McDonald’s franchises in Middle East at odds over Israel-Hamas war
Al JazeeraOct 08, 2023
McDonald's Buys Back Israeli Franchise Restaurants After Boycotts
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The Facts
McDonald's will buy back all 225 of its Alonyal franchise restaurants in Israel, following the boycotts and disruption its business has faced amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Without revealing the terms of its deal with Alonyal, the US fast food chain said that its restaurants, operations, and employees in Israel will be retained "on equivalent terms."
The Spin
Narrative A
McDonald's repurchasing of its Israeli branches will restore trust and control over its brand. This is a strategic, long-term decision aligned with McDonald's values. The company is signaling a commitment to ethical business practices globally, focusing on consistency and trust. This action also reflects a broader trend in the industry towards stricter franchisee guidelines, highlighting the importance of upholding brand values.
Narrative B
McDonald's decision to buy back its franchise restaurants in Israel is not without its risks. The move also raises questions about the restoration of its brand's reputation globally and its potential implications for future franchise dealings. It also brings to light Alonyal and its CEO Omri Padan, who have been involved in past controversies. These controversies could potentially impact McDonald's brand image and future business decisions.