonald's brand, Alexander Merkulov, Vkusno & tochka's quality manager, said, per Reuters. But the name isnt the only thing thats different. Yeah, the combo is definitely the way to go. The move comes after it temporarily closed its 850 outlets in March. All but 2% of the chains ingredients are sourced within Russia, reported Reuters. No matter where in the world you travel, you can be guaranteed one thing - theres a McDonalds waiting to greet you. Here's what's on the menu at Vkusno & tochka. Its served with a garlic-lemon sauce and herbs that give it a unique, upscale flavor for a most eloquent McDonalds burger. As a result of its exit from Russia, the Company expects to record a charge, which is primarily non-cash, of approximately $1.2-1.4 billion to write off its net investment in the market and recognize significant foreign currency translation losses previously recorded in shareholders equity. Russian users on the social media site Telegram have been sharing images of moldy burger buns and expired sauce packets. Patent filings showed "Fun and Tasty" and "The Same One" as potential brand names for the firm taking over. This document contains forward-looking statements about future events and circumstances. McDonald's of Canada president George Cohon aimed to try the market again, and was allowed to lead the project by the parent company. CHICAGO, May 16, 2022 After more than 30 years of operations in the country, McDonalds Corporation announced it will exit the Russian market and has initiated a process to sell its Russian business. McCaf Bakery. Now other colors are used, and the design has become minimalistic. The 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow was to be open to Western tourists, but the city had no fast food establishments to serve visitors. ", The chain says it has since found and pulled the expired sauce packets, while the bun supplier has said it is trying to get to the bottom of the problem, which could involve distribution. Mcdonald's itself has had problems meeting French fry demand in other countries, including Japan, Earlier this year the chain had to stop selling medium and large fries for nearly a month at its 2,900 Japanese restaurants, per Japan Times. McDonalds, a global fast-food giant, announced on May 11 that its leaving Russia amid the invasion of Ukraine.