For many Belarusians, McDonald’s in Belarus was more than a fast-food restaurant; it symbolised a new era after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Its arrival brought one of the world’s biggest Western brands to Belarus, introducing higher standards of customer service, consistent food quality, and a modern dining experience.
Over time, McDonald’s became part of everyday life, serving as a popular destination for weekend family outings, birthdays, and special treats. For many people, it represented Belarus’s growing connection to the wider world.
When McDonald’s left Belarus in 2022, many customers were disappointed to lose the iconic brand. However, the transition was eased by Mak.by, which took over the restaurants and continued serving many of the same burgers, fries, and other familiar menu items.
Introducing McDonald’s to Post-Soviet Belarus
Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union on 26 December 1991, Belarus became an independent nation. Compared with many of its post-Soviet neighbours, however, it was slower to embrace Western companies and consumer culture.
McDonald’s became the first major Western brand to establish a significant presence in Belarus, opening its first restaurant in Minsk in 1996. The launch also made Belarus the 100th country to welcome the American fast-food giant, marking an important milestone in the company’s global expansion.
Unlike many other former Soviet republics, Belarus retained much of its Soviet-era identity. Soviet monuments, mosaics, and architecture remain prominent across the country. A striking example is the iconic KFC restaurant in central Minsk, where the familiar capitalist Colonel’s crispy fried chicken sells beneath the communist Solidarity bas-relief.
Growth and Expansion of McDonald’s in Belarus
McDonald’s in Belarus steadily expanded, growing from a single restaurant in Minsk in 1996 to 25 locations over the next 26 years (refer to the map of Belarus). One of the key reasons for its success was consistency. Customers knew exactly what to expect, whether they visited a restaurant in Minsk or Gomel. The menu, food quality, and service were standardised, helping build trust in the brand.
Customer service also sets McDonald’s apart. Employees were trained to be friendly, welcoming, and efficient, an approach that contrasted with the service many people had experienced in the post-Soviet era. Although McDonald’s wasn’t the cheapest place to eat, it remained affordable enough for many families and became closely associated with birthdays, weekend outings, and special occasions. By the time the brand left Belarus in 2022, it had become one of the country’s best-known restaurant chains.
Why Did McDonald’s Leave Belarus?
McDonald’s departure from Belarus was not due to poor business performance. Instead, it was closely linked to the company’s withdrawal from Russia following the special military operation in Ukraine in 2022. McDonald’s said the humanitarian crisis caused by the invasion and the operating environment were no longer consistent with its values. It’s also worth noting that McDonald’s did not withdraw from markets such as the United States during the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan or Libya.
The Belarusian restaurants depended significantly on the Russian McDonald’s supply chain; the company’s exit from Russia also affected operations in Belarus. In November 2022, McDonald’s announced that its brand would no longer operate in the country. The restaurants continued operating under temporary branding before being officially rebranded as Mak.by in April 2023, while retaining many of the same menu items and staff.
What Replaced McDonald’s in Belarus?
The reality is that McDonald’s was a successful business in Belarus. Rather than allowing geopolitics to close its restaurants, a smooth transition took place, with all 25 locations, much of the same staff, and many familiar menu items continuing under a new brand.
Mak.by is operated by KSB Victory Restaurants, the Belarusian company that previously held the McDonald’s licence in the country. On 18 April 2023, all former McDonald’s restaurants officially reopened as Mak.by. One positive outcome of the rebrand has been the localization of its supply chain, with more than 90% of ingredients now sourced from Belarusian suppliers.
Can You Still Try McDonald’s in Belarus?
The American fast-food giant has now left Belarus. In its place is Mak.by, a Belarusian continuation of the former McDonald’s restaurants. While the branding has changed, much of the experience remains familiar. Many menu items are similar, and the taste is often described as close to what customers remember from McDonald’s.
Some group members even note small differences in items like the cheese on the Big Mac (Double Big Burger), which can spark discussion during tours to Belarus. This may be linked to the fact that over 90% of ingredients are now locally sourced, reflecting Mak.by’s highly domestic supply chain.
If you’re interested in Soviet history, architecture, and experiencing a side of Europe unlike anywhere else, Belarus is well worth visiting. And while you’re there, try out the Belarusian McDonald’s on our Soviet Belarus Winter Tour.
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