McDonald's will buy the 30-year-old Israeli franchise from Aronyar, taking back ownership of 225 restaurants in the country that employ more than 5,000 people, the companies announced Thursday.
The U.S. fast food chain has been the target of boycotts and protests since Aronyar announced it would donate free meals to Israeli troops shortly after the Oct. 7 attack by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas.
Although McDonald's is a global chain, its franchises are often locally owned and autonomously operated.
CEO Chris Kempczinski said in January that the conflict between Israel and Hamas had a “significant impact” on the company's operations in several Middle Eastern markets and some markets outside the region. He said there was.
“McDonald's remains focused on the Israeli market and continues to ensure a positive experience for our employees and customers in the market,” Joe Sempers, President of International Development License Markets, said Thursday.
Once the transaction closes in the coming months, McDonald's will own the Aronñal restaurants and businesses while retaining its employees, said Aronñal CEO and owner Omri Padan.
The companies did not disclose the terms of the transaction.
Starbucks, another major Western fast-food chain, is also being boycotted due to its pro-Israel stance and alleged financial ties to Israel.
Reuters also reported that McDonald's in Scotland is not posting a customer notice celebrating the killing of thousands of civilians in the Gaza Strip by Israeli forces. This was hinted at in a social media post sharing a photo of a poster with that message and the company's logo on it.
The notice was created by a group of activists and posted at McDonald's stores across Glasgow. Palestinian Scottish Arts Workers did not respond to Reuters' requests for comment.
The image on the poster shows a yellow McDonald's with the words: “We are proud that McDonald's is providing free meals to Israeli troops, especially while the rest of Gaza is starving.” logo is displayed. we don't care at all. ”
McDonald's told Reuters the poster was not authentic, adding: “We deplore the disinformation and inaccurate reporting regarding our position on the conflict in the Middle East.” McDonald's does not provide funding or support to any government involved in this conflict. ”
Parent company McDonald's Corporation distanced itself from its Israeli subsidiary's move to provide free meals to Israeli troops, insisting the decision was made independently by local franchisees.
