The Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel was asked for the first time about the possibility of international fast-food chains like McDonald's or Burger King setting up in Cuba following the regime's announcement to open the country to foreign franchises.
Although he avoided answering categorically, he affirmed that any opening must be governed by a principle of equality between foreign and domestic investment.
The statements were made during an interview granted to Telenoticias from the Dominican Republic, shortly after the National Assembly approved a package of 176 economic measures which includes, among other changes, the authorization of international franchises.
The Cuban-born journalist, Roberto Cavada, brought the debate to concrete examples by asking, "Could Burger King or McDonald's or a Dominican brand, Rico Hot Dog, come here tomorrow to set up without any problems?"
Díaz-Canel did not respond with a yes or a no. He also did not mention any of the brands mentioned.
Instead, he used the question to argue that the future opening should treat foreign and national capital equally.
Everything has the same concepts: it is about ensuring everyone is on equal footing. Because we are talking about franchises of foreign brands, but we are also discussing Cuban franchises abroad, he pointed out.
The ruling leader stated that if Cuba opens its doors to international franchises, it must also facilitate the expansion of Cuban companies beyond the island.
“It makes no sense to support foreign investment while not supporting your nationals' investment in any form,” he added.
Furthermore, he went on to assert that the benefits should not be limited to foreign investors.
"If you open up opportunities for foreign investment, you must also provide support for entrepreneurs and national businesses, whether they are state-owned or private," he stated.
He also argued that the state socialist enterprise and private or cooperative entrepreneurs should not be at a disadvantage.
You cannot have foreign investment with a group of advantages or possibilities while keeping the socialist state enterprise constrained or hindering the performance of private or cooperative entrepreneurs, he stated.
Although he avoided explicitly confirming that chains like McDonald's or Burger King would be able to open restaurants in Cuba, Díaz-Canel made it clear that any foreign company that arrives must adhere to the conditions set by the regime.
Everyone who comes to Cuba, without imposing anything, everyone who comes to Cuba to participate, in the way business is conducted, in the way agreements are made, in the way investment projects are handled anywhere, and in the same way we can also engage abroad, he concluded.
"We are not looking for a capitalist restoration."
During the interview, Díaz-Canel also wanted to make it clear that economic openness does not mean abandoning the socialist model.
"We are not seeking a capitalist restoration in the country. We are striving for a refinement of socialist construction under the very adverse conditions in which we live today," he asserted.
When Cavada asked him if Cuba was moving towards a model of "one country, two systems," he responded:
It will continue to be the same country, an independent, sovereign, socialist Cuba, with a tremendous commitment to social justice.
The package of 176 measures approved by the National Assembly includes, in addition to foreign franchises, the establishment of private banking for the first time since 1959, greater openness to investment from Cubans living abroad, the transformation of state-owned enterprises into joint-stock companies, and changes to the subsidy system.
The opening up of franchises in Cuba
Díaz-Canel's statements come shortly after Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz officially announced the regime's intention to allow foreign franchises.
During the Extraordinary Plenary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, Marrero explained that the Government aims to "create chains of restaurant stores, a network of light dining establishments with recognized brands or others that are established here, extending across the country."
So far, no international franchise operates officially in Cuba. However, there are private Cuban businesses that imitate American brands through similar names, logos, and concepts.
An opening amidst the worst economic crisis
The possibility of international chains coming to Cuba arises at a time of significant economic decline.
CEPAL forecasts a contraction of 6.5% in GDP for 2026, and the island has accumulated over a 23% decrease since 2019.
This is compounded by brutal blackouts across the country—including Havana—food shortages, fuel shortages, and persistent inflation.
Díaz-Canel himself acknowledged a day earlier that "there are obstacles that do not come from outside or from blockades. There is slowness, bureaucracy, regulations that hinder those who want to produce, and decisions that we have postponed," he stated, in a rare admission of serious internal problems.
If chains like McDonald's or Burger King finally set up shop in Cuba, it would represent one of the most visible changes to the economic model established after 1959.
However, decades of experience show that there is often a significant gap between official announcements and their effective implementation.
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