Hesburger has opened its first Italian restaurant in Matera, a city in the southern Italian region of Basilicata, marking another step in the Finnish fast food chain’s expansion across Europe.
The restaurant officially welcomed its first customers on Friday, 23 October 2026, bringing the Finnish brand into a new market known for its strong culinary traditions. The opening follows Hesburger’s recent expansion into Romania and Poland, taking its presence to 10 European countries.
According to a company press release, the new restaurant will create 20 jobs in Matera. The launch also reflects the role of Italian entrepreneur Venanzia Rizzi, who comes from Matera but has lived in Finland for many years. Her connection to both countries helped bring the Finnish restaurant chain to her hometown.
“Matera is my hometown and Finland is my second home country. That’s why it’s especially wonderful to connect these two important places to me through entrepreneurship,” Rizzi said.
Hesburger’s arrival introduces another international fast food brand to a city with a well-established food culture. The company acknowledged that the opening has attracted a mixture of enthusiasm and caution among local residents, reflecting differing views about the growing presence of fast food businesses in Matera.
Ieva Salmela, Hesburger’s Director of Communications and International Marketing, said the company had received positive feedback directly from customers and was pleased by the interest in its arrival. She added that the business aims to build trust among local consumers through product quality, friendly service and a positive customer experience.
However, the opening has not been welcomed by everyone. When Hesburger’s plans for Matera were first announced in September 2026, Italian newspaper La Repubblica reported that some residents were unhappy about another fast food chain entering the city. The Finnish company’s arrival follows the opening of a McDonald’s restaurant in Matera just months earlier, prompting concerns among some locals about the direction of the city’s food scene.
The launch gives Hesburger an entry point into the Italian market as it continues to extend its international footprint. Founded in Finland, the company has been developing its presence beyond its home market through expansion into other European countries. Its first restaurant in Italy now places the brand in a market where local food traditions remain an important part of everyday life and the wider restaurant industry.
For Matera, the opening brings new employment opportunities while adding to the debate over how international fast food brands fit into a city recognised for its culinary identity. For Hesburger, the challenge will be to turn initial interest into lasting customer loyalty in a market where it is still an unfamiliar name.
