MCDONALD'S

A roundup of key developments and the latest in-depth coverage of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Fast-food giant says existing licensee will purchase and run 850 restaurants under a different name.

McDonald's said Thursday it has struck a deal to sell its Russian business to its current licensee in the market, Alexander Govor.

He even left a 25% tip

A North Wales Police detective says she has to borrow money from her mother at the end of the month.

A roundup of key developments and the latest in-depth coverage of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Two months after the Berlin Wall fell, another powerful symbol opened its doors in the middle of Moscow: a gleaming new McDonald’s.

More than three decades after it became the first American fast food restaurant to open...

In 1990, the Big Mac's arrival in Moscow signaled a new era. Now McDonald's is tearing down the golden arches and writing off its investment in Russia.

The Ukraine war means operating in Russia is no longer "consistent with McDonald's values", the firm says.

McDonald's said Monday that it would sell its business in Russia, a little more than two months after it paused operations in the country due to its invasion of Ukraine. "The humanitarian crisis caused by the war in Ukraine, and the precipitating unpredictable operating environment, have led McDonald's to conclude that continued ownership of the business in Russia is no longer tenable, nor is it consistent with McDonald's values," the company said in a news release. McDonald's has more than 800 restaurants and 62,000 employees in Russia. McDonald's exit from Russia is a bitter end to an era. The company, among the most recognizable symbols of American capitalism, opened its first restaurant in Russia over 30 years ago as the communist Soviet regime was falling apart and Western businesses and ideas infiltrated the Iron Curtain.

McDonald's is rolling out a new grading system for its restaurants and tensions are boiling over for some owner-operators.

They also found two grease-soaked burger wrappers featuring Speedee, McDonald's mascot before the now-iconic clown Ronald McDonald.

McDonald's last month announced it would be temporarily closing all 850 of its locations in Russia.

McDonald's and its franchisees have been raising prices in the U.S. as oil and other commodity costs soar.

Carl Icahn is engaged in animal-welfare battles with McDonald's and Kroger to push them to require U.S. suppliers to move to "crate-free" pork.

The "Fast Money" traders take a look at winners and losers as the dollar jumps to two year highs.

More than 90% of workers at Dollar General earn below $15 an hour, according to survey from economic think tank.

Companies like H&M Group, Disney, and IKEA have suspended operations in Russia, leaving a trail of closed stores and empty shelves.

A man shot and killed by San Antonio police officers last month as they attempted to arrest him on felony warrants had posed with multiple handguns on social media hours before the fatal encounter.

The billionaire activist investor takes his fight over the treatment of pigs to the nation's biggest grocery chain.

Carl Icahn is expanding his animal-welfare campaign to the nation's largest supermarket chain, Kroger Co.

An investigation by Consumer Reports found some level of indicators of PFAS in packaging from 24 different restaurant chains.

Burger King's franchising agreement means it doesn't have unilateral control of Russian operations.

Although public pressure is building on major businesses to exit the country, a number of prominent players remain.

As China tackles its worst Covid-19 outbreak since early 2020, consumption looks set to be hit the hardest while factories find ways to keep producing.

Although public pressure is building on major businesses to exit the country, a number of prominent players remain.

Ask any Texan and they'd say it's the other way around.

Although public pressure is building on major businesses to exit the country, a number of prominent players remain.

Although public pressure is building on major businesses to exit the country, a number of prominent players remain.

One source told The Wall Street Journal that some companies had already transferred their executives out of Russia in response to the threats.

After the chain pulled out of the country, some Russians have started selling McDonald's items at inflated prices on the website Avito.

We're filling our lives with so much junk that the U.S. now has more self-storage facilities than McDonald's, Wendy's, Burger Kings, Starbucks and Walmarts combined. That's around 50,000 storage complexes.Why it matters: We're overstuffed. And all that stuff often brings a lot more stress than joy. Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free.The big picture: Never in history have so many things been affordable for so many. Never in history has it been easier to swi

Global companies are exiting Russia after the country's invasion of Ukraine. For some observers, it marks the return of Russia to a time when it was closed off from the global economy.

Although public pressure is building on major businesses to exit the country, a number of prominent players remain.

Although public pressure is building on major businesses to exit the country, a number of prominent players remain.

Police say the suspect struck two homes within 10 minutes earlier this month.

McDonald's expects that its Russian shutdown will cost the fast-food giant roughly $50 million a month.

