The fast-food chain McDonald's Israel is being sold back to the American food chain

McDonald's Israel is being sold: Omri Padan, CEO and owner of the McDonald's franchise in Israel, Eloniel Ltd., announced on Thursday that he signed an agreement on the sale of the company to McDonald's worldwide.
The agreement is subject to certain conditions, which will be concluded in the coming months. Until the deal is closed - it is not known when Aloniel will actually leave the management of the network. According to those close to the deal, the plan of McDonald's worldwide is not to operate the branches directly, but to enter into a new franchise deal, in accordance with their business model in most of the world.
Aluniel, which owns and operates McDonald's restaurants in Israel, began its operations in Israel more than 30 years ago and currently operates 225 branches and employs 5,000 people.
"Upon the completion of the transaction, McDonald's Global will own the chain in Israel and the conditions of the employees will be preserved," said Maluniel.
Padan stated in a press release that "For more than 30 years, Aluniel Ltd. is proud to operate McDonald's in Israel and serve its millions of customers. McDonald's Israel is the leading and most successful restaurant chain in Israel and for that we sincerely thank the management, employees, suppliers and customers who made this possible. We are confident in the company's success in the future."
Joe Samples, president of international development of McDonald's franchises, said: "We thank Eloniel Ltd. for building the McDonald's business and brand in Israel over the past 30 years. McDonald's remains committed to the Israeli market and to a positive experience for customers and employees."
The first McDonald's branch in Israel (and in Israel) was opened in the Ayalon Mall in October 1993 and it operates there to this day, alongside another branch that opened in the mall. Omri Padan was the chain's franchisee in Israel from the first day of its operation, when he previously worked at Kitan.
McDonald's has since become the largest fast food chain in Israel and despite price increases it has been a steady success ever since. Like Ikea and Zara, it has become a chain loved by Israelis, who do not always adopt international chains, certainly not food chains.
Despite the junk food image and the industrial taste of its dishes, this is probably the most successful fast food chain in Israel. Discounts for McDonald's, and in particular for children's meals at McDonald's, are among the most requested in customer clubs and coupon apps.
The franchise caused quite a few controversies and scandals during its years of operation. Among other things: refusal to open a branch beyond the green line and legal entanglements in the field of employing youth and preventing unionization of workers.
It also caused controversy in the area of kosher: contrary to the practice in Israel of national chains, McDonald's is a non-kosher chain, although it does also operate kosher branches. In some of its branches, the chain sells kosher hamburger buns for Passover, and on the other hand, it offers cheap cheeseburgers in other branches.