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Hesburger to expand operations in Russia

The Turku-based fast food chain Hesburger is planning to increase its chain of hamburger restaurants in Russia by 30 percent.

Hesburgerin tuotepusseja.
Image: Sami Tammi / Yle

To some, the current economic situation and weakened Russian rouble might appear to be a roadblock to investment. However, Hesburger vice president Jari Vuoti said the economic downturn may be more of an opportunity than a hindrance.

Vuoti added that Hesburger's current sales at its Russian outlets have remained solid, despite the uncertain economy and political situation.

The first Hesburger restaurant opened in Russia in 2010, and today there are 23 outlets spread across the Federation.

The company has plans to bring the number of its restaurants there to 38, with six outlets in St. Petersburg alone.

Franchise arrangements for restaurants will be handled by Hesburger's Russian-owned partner MegaGroup. Another reason for expanding now is the troubled economy itself - which means cheaper rents and other startup costs.

There are some 600 other Finnish companies based in Russia who would also be eager to expand, but few of them appear to be as well situated as Hesburger is right now.

The company got its start in 1966 when founders Heikki Salmela and his wife Kirsti opened their first grilled food kiosk in Turku.

Today, Hesburger employs some 6,000 workers in eight countries, and has outlets in Finland, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Germany, Turkey, Estonia and Russia.