World's largest beverage companies join McDonald's in stopping short of direct condemnation of Moscow for invasion.

World's largest fast-food chain had faced boycott calls over its continuing to run 850 restaurants in Russia.

McDonald's, Starbucks, Coca-Cola and Pepsi suspended business in Russia over the war in Ukraine.

The "golden arches" arrived in Moscow in 1990, and became an iconic symbol of American capitalism as the Soviet Union fell.

World's largest beverage companies join McDonald's in stopping short of direct condemnation of Moscow for invasion.

PepsiCo, Coca-Cola and Starbucks said Tuesday they were suspending business in Russia after that country's invasion of Ukraine, joining McDonald's and a host of other U.S. corporations. "Our hearts are with the people who are enduring unconscionable effects from these tragic events in Ukraine," Coke said in a brief statement Tuesday afternoon. Like McDonald's, Coke had been under pressure to stop operating in Russia in recent days. Pepsi, on the other hand, is not halting all of its Russian business. Starbucks went further than McDonald's, saying all Russian business activity is suspended, including shipment of its products.

Starbucks is suspending all business activity in Russia nearly two weeks after Kremlin forces attacked Ukraine.

McDonald's is temporarily closing its 850 locations in Russia, in one of the most symbolic exits by a global corporation from the country in protest over the invasion of Ukraine.

World's largest fast-food chain had faced boycott calls over its continuing to run 850 restaurants in Russia.

McDonald's will temporarily close 850 locations in Russia, nearly two weeks after Russian forces invaded Ukraine. The company had taken heat for staying silent on the war.

U.S. fast-food chains have limited exposure to Russia and Ukraine, but McDonald's is under the most pressure, according to Bank of America Securities.

McDonald's is alleged to have said that Kytch's devices posed a safety threat and could lead to "serious human injury."

The New York state comptroller, Thomas DiNapoli, wrote a letter to several corporations urging them to sever business ties in Russia.

Donald Trump said his relationship with Tom Brady began to sour after the NFL star started following his strict diet, according to a new book.

An activist investor is trying to make McDonald’s change the way it buys pork for its bacon cheeseburgers and sausage patties.

The former Chicago police officer who was convicted in the shooting death of Black teenager Laquan McDonald has been released from prison after serving less than half of his sentence.

The imminent release from prison of the former Chicago police officer who shot Laquan McDonald 16 times in 2014, killing the Black teenager, is a reminder for some of what they say is an unfair criminal justice system.

California’s more than half-million fast food workers would get increased power and protections under a first-in-the-nation measure approved by the state Assembly.

McDonald’s ended 2021 on a high note, with U.S. customers spending more and fewer restaurant closures in Europe.

Former McDonald’s CEO Steve Easterbrook has paid back more than $105 million in equity awards and cash to the burger giant after it learned that he had lied about the extent of his misconduct while he was its top executive.

McDonald’s has reported stronger-than-expected sales in the third quarter, boosted by larger orders and higher prices on the menu.

The fatal police shooting of a Black teen in Chicago seven years ago is looming large over former Mayor Rahm Emanuel as he hopes to win Senate confirmation as ambassador to Japan.

McDonald’s wants to say “thank you” to educators across the United States with free breakfast.

McDonald’s will begin selling a vegan burger in the United Kingdom and Ireland this month.

McDonald’s says it has pulled milkshakes from the menu in all 1,250 of its British restaurants because of supply problems stemming from a shortage of truck drivers.

It’s back to school for most Texas educators and McDonald’s is showing support with a free breakfast offer.

McDonald’s posted better-than-expected sales in the second quarter as dining rooms reopened and new products like the Crispy Chicken Sandwich drew customers.

“Gone Girl” and “Cocktail” actor Lisa Banes remains hospitalized in critical condition after being injured in a hit-and-run accident in New York City.

Animal rights protesters are blockading four McDonald’s distribution centers in the U.K. in an attempt to get the burger chain to commit to becoming fully plant-based by 2025.

U.S. restaurants and stores are rapidly raising pay in an urgent effort to attract more applicants and keep up with a flood of customers as the pandemic eases.

McDonald’s is raising pay at 650 company-owned stores in the U.S. as part of its push to hire thousands of new workers in a tight labor market.

The bounce back for McDonald’s as restrictions were lifted across the U.S. was so strong in the first quarter that the company surpassed sales during the same period even in 2019, long before the pandemic broadsided the country.

