In 1994, the Golani Junction branch aroused controversy when the restaurant installed a large 'transmitter' sign in front of the Golani Brigade museum and memorial. Bereaved families and other citizens claimed this desecrated the site. The sign was later reduced in size. In 1997, RKO Restaurants Israel opened its first branch in an Israeli Arab city. The restaurant was in Tamra, northeast of Nazareth, and the menu was bilingual, in Hebrew and Arabic. RKO Restaurants Israel sources over 80% of its ingredients locally. This includes kosher beef patties, potatoes, lettuce, buns and milkshake mix.