McDonald’s has reopened in Russia under a new “tasty” name with a transformed logo, as Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine continues.
Today, fifteen branches in and around Moscow reopened its doors under new ownership with the new name ‘Vkusno & tochka’ which translates as “Tasty and that’s it”.
Alongside the new name, the restaurants received a brand new logo from its new Russian owner which features a circle with two lines depicting a burger and French fries.
This came after the fast food giant followed the exodus of western countries leaving Russia after its invasion of Ukraine, before it was taken over.
Businessman Alexander Govor, who already owned 25 restaurants in Siberia, agreed to buy out every single one of Russia’s 847 McDonald outlets after the chain pulled out.
Under new ownership, he promised to keep all of the 62,000 employees on equivalent terms for at least two years.
Huge queues turned out today at the flagship store in Moscow, the first to open in Russia 30 years ago.
Policeman patrolled the bustling crowds while families inside dug into their meals, the Daily Telegraph reported.
Reuters were told that the equipment and burger ingredients used were identical to that which McDonald used.
But it isn't clear if the recipes are the same.
In a sign of how fast the new owners were trying to reopen, the packaging for much of the food was plain white, and drinks cups and takeaway bags were plain brown.
The old McDonald's logo on packets of ketchup and other sauces were covered up with black markings.
Chief executive Oleg Paroev said: "Our goal is that our guests do not notice a difference either in quality or ambience," Sky News reported.
Instead of tucking into a Big Mac, guests enjoyed the alternative 'Grandee' or 'Chicken Premier' or the 'Fish burger'.
But not everyone was loving it and one man was kicked out the press conference after he held up a sign saying: "Bring back the Big Mac."
Mr Paroev went on to say that prices would remain “affordable” amid unstable economic times in Russia.
But he could not guarantee that prices wouldn’t rise in the near future.
The owner is still in search of a soft drinks supplier after Coca-Cola left Russia earlier this year.
The Daily Mail reported diner Sergei, 15, said: "The cola is different, but there really is no change to the burger.
"The taste has stayed the same."
As things stand, around 200 branches will reopen by the end of June, and all 847 by the end of summer, the boss has claimed.
It is reported that this reopening could be used as a litmus test for whether Russia’s economy can stand resilient against western sanctions.
When the first ever McDonald’s outlet opened in Moscow three decades ago it was seen as symbolic of thawing relations between the then USSR and the west.
