In response to the closure of McDonald’s restaurants within the country, Russia could replace the American brand with the new chain Uncle Vanya’s, whose logo is curiously similar to the popular golden arch.
This one is formed by a golden Cyrillic “B”, which represents the “V” of “Vanya”, on a red background, giving the impression that the iconic “M” of McDonald’s has simply made a quarter rotation to the right. In the patent application filed on March 12, we can also read the full name in white at the bottom of the logo.
On March 8, the American fast food chain McDonald’s announced on its platforms the closure of its 850 branches in Russia in support of Ukraine, 32 years after breaking communist isolationism with a first restaurant.
“Our values mean that we cannot ignore the unnecessary human suffering taking place in Ukraine. […] McDonald’s has decided to temporarily close all of our restaurants in Russia and suspend all market operations,” reads the statement that was previously emailed to affected employees.
Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin replied a few days later: “Good, but tomorrow it won’t be McDonald’s, but Uncle Vanya’s! »
The day after the announcement, the media outlet Mediavenir published a video on Twitter where hundreds of Russian citizens line up to savor what will undoubtedly be their last hamburger from the American brand for some time, McDonald’s obviously not having reopening date announced.
The news didn’t sit well with everyone, so one citizen, Luka Zatravkin, handcuffed himself to the door of Moscow’s McDonald’s in protest of the closure. He was then reportedly taken to the police station.
The new Russian restaurant chain promises 100% local products to support the country’s economy, which has been badly shaken in recent weeks by the economic sanctions imposed internationally against Russia.
McDonald’s, for its part, has pledged to continue paying salaries to its 62,000 Russian employees, while the company is already offering its assistance in Poland to welcome refugees. The company also said that in addition to fully compensating its Ukrainian employees, it would donate $5 million to its employee relief fund.