Burger King Denies Rumors Of Russian Entry
Burger King on Friday categorically denied a report that it had signed a franchising deal in Russia.
While the fast food chain has been actively working to enter the Russian market for some time, no agreements have been concluded, Brian Johnston, Burger King’s senior director of development for Eastern Europe and emerging markets, told The St. Petersburg Times.
Kommersant had reported that Mikhail Bazhenov, a co-owner of St. Petersburg-based Adamant Holdings, was to open the country’s first Burger King outlet, citing an industry source.
Rumors of a deal with Bazhenov are “a complete fabrication,” Johnston said.
He said Burger King’s entry into Russia would involve “multiple partners” and likely follow the development model used in the Czech Republic, where the company began opening restaurants in November.
“We are aiming to work with local entrepreneurs that are successful and can continue to be successful with the added value of a global brand,” he said.
