A controversy involving the fast-food chain Burger King in Kazakhstan has drawn widespread attention on social media, where users have posted criticism and negative reviews. What began as a private labor dispute has expanded into a broader discussion about inclusion, corporate culture and employee treatment.
Social media post triggers public reaction
The discussion was sparked by a post on the platform Threads by social entrepreneur and autism specialist Zhanat Karatay, who described her son’s experience working at one of the chain’s restaurants.
According to Karatay, her son Alibek Karatay — a cook with autism spectrum disorder — worked at the restaurant for about four years, remained engaged with the team, worked overtime and independently managed his schedule and vacation time. She wrote that the company had previously maintained a supportive environment, but conditions changed after new management arrived, and her son began experiencing workplace difficulties in the fall.
«A quiet harassment began. Alibek was not himself since the fall. We didn’t know what was happening until we learned he was being forced to resign,» the post said.
Karatay added that an attempt to resolve the issue through a personal meeting with the new manager was unsuccessful and attributed the conflict to limited experience working in an inclusive environment.
Former employees speak out
The post quickly went viral. In a follow-up message, Karatay said current and former employees had begun contacting her.
She published screenshots of correspondence with an individual claiming to be a former employee, who alleged that workplace tensions began after the appointment of new managers from Russia. Some staff reportedly viewed the management style as arrogant and pointed to perceived differences in working conditions and pay between management and line employees.
Read also: Why local mentality and values matter: A lesson from the development industry.
Amid the growing discussion, users began leaving reviews en masse on mapping and rating services such as 2GIS, contributing to declining ratings for some restaurant locations. Online debate broadened to include treatment of local staff, corporate ethics and inclusive workplace practices.
Company response
Burger King Kazakhstan later issued a statement saying the company must comply with quality and safety standards, internal regulations and Kazakhstan’s labor laws, and that management decisions are made within those frameworks.
The company said the situation developed gradually and involved workplace discussions, feedback and attempts to resolve issues within the team. It also stated that a territorial manager is not the direct supervisor of line employees and does not make dismissal decisions, adding that reports of pressure or discrimination were not confirmed.
Read also: Beyond the brand: What it takes to enter the Kazakhstani market.
According to Burger King, the situation developed as follows. On Jan. 29, 2026, the company’s HR department received notice that the employee intended to take leave. He subsequently stopped reporting for shifts but did not submit a formal resignation. On Feb. 6, the employee’s mother, Zhanat Karatay, contacted the office and submitted a resignation letter written in her own name.
In an official statement, the company emphasized that the employer had made no decision to end Alibek’s employment and that he remains legally employed.
Franchise ownership structure
The Burger King brand entered Kazakhstan in May 2012 through QSR LLP under a franchise agreement with Restaurant Brands International, a Canadian investment holding company.
According to corporate registry data, the founders of QSR LLP are Holten Enterprise Ltd. and Holten Group Corp.
Kursiv.media previously reported that Verny Kapital Group sold the Burger King Kazakhstan franchise.
