Bosnia; First McDonald’s to Open in Sarajevo

 

First McDonald’s to Open in Sarajevo

The first McDonald’s restaurant in Bosnia and Herzegovina will open in Sarajevo on Wednesday, 20 July.

Senka Kurt

Sarajevo

Construction work on the exterior of the building is almost done.

Bosnia and Herzegovina has been one of the few remaining countries in Europe without a McDonald’s.

However, the opening of the first outlet has not gone smoothly, despite the country’s need for foreign investment.

The Financial Police launched an investigation into the “activities” of the new franchise that company spokesman Adi Hadziarapovic says were aimed at intimidating the investor.

“McDonald’s was facing the overt resistance of certain civil servants,” Hadziarapovic said.

But with all the necessary documents and permissions now in place, its opening is eagerly anticipated.

The new McDonald’s will be located on Titova Street in downtown Sarajevo. According to country manager Muhamed Pozderac, prices will be tailored to the market, which means they will be cheaper than in neighbouring countries. For instance, a hamburger will cost ony 1 euro.

Several Bosnian products will be on the restaurant’s menu as well. These include Bosnian salad, water and mineral water. Arrangements for local baked goods are also being prepared.

McDonald’s diners will enjoy their meals in 400 square metres of space. The decor, which was  created by French interior designer Philippe Avanzi, will feature various types of graffiti, much like that in restaurants in major French and German cities.

The restaurant will employ 60 to 80 workers who were trained in Serbia, Austria and Germany.

A “drive-in” McDonald’s is expected to open in Sarajevo by the end of September. Mostar, Tuzla, Banja Luka and Zenica are scheduled to get drive-in McDonald’s restaurants next year.