ASTANA, KAZAKHSTAN- On Jan. 5, McDonald’s Corp. said it would be leaving Kazakhstan due to supply chain challenges.

Although the quick-service restaurant did not provide more details regarding its reasons for stopping operations, many believe a major factor was Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Food Solutions KZ LLP, the company that operates the McDonald’s franchises in Kazakhstan, said it plans to open the locations under a new brand in the future.

In November 2022, the company temporarily suspended operations at all of Kazakhstan’s restaurants. Food Solutions KZ LLP said about 2,000 people work for them in the country. 

McDonald’s first entered the Kazakh market in 2016 and eventually grew to 24 locations. The global food company left its Russian business in May 2022.