Tel Aviv, Israel – The franchisee of 225 McDonald’s restaurants in Israel has made the decision to sell them back to the corporation, as announced on Thursday. Alonyal Limited, the owner and operator of the McDonald’s restaurants in Israel, has been a proud contributor to the Golden Arches presence in the country for over 30 years. CEO Omri Padan expressed gratitude towards the management, employees, suppliers, and customers for their support, which has helped the brand become the leading and most successful restaurant chain in Israel.
The decision comes after the company faced widespread boycotts due to its donation of meals to the Israeli military. This action led to tensions in the region, with other American brands like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Starbucks also experiencing similar backlash, particularly in places like Jordan, which has a significant Palestinian population.
McDonald’s has stated that the employees at Alonyal Limited’s restaurants, numbering over 5,000, will have the opportunity to retain their positions amidst the transition. Jo Sempels, President of International Developmental Licensed Markets at McDonald’s Corporation, expressed appreciation for Alonyal Limited’s contribution to building the McDonald’s business and brand in Israel over the past three decades. McDonald’s reaffirmed its commitment to the Israeli market and emphasized its dedication to maintaining a positive experience for employees and customers moving forward.