The number of Americans applying for unemployment aid fell last week to 547,000, a new low since the pandemic struck and a further encouraging sign that layoffs are slowing on the strength of an improving job market.

McDonald’s will mandate worker training to combat harassment, discrimination and violence in its restaurants worldwide starting next year.

Beyond Meat on Thursday announced distribution agreements with McDonald's as well as with Yum Brands, the parent company of KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut. Beyond Meat had limited partnerships with McDonald's and Yum Brands before, testing its products in limited geographies or with only an item or two. Chicago-based McDonald's will use the Beyond Meat partnership to roll out what it is calling the “McPlant” burger, as well as eventually plant-based pork, egg and chicken products. AdYum will use Beyond Meat to expand its “Beyond Fried Chicken” products, as well as pizza toppings at Pizza Hut. Burger King has partnered with Impossible Foods to provide products that use plant-based products as well.

Washington, the Black owner of 14 McDonald's franchises in Ohio has sued the corporation in federal court asserting numerous instances of unfair treatment compared with white owners. “By relegating Black owners to the oldest stores in the toughest neighborhoods, McDonald’s ensured that Black franchisees would never achieve the levels of success that White franchisees could expect,” the lawsuit said. “Black franchisees must spend more to operate their stores while White franchisees get to realize the full benefit of their labors." He blames his advocacy on behalf of Black McDonald's owners for his troubles with the company. According to the lawsuit, the number of Black McDonald's franchise owners in the U.S. has fallen from 377 in 1998 to 186 today.

Racers crash during the last lap in the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 15, 2021, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Latest on the Daytona 500 (all times local):12:35 a.m.Brad Keselowski has no regrets about the way he handled the final lap of the Daytona 500. ___12:15 a.m.Michael McDowell won the Daytona 500 after Penske Racing teammates Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski wrecked on the final lap. ___3:25 p.m.Derrike Cope was knocked out after only three laps, an ignominious end for the 62-year-old driver who won the 1990 Daytona 500. ___2 p.m.Bubba Wallace’s car failed inspection twice for the Daytona 500 and will have to start at the back of the field. AdWallace drives a new entry owned by NBA great Michael Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin.

The iconic Shamrock Shake and Oreo Shamrock McFlurry are returning to McDonald’s Starting on Feb. 15, the company said on Tuesday. “For more than 50 years, fans have eagerly awaited the annual return of the Shamrock Shake, counting on the arrival of Shamrock Shake Season to mark the unofficial start to spring,” Schafer said. “And we heard they especially enjoyed getting a taste of the one-and-only Shamrock flavor in a new way last year with the OREO Shamrock McFlurry. Here’s how McDonald’s describes the treats:The Shamrock Shake features creamy, vanilla soft serve, blended with our unmistakable Shamrock Shake flavor and finished with a whipped topping for a delicious minty treat. The OREO® Shamrock McFlurry®, which first debuted on U.S. menus last Shamrock Shake Season and is back by popular demand, features creamy, vanilla soft serve with our Shamrock Shake flavor and OREO® cookie pieces blended throughout.

U.S. same-store sales jumped 5.5% in the October-December period, pumped up by new menu items like spicy Chicken McNuggets and a meal deal collaboration with Colombian singer J Balvin. For the full year, McDonald's said U.S. same-store sales __ or sales at stores open at least a year __ were up less than 1%, their sixth consecutive year of growth. But worldwide, same-store sales were down 1.3% for the quarter, reflecting store closures and limited operating hours in various markets across Europe, Latin America and Asia. For the full year, global same-store sales were down 7.7%, a bigger decline than the 7% drop Wall Street had forecast, according to analysts polled by FactSet. Earlier this week, Starbucks said its global same-store sales fell 5% in the October-December period.

This photo provided by McDonald's shows the McRib sandwich. McDonalds announced that it was bringing its barbeque slathered sandwich with the cult following back for yet another run on Dec. 2. (McDonald's via AP)NEW YORK – McRib, the fast food sandwich that went viral before viral was a thing will be back on the menu starting Wednesday. For the first time in eight years McDonald’s will be offering its barbeque slathered sandwich nationwide, but the restaurant is not disclosing just how long the cult favorite will remain on the menu. McDonald’s is reintroducing the McRib nationally as it tries to regain its footing during the pandemic, which left many of its dining rooms sparsely populated or empty, though drive-thrus continued to operate.

