In response to the invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. fast-food giant left Russia early this year.

The former McDonald's location on Moscow's Pushkin Square has reopened under a Russian owner and a new name, attracting hundreds of customers.

In March, McDonald's ceased operations at its company-owned outlets in Russia.

Although other franchised locations remained open, the decision of the worldwide fast-food giant was one of the most public responses by foreign firms to Russia's deployment of troops in Ukraine.

Two months later, McDonald's decided to quit Russia entirely and sold its 850 outlets to Alexander Govor, who owned 25 franchise licenses in Siberia.

Mr. Govor moves swiftly to reopen the stores.

The Russian chain's new name, Vkusno-i Tochka, was barely announced hours before the Pushkin Square restaurant debuted (Tasty-period).

The logo is distinct but reminiscent of the golden arches: a circle and two yellow oblongs, signifying a beef patty and French fries, arranged in the form of a stylized letter M.

On Sunday, fifteen former McDonald's locations reopened in Moscow.

The chain's general manager, Oleg Paroev, plans to launch 200 locations by the end of the month.

As part of the selling agreement, for which the economic parameters were not disclosed, the new company pledged to keep all 62,000 McDonald's employees.

The audience during the McDonald's opening in 1990, when people waited in line for hours, dwarfed the gathering at the Pushkin Square location, which was both vast and vibrant.

Beyond hamburgers, McDonald's had psychological and political resonance at the time.

The opening gave most Muscovites their first taste of Western consumerism and service efficiency, as well as an indication that the Soviet Union was gradually lowering its guard and allowing foreign culture to enter the nation.

This prior symbolism resonated with a nostalgic tone throughout the ceremony on Sunday.

Mr. Govor told reporters, "This is a historic site, the McDonald's flagship." It will undoubtedly be our flagship product.

Inside, the eatery resembled its old self like a fraternal twin. There were order-taking touchscreens, and the counter employees wore recognizable polo shirts.

Mr. Paroev stated, "We are confident that our customers will not notice any difference between us."

However, he stated that the corporation would seek a new soft drink source as Coca-Cola supplies are restricted.