LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville-based Yum! Brands, Inc. is ending all operations in Russia. Like many restaurants, it is because of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

What You Need To Know

  • Yum! Brands is ending all operations in Russia

  • The company has transferred ownership to local owners for non-Yum branded restaurants

  • They have transferred ownership of Pizza Hut and KFC restaurants

Last month, Yum! transferred ownership of all Pizza Hut franchises to a new local owner who is opening non-Yum! branded restaurants.

In March, Yum! announced it was suspending operations of KFC company-owned restaurants. Tuesday it announced it is in the “advanced stages” of transferring ownership of KFC restaurants, operating system and franchise rights, to a local operator. As soon as this transfer is completed, Yum! will be completely out of Russia. There are no Taco Bell restaurants in the country.

When it first announced it was suspending operations, Yum! said it would redirect all profits from Russian operations to humanitarian efforts. In a news release, the company said it was making $1 million donation to the Red Cross to help Ukrainians and activating Yum! Disaster Relief Fund to help Ukranian Franchise employees. Yum! also said it would take matching donations from employees and send them to various relief agencies in Ukraine, including UNICEF and the World Food Programme.

Yum! joins Papa Johns, also based in Louisville, as two food giants who have exited Russia. Papa John’s announced it was leaving Russia in March. 

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