There is a lot that has changed about society over the past few decades, but one thing that has stayed constant is people’s love for fast food.

Travis Scott made headlines in September when he teamed up with McDonald’s to release a burger meal. But now it’s his ultra-rare action figure that has social media stirring because only five were ever made, according to the burger chain, and they’re selling for big bucks. StockX, a live-action bid-and-ask online marketplace, shows the lowest asking price for the action figure is $45,000 and the highest bid is $4,050. Scott sent the fan, Jonah DeToro, the figurine after DeToro posted to Twitter on Sept. 8 saying there was no better way to fight cancer than having a Travis Scott McDonald’s meal on his birthday. ❤️❤️ https://t.co/uBeKERSmdl — TRAVIS SCOTT (@trvisXX) September 9, 2020Related:

Beyond Meat's stock plummeted Monday after company executives struggled to explain the company's weaker-than-expected third quarter sales and answer questions about whether it will make plant-based burgers for McDonald's. On top of that, McDonald's raised questions earlier in the day about its relationship with Beyond Meat. McDonald's tested a Beyond Meat burger in Canada earlier this year, and Beyond Meat President and CEO Ethan Brown insisted that his company continues to work with McDonald's on the McPlant. Brown said U.S. retail sales of Beyond Meat slowed in the July-September period despite increased availability in stores. At the same time, Beyond Meat said sales to restaurants and other venues continue to struggle.

This photo provided by McDonald's shows the McRib sandwich. McDonalds announced that it was bringing its barbeque slathered sandwich with the cult following back for yet another run on Dec. 2. (McDonald's via AP)NEW YORK – McRib, the fast food sandwich that went viral before viral was a thing, is back. McDonald's announced Friday that for the first time in eight years it will be offering nationwide its barbeque slathered sandwich with the cult following. McDonald's is reintroducing the McRib nationally as it tries to regain its footing during the pandemic, which left many of its dining rooms sparsely populated or empty, though drive-thrus continued to operate.

But alas, while you may have gotten your Big Mac or McChicken, the ice cream machine is yet again broken, and your McFlurry dreams have been crushed. Not only are you upset, but so are the kids in the back seat who just wanted an ice cream cone. If only there was some way you could have known the ice cream machine was down, so you could have gone to a different McDonald’s with a working machine. A version of this scenario inspired 24-year-old software engineer Rashiq Zahid to created McBroken, a new website that tracks whether the ice cream machine at every McDonald’s is working or not. Only a true @McDonalds fan would go to these lengths to help customers get our delicious ice cream!

In contrast, at overseas McDonald’s locations, where drive-thru windows are less common, same-store sales dipped compared with a year ago. Domino's said its same-store sales overseas climbed 6.2% as stores in hard-hit markets like India and Spain reopened and more business migrated to delivery. Nearly all U.S. McDonald’s have drive-thru windows and its delivery business is rising. When combined with international sales, McDonald's same-store sales fell 2.2%. Still, that was significantly better than the second quarter, when same-store sales fell 24%.

SAN ANTONIO – McDonald’s is giving fans another celebrity meal following the Travis Scott meal’s success in September. This time, fans will get to experience the golden arches through the lens of Colombian reggaeton singer J Balvin. According to the company, the meal features a Big Mac sandwich, medium fries served with ketchup and an Oreo McFlurry. The meal will be available at participating restaurants from Oct. 5 to Nov. 1. Related: It’s lit: McDonald’s to introduce Travis Scott meal this month

SAN ANTONIO – McDonald’s announced they will be partnering with rapper Travis Scott to bring burger lovers a rager’s delight: A new burger meal available this month. Fans were first tipped off on the meal’s release with a singular tweet — a cactus and a burger from the company. It wasn’t long before fans were able to make the connection on social media. The rapper later confirmed the partnership on Twitter. To learn more about the meal, visit the McDonald’s website here.

