Well, it's about economics, not hurting ordinary russians. Doing business in russia gives them money, which helps them pay for the war. It's as simple as that.

[–] SoyViking@hexbear.net 42 points 1 year ago

It is about economics. If Burger King leaves Russia, they're still leaving the restaurants, distribution networks and the employees behind. They're not going to sit idle just because the brand left, rather they're going to keep going under a new name, just like how McDonald's did.

What effect does that have on the Russian war effort? None.

[–] Tankiedesantski@hexbear.net 36 points 1 year ago (1 children)

But Burger King sells to Russians and repatriates some of its profits back to the US. If BK leaves Russia then Russians will spend their money on other restaurants, presumably ones which do not send profits overseas (due to the sanctions) which paradoxically means more money staying in Russia.

If the restaurants close then there will be some momentary unemployment but there's a war going on so unemployment helps smooth over manpower issues. That's also ignoring the possibility of a Russian entity stepping into BK's shoes like they did with McD's and just running the place without the trademarks.

I don't see any purpose beyond moral posturing.

[–] jackmarxist@hexbear.net 40 points 1 year ago (1 children)

They don't even have to respect trademarks anymore because of how much Russia is sanctioned. They can just keep running their own Burger King with the only difference being that the real BK won't see any profits and the money will stay inside Russia.

[–] Tankiedesantski@hexbear.net 27 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Worst case scenario for the west is that the Russians just rename the chain "Burger Tsar" or something and continue as normal. Russians still get their treats, BK gets no money.

[–] usernamesaredifficul@hexbear.net 12 points 1 year ago

they wouldn't even have to stop calling it burger king