“The heart of the city isn’t for fast food”: why the construction of a McDonald’s in Drohobych has sparked controversy
30 March 19:47
A public protest took place in the center of Drohobych against the possible construction of a McDonald’s restaurant near the Taras Shevchenko monument. This was reported by Vysokyi Zamok, as relayed by "Komersant Ukrainian".
Several dozen residents gathered at Shevchenko Square to express their disagreement with the city council’s decision to allow the preparation of technical documentation for the development of a plot next to the monument.
Why the protest arose
The protest was sparked by the Drohobych City Council’s decision to grant permission to prepare technical documentation for the construction of a restaurant on a plot of approximately 1,800 square meters next to the Shevchenko monument.
According to the protesters, the square is a symbolic place for the city and should remain a public space.
Activists emphasize that this is where city gatherings and public events traditionally take place.
History of the Site
During the rally, civic activist and former deputy mayor Vira Bysa spoke.
She recalled how, at the end of the 20th century, local activists associated with Vyacheslav Chornovil
initiated the installation of a monument to Shevchenko in the city center.
According to her, the initiative faced resistance from pro-Russian forces at the time, and activists even had to take turns guarding the cornerstone to protect the future monument.
What the activists are proposing
The protest organizers believe that commercial development near the monument is inappropriate.
Former regional council deputy Mykhailo Vavryn proposed creating an organizing committee to draft an appeal to city council members demanding a reconsideration of the decision.
This appeal is likely to be presented in early April during the next session of the Drohobych City Council.
Residents’ views vary
Young residents of the city also joined the protest. Some of them came with signs.
At the same time, their stance was somewhat different: they are not opposed to opening a McDonald’s in general, but suggest locating the restaurant in another part of the city.
In particular, they suggest locations with good transportation access that could serve the entire metropolitan area—Truskavets, Boryslav, and Stebnyk—as one possible option.
Experience of other cities
Participants in the discussion cite Mukachevo as an example of an alternative fast-food location,
where a McDonald’s restaurant opened in 2025 near the roundabout on the M-06 Kyiv–Chop international highway.
The restaurant operates 24 hours a day and serves not only local residents but also transit traffic.
No final decision on the construction has been made yet.
Activists plan to draft an official appeal to city council members and bring the issue back for reconsideration by the city council.
