Kimberly Guilfoyle trolled for being excited about opening a McDonald’s in Greece
When U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle posted on Instagram about attending the ribbon-cutting of a new McDonald’s at The Mall Athens, she described it as a proud moment.
“An exciting day for Greece!” she wrote. “It was my honor to participate in the ribbon cutting for a brand new McDonald’s at The Mall in Athens, the most technologically advanced McDonald’s in all of Europe! American businesses investing here create jobs and bring American culture – and delicious food – to the Greek people.”
The post quickly drew backlash online.
One commenter wrote, “Kimmy girl ily but this is nothing to brag about.. u couldn’t have picked a healthier food chain to stand for American culture? Just the most unhealthiest one? Even a f******* sandwhich shop would’ve been better but …McDonald’s? This is not what MAHA stand for what the [swear word].”
Another user commented, “The beauty of Greece, is that there are still thousands of Mom and Pop’s… family-owned and operated food establishments that serve delicious, healthy, food and coffee. On every corner, on every street, in cities, towns and villages. Independent, self-reliant. The US will try and ruin this. Just sayin’ STAY STRONG, TRUE AND AUTHENTIC GREECE!”
A third added, “Sorry but Greek Gyros are way way much better than McDonald’s, no comparison between them.”
Meanwhile, an X user commented, “The last thing Greece needs is McDonald’s. Why bring such awful food to a country where the food is so fresh and delicious.”
Context of the event
The ribbon-cutting marked the opening of a new McDonald’s restaurant at The Mall Athens and coincided with the company’s 35th anniversary in Greece. According to Premier Capital Hellas, the developmental licensee of McDonald’s in Greece, the project represented a €1.4 million ($1.64 million) investment and created 60 jobs.
The ceremony included Guilfoyle, Premier Capital CEO Melo Hili and Premier Capital Hellas Managing Director Vladimir Janevski.
Designed by Sydney-based Landini Associates, the restaurant features minimalist interiors, modern functionality and a 65-square-meter digital screen that adapts throughout the day. It has been described as one of the most technologically advanced McDonald’s locations in Europe.
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During the event, Guilfoyle said, “There are few brands in the world as distinctly American as McDonald’s and few images as instantly recognizable as its golden arches. For 35 years, McDonald’s has been part of everyday Greek life, and as we see today, it continues to grow in this country. Because when American innovation meets Greek ingenuity, the result is remarkable.”
Hili said, “As McDonald’s completes 35 years in Greece, this restaurant reflects our ambitions for the Greek market and the relationship we have built with Greek consumers.”
Janevski added, “From our first restaurant at Syntagma Square in 1991 to today, McDonald’s has grown into one of the most beloved brands in the country, staying close to the people, their moments and their memories.”
McDonald’s in Greece
McDonald’s opened its first Greek location at Syntagma Square in 1991. Since Premier Capital plc took over operations in 2011, the chain has expanded from 18 to 33 restaurants, while annual sales have grown from €19 million ($22 million) to €109 million ($126 million).
The company says it employs workers from more than 30 nationalities, with 60% of central office staff beginning their careers in restaurants.
Through its “Feed and Foster Communities” initiative, McDonald’s Greece has logged more than 15,560 volunteer hours since 2021. In 2025, the Ronald McDonald House opened at Agia Sofia Children’s Hospital, providing more than 1,053 free overnight stays for 339 families of hospitalized children during its first year.
