Russian chain Vkusno i Tochka will not replace McDonald's in Kazakhstan - Food Solutions KZ CEO

ALMATY. Jan 10 (Interfax) - McDonald's fast food restaurants in Kazakhstan operated by Food Solutions KZ LLP will not be replaced by the Russian chain Vkusno i Tochka, Food Solutions KZ CEO Asset Mashanov said.

"Vkusno i Tochka is a Russian chain, it will not be called so here unless it becomes a Russian chain. We don't consider this issue that it will be a Russian chain," Mashanov told journalists on the sidelines of a trial over the case of businessman Kairat Boranbayev.

"We are now developing a local brand. Our task now is to resume the operation of restaurants under a new brand. Perhaps now without any brand, later - under a new brand. Because we keep about 2,000 jobs. We continue to pay all wages, we fulfill terms. It is necessary to resume operations so that all this continues. This is the main task," Mashanov said.

"And then the development of local suppliers. And whether it will prompt the return of the brand [McDonald's] I can't say now, because I don't decide this at my level. Possibly if they make sure that the terms are met, some geopolitical issues will be resolved, we do not exclude such an option, but we cannot decide for them," Mashanov said.

The first McDonald's restaurant in Kazakhstan opened in 2016.

All McDonald's restaurants in Kazakhstan have been shut down temporarily since November 18 last year due to local supply constraints. The situation is further complicated by the fate of a McDonald's franchisee, Kairat Boranbayev, arrested last March for suspected embezzlement. On January 5 the company announced that fast food restaurants operated by Food Solutions KZ LLP will no longer operate under the McDonald's brand.

Food Solutions KZ has operated in the country for over six years. The company has 24 McDonald's restaurants in Almaty, Astana, Atyrau, Aktobe, Kostanai and Karaganda, and employs around 2,000 staff.