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McDonald's to open first restaurant in Kazakhstan

McDonald's Corporation will open its first restaurant in Kazakhstan in Astana.

March 7, 2016

McDonald's Corporation is opening its first restaurant in Kazakhstan in Astana. Kazakhstan will mark the 120th country where McDonald's restaurants are located. The restaurant will be owned and operated by local businessman Kairat Boranbayev, who is a current McDonald's franchisee in Belarus, according to a company press release.

The first restaurant to open in Astana will span 9,000 square feet and offer more than 200 seats. The restaurant will include a drive-thru and self-order kiosks.

"We're proud to bring McDonald's to Kazakhstan," said Steve Easterbrook, McDonald's president and CEO. "We look forward to becoming a part of the local culture and delivering a modern and progressive restaurant experience as we continue to grow our Brand internationally."

A second restaurant is expected to open in Almaty later in 2016, which is part of a plan to open approximately 15 additional restaurants in the country over the next five years, the release stated.

"We're pleased to partner with our franchisee Kairat to make McDonald's a welcoming destination for the millions of Kazakh people," said Khamzat Khasbulatov, McDonald's Russia president. "Kairat has a diverse business background and a proven track record of running successful business ventures in his home country as well as our restaurants in Belarus."

Boranbayev is CEO of Kazakhstan's largest holding group, Almaly Asset Management Company. Operations in Kazakhstan will be run by Managing Director Alexey Fillipenko, who previously worked for McDonald's Russia.

"I have a huge amount of passion for McDonald's, which is one of the most recognizable brands in the world and I am proud to be a partner in the brand development within my home country," Boranbayev said. "This opening will create new jobs and bring the experience of quality food and unparalleled convenience in a modern and comfortable environment for our customers."