An internal investigation by McDonalds of potential misconduct has extended beyond its former CEO who was forced out late last year. After Easterbrook was became McDonald's CEO in 2015 he named Fairhurst, a friend, to lead the human resource department. Yet in July, McDonalds received information from another company employee suggesting that Easterbrook had multiple affairs with subordinates. The same person also told the company about issues within the human resources department. McDonalds named Heidi Capozzi, who had worked for Boeing, as human resources chief in March.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistribu)SAN ANTONIO – McDonald’s is giving out free meals to those that are working to help clean up downtown San Antonio following Saturday night’s protests. McDonald’s San Antonio took to Facebook, saying anyone that is helping with the cleanup is welcome to a free meal. RELATED:At least six arrested as protests turn to destruction in downtown San AntonioSan Antonians, city crews clean up downtown destruction caused by ‘bad actors’Gov. Abbott declares State of Disaster for all Texas counties after protestsPeaceful protest over George Floyd’s death erupts into violence in downtown San Antonio‘The protest... is over. This is something different:’ Mayor Nirenberg on San Antonio protest

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistribu)SAN ANTONIO – McDonald’s is giving free Thank You Meals to first responders and healthcare workers across the U.S., including San Antonio, through May 5. We hope you will drop by one of our restaurants soon so that we can serve you,” said San Antonio McDonald’s owner Carlos Rodriguez. Meal options include:BreakfastA choice of an Egg McMuffin, Chicken McGriddles or a bacon, egg and cheese biscuit. There is a limit of one free meal, per person, per day. The first case confirmed in the U.S. was in mid-January and the first case confirmed in San Antonio was in mid-February.

Ever been so hungry for McDonald's you could smell it? The fast food chain is making a six-pack of scented candles that will smell like your favorite Quarter Pounder ingredients -- a bun, ketchup, pickles, cheese, onion and beef, it announced. And that's not all -- McDonald's also released a line of merchandise that includes mittens, calendars, lockets, T-shirts, stickers and pins, all for its biggest Quarter Pounder fanatics. The items are available for purchase on the McDonald's fan club website. The candles are still marked “Coming Soon,” so don’t draw that romantic bubble bath quite yet.

(CNN) -- The Shamrock Shake is back again. In addition to the traditional green vanilla shake, McDonald's is selling a version made with Oreo cookies. Temporary offerings like the Shamrock Shake help McDonald's create buzz and bring in nostalgic customers. Ideally for the company, people will associate fall with Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Lattes, or early spring with a Shamrock Shake. Plus, while people get excited for Pumpkin Spice or Shamrock Shake season, they may not actually want the indulgent items all year round.

The robbery occurred on Dec. 26 around 5 p.m. as the victim was walking out of the restaurant, according to police. Crime Stoppers offers reward for info on 7-Eleven armed robberyCrime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to the arrest of the person responsible. Call Crime Stoppers at 210-224-STOP(7867) to submit a tip. Crime Stoppers pays rewards in cash but only for anonymous, crime-solving tips not previously known to law enforcement. Guadalupe County Crime Stoppers offers $15K reward for information in 2016 double-murder case

After using the McDonald's restroom, the woman tried to approach the counter again to make an order, police said. Even in the drive-thru, the woman continued to send distressed messages to employees, mouthing "help me" through the window to a restaurant worker, police said. The Safe Place program is a national youth and prevention program for "young people in need of immediate help and safety," says the restaurant group's website. "We are proud of our team for doing their part in being A SAFE PLACE!" We are proud to be in support with both A Safe Place and all of our law enforcement!

McDonald's is finally entering the fried chicken sandwich wars. The chain is testing out a crispy chicken sandwich, made with a fried chicken filet topped with butter and crinkle-cut pickles on a potato roll. McDonald's already serves the McChicken and has tested out a number of different chicken sandwiches, but its offerings have failed to inspire the type of excitement surrounding other popular fried chicken sandwiches. Fried chicken sandwiches have been a bright spot for fast food chains, boosting sales as visits to restaurants stagnate. Popeyes capitalized on the taste for chicken sandwiches with its fried chicken sandwich, which sold out within about two weeks of its launch this summer.

SAN ANTONIO – A standoff between San Antonio police and a local man has ended after he took his own life inside a vehicle in the parking lot of a Northeast Side McDonald’s restaurant early Monday morning. According to police, a relative of the man was able to track his phone and locate him after receiving word he might be suicidal. Authorities said the relative tried to talk to him, but at some point he pulled out a gun and that’s when they called police. Negotiators for several hours tried to resolve things peacefully, but shortly after 6 a.m. the man took his own life. The name of the man killed was not released by police.

Next week is National Cheese Fondue Day and to celebrate, The Melting Pot is giving away free cheese! Monday through Thursday, the restaurant will be offering a Buy Cheese Get Cheese offer. You do need to make reservations and make sure to mention the Buy Cheese Get Cheese offer. Who wants free bacon?!? Papa John's is giving away a free large pizza with up to three toppings through its rewards program.