Maltese-owned Premier Capital plc, the developmental licencee for McDonald's in the Baltic states, recently marked the brand's 20 years in Latvia with an event in Riga.

McDonald's opened its first restaurant in the capital's Old Town in 1994. To this day, it is the most visited restaurant in the region, with an average 9.6 million guests every year. Premier Capital plc was named developmental licencee for McDonald's in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia in 2007.The company is also developmental licencee for Malta and Greece.

McDonald's has carved an important track record in Latvia, where Premier Restaurants, Premier Capital's operating company, runs 11 McDonald's restaurants with several McDrive and McCafe operations,

It is the largest investor in the eating-out segment and the largest employer. In the last few years, McDonald's has invested €15.9 million in developing the business. It has created 650 fixed jobs and operates an inclusive employment policy that embraces diversity. More than €100,000 is invested in training and motivational programmes ever year.

McDonald's is also the largest tax contributor in the segment: in 2013, it directed €4.75 million to the Latvian tax authorities.

McDonald's sets benchmarks in its segment for corporate responsibility. It has donated 246,000 books to its primary beneficiary, the Latvian chapter of the Ronald McDonald's House Charities. McDonald's has also supported the charity to provide free healthcare to more than 10,000 children in rural areas who have no immediate access to medical facilities.

In its efforts to encourage fruit consumption, active lifestyles and promote literacy, McDonald's has donated 11,500 apples and 96,000 books in recent years.

"The strong growth we have recorded in Latvia to date has been possible thanks to our committed employees and our loyal guests," Tomasz Nawrocki, managing director of McDonald's operator Premier Restaurants Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, told guests at the event. "McDonald's Latvia continues to work to be the most advanced restaurant for families. We are soon to introduce unique digital solutions, and we will continue to ensure menu variety and sustain our investment in children's well-being and the communities in which we operate."

Khamzat Khasbulatov, President of McDonald's Central Europe and Russia, lauded McDonald's Latvia's success and congratulated Premier Capital, its team and its chairman Melo Hili on its operational track record in the region.

Sharon Hudson-Dean, Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Riga, was among the guests of honour.MrNawrocki delivered a message from Nils Ušakovs,Chairman of the Riga City Council.

During the evening, Julia Morozovawas rewarded for her 20 years' service with Premier Restaurants Latvia.