The State of Russia's Fast Food Industry in 2025
In 2025, major fast food chains in Russia saw their profits drop dramatically, with declines ranging from 15% to 61%. At the same time, the number of coffee shops across the country fell by 13%, and overall foot traffic in food service establishments decreased by 20%. These figures point to serious economic troubles in Russia, which analysts say has entered a phase of stagflation—a toxic mix of stagnant growth and rising prices that affects both businesses and consumers.
According to the data, profits for 'Vkusno – i Tochka,' the chain that took over from McDonald's, fell by 15.1% in 2025. Rostic's suffered even deeper losses, with profits shrinking by 27.5%. The worst performer was Burger King, whose profits collapsed by 61%. Additionally, Cofix, the fourth-largest chain in Russia by number of locations, was put up for sale as of February 2026, further signaling distress across the industry.
Economic Challenges and Declining Consumer Spending
Beyond fast food, coffee—a key product for cafes and coffee shops—saw its price rise by 20–30% over the year. This drove household spending on food to an 18-year high, now accounting for roughly 39% of family budgets. As a result, 30% to 40% of Russian citizens are living near the poverty line, which further reduces visits to eateries.
Russia's GDP grew by only 1% in 2025, yet this did not prevent a broad decline in sales across most product categories, a trend that began in June 2025. As
“the Russian economy has entered the 'death zone,'”notes The Economist.
All of this points to severe economic challenges that are reshaping daily life for ordinary people and putting immense pressure on the food service industry.
The drop in profits for fast food chains and the shrinking number of outlets reflect major shifts in consumer habits driven by financial hardship. With rising costs for basic food items and growing poverty rates, many people are choosing to cut back on dining out, which is hurting restaurant traffic. This could have long-term consequences for the industry, as many establishments may struggle to survive amid falling demand. These economic realities continue to pose a tough environment for both businesses and consumers in Russia.
The downturn in the fast food sector is just one indicator of the broader economic struggles facing Russia. As highlighted in a recent report, the country's economy has contracted for the first time since the onset of the war, with significant declines in key industries exacerbating the situation for consumers and businesses alike. This troubling trend underscores the interconnectedness of various sectors within the economy, further impacting daily life for many Russians.