OAK BROOK, ILL. — The Big Mac is coming to Kazakhstan. McDonald’s Corp. will enter its 120th global market with the opening of its first restaurant in the country next year. In conjunction with local developmental licensee, Kairat Boranbayev, McDonald’s first restaurant in Kazakhstan is expected to open in the second half of 2015.

“Kazakhstan offers much development and growth potential, and our agreement with Kairat will enable us to continue to build our brand,” said Doug Goare, president of McDonald’s Europe. “We’re committed to driving our business by growing same store sales, opening new restaurants in existing markets and looking at opportunities to enter new markets with development potential.”

The restaurant will feature free Wi-Fi, a modern design and a menu of the chain’s signature items, including the Big Mac, Chicken McNuggets and french fries.

“McDonald’s is committed to driving impactful change and business growth,” said Don Thompson, president and chief executive officer of McDonald’s. “We look forward to opening in Kazakhstan, adding new jobs to the economy, bringing the McDonald’s experience of quality food and great service to new customers.”

Europe represents the second largest geographic segment for McDonald’s, behind the United States, with more than 7,700 restaurants in 39 markets. Seventy-three per cent of McDonald’s restaurants in Europe are owned and operated by independent local entrepreneurs. Mr. Boranbayev, a businessman with experience in running successful ventures in the Republic of Kazakhstan, was chosen as a development licensee as part of a selection process that began several years ago.

“I have great respect for the McDonald’s brand, which is one of the most recognizable worldwide, and I am proud to be bringing this brand to my home country,” Mr. Boranbayev said. “We look forward to starting work for our first restaurant opening next year.”