News

After many hurdles, McDonald’s opens unit in Bosnia

July 19, 2011

A McDonald's restaurant opened this week in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the first since the Bosnian War ended 16 years ago.

McDonald's has been trying to break into the Balkan market since 1995, when the three-year war ended. The U.S. embassy jumped on board, claiming a need for a large foreign investment to help restore the region.

However, according to FT.com, the QSR giant had to endure political interference and strict local regulations before finally getting the green light. There were also attempts from local lamb and beef vendors to block the opening.

McDonald's has abided by rigid Bosnian requirements, including the issuance of two development licenses. The local partners include Sarajevo-based Gliese 581g for the Bosniak and Croat Federation, and Belgrade-based Dreamfoods for ethnic Serb-dominated parts of Bosnia-Herzegovina.

A second unit is planned in Banja Luka, the Bosnian Serb capital, within the next few months.

From the story:

"We are pleased to bring McDonald's to new customers in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Our Developmental Licensees are well placed to provide an outstanding restaurant experience and long term sustainable benefits for local staff, suppliers and the McDonald's brand. While a few Mc-Sceptics (both ethnic Serb and Bosniak) grumbled about the steady march of globalization, most citizens appeared to welcome the arrival of the U.S. restaurant chain," said Steve Easterbrook, president of McDonald's Europe.