At this point, the list of U.S. and European companies that have ceased all operations in Russia is almost too long to print. The big names in retail are out. The big names in technology are out. Automakers are out. Airlines are out. And naturally financial firms are all the way gone — including accounting firm Accenture, which waved bye to 2,300 Russian employees earlier this week.
But not everyone is out. KFC and McDonald’s have nearly 1,900 outlets still operating across Russia. While those fast food providers seem to be worried about becoming targets of anti-American sentiment in Russia, they don’t seem to be interested in closing their doors. They’re not alone. As of Friday morning, Burger King, Subway, Papa John’s, and Domino’s were also continuing to operate outlets in Russia.
McDonald's alone raked in $2.1 billion in Russia and Ukraine last year, accounting for 9% of total revenue. The one thing McDonald’s doesn’t seem to be doing, is thinking about depriving Moscow of Big Macs.
Not only are Russians not currently any sanction on greasy calories (though it would be interesting to check on pizza prices at the moment), they’re also getting plenty to wash it down with. That’s because Coca-Cola is also among the companies still operating at full speed in Russia. Even though Republican Gov. Brian Kemp announced that Georgia would join other states in divesting from Russia, Atlanta’s favorite caramel-colored syrup keeps pumping.
If you’re thinking maybe your family should switch to the other guys, know that Pepsi is there, too. And you can’t escape by moving to the caffeinated hard stuff, Starbuck’s is also still serving up lattes to folks hurrying to keep their appointment at the other end of Vladimir Putin’s 40-foot table. No word on any special flavors they may be providing.
Friday, Mar 4, 2022 · 8:16:37 PM +00:00 · Mark Sumner
Reports out of Kyiv, where it’s now just after 10PM, indicated that it’s been a pretty quiet evening, with less sounds of fighting or shelling in the western suburbs and fewer planes flying over. Take it as a good sign unless proven otherwise.
The people of Ukraine need your help. Over a million refugees have already fled Putin’s invasion, and the situation is only getting worse. If you can, please donate to these charities helping the Ukrainian people in this desperate hour.