McDonald’s will buy the 30-year-old Israeli franchise from Aronyar, taking back ownership of 225 restaurants in the country that employ more than 5,000 people, the companies announced Thursday.
The fast-food chain has been the target of boycotts and protests since Aronyar announced it would donate free meals to Israeli troops shortly after the Oct. 7 attack by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas.
Although McDonald’s is a global chain, its franchises are often locally owned and autonomously operated.
CEO Chris Kempczinski said in January that the conflict between Israel and Hamas had caused a “significant impact” on the company in several markets in the Middle East and some markets outside the region. He said that
“McDonald’s remains focused on the Israeli market and remains committed to ensuring a positive employee and customer experience in the market,” Joe Sempers, president of international development license markets, said Thursday. .
Omri Padan, CEO and owner of Aronyar, said that after the transaction closes in the coming months, McDonald’s will own the Aronyal restaurant and business while retaining its employees.
The companies did not disclose the terms of the transaction.
Another major Western fast-food chain, Starbucks, is also being boycotted due to its pro-Israel stance and alleged financial ties to Israel.
