McDonald's silent on why some locations still open in Russia

After publicly announcing three weeks ago it was suspending operations in Russia, McDonald's has now gone silent about why some of its restaurants are still open for business in the country. 

This week, CBC News visited two Moscow McDonald's serving up burgers and fries, and there are reports online that other Russian locations also remain operational. 

Despite multiple inquiries, McDonald's hasn't explained why these restaurants haven't shut down. 

However, the U.S.-based fast food chain was open about its plans on March 8 when it announced that all 850 locations in Russia would close temporarily to protest the country's invasion of Ukraine. 

"We join the world in condemning aggression and violence, and praying for peace," said McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski in a statement at the time.

McDonald's joined several multinationals, including other fast food chains, suspending business in Russia following pressure on social media. But some of those chains, such as Burger King, Subway and KFC, continue to face scrutiny because, although they ceased corporate operations, their franchise-owned locations remain open for business.

In response to an email inquiry, McDonald's told CBC News on March 10 that all its Russian locations would close, including franchise-owned restaurants.

But soon after McDonald's shut its Russian locations on March 14, reports surfaced that some remained open.

Last week, Russian news outlet RIA Novosti stated that, according to a statement from McDonald's, a number of its franchises in Moscow were still operational. 

On Thursday, CBC News visited a McDonald's restaurant at Moscow's Leningradsky railway station and found it packed with customers. Most seats were occupied in the dining area and there was a long line of customers waiting to pick up their orders. 

On Friday, CBC News visited another McDonald's at Moscow's Domodedovo airport. It, too, was open and serving scores of customers. 

An employee at each location said the restaurant remained open because it was a franchise operation. 

And Moscow isn't the only city where Russians can still get a Big Mac.

Also on Thursday, Will Vernon, senior producer with BBC's Moscow bureau, tweeted he discovered a McDonald's serving customers in St. Petersburg.