New Year’s Day is one of the busiest travel days of the year, and many people find themselves hungry after parties, early workouts, or long drives home. Whether you’re heading out to brunch, stopping at a highway exit, or just craving a familiar meal, you may be wondering:
This article breaks down the most popular fast food restaurants, typical holiday hours, tips for finding open locations, and what to expect if you plan to dine out or grab takeout on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
Overview: Fast Food Chains Open on New Year’s Day 2026
| Restaurant | Typical Holiday Status | Expected Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| McDonald’s | Open | 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM (varies) | Some locations open 24/7 |
| Burger King | Open | 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Drive‑thru usually open |
| Wendy’s | Open | 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Limited breakfast at select locations |
| Taco Bell | Open | 7:00 AM – Midnight | Many open late |
| Chick‑fil‑A | Closed (holiday) | N/A | Closed on Sundays & select holidays |
| Subway | Open | 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Franchise hours vary |
| Starbucks | Open | 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Drive‑thru often longer |
| Dunkin’ | Open | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Hours vary regionally |
| Chipotle | Open | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Limited hours possible |
| Pizza Hut | Open | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Delivery varies |
| Panera Bread | Open | 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Some bakery‑cafe exceptions |
Note: Holiday hours can vary by location, franchise ownership, and local market demand. Always check with your local restaurant before heading out.
McDonald’s — A Reliable Choice on January 1
McDonald’s is one of the most widely available fast food chains in the United States. Many McDonald’s restaurants are open on New Year’s Day and may operate on slightly adjusted hours.
Typical McDonald’s Hours on New Year’s Day
- Regular restaurants: Approximately 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- 24/7 locations: May remain open overnight
- Drive‑thru: Usually open even if dining rooms are closed
Some larger city or airport McDonald’s locations operate around the clock or extend hours during holidays.
“We understand that New Year’s Day is a popular travel and dining day, so many McDonald’s restaurants strive to stay open with extended drive‑thru services,” says a quick‑service industry analyst.
Tips:
- Use the McDonald’s app or Google Maps to confirm hours at your nearest location.
- Expect breakfast menus in the morning, transitioning to lunch items thereafter.
Burger King — Flame‑Grilled on the Holiday
Burger King typically keeps locations open on major holidays, including New Year’s Day.
Expected Burger King Schedule
- Opening: Approx. 7:00 AM
- Closing: Between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM
- Drive‑thru: Often remains open later than dining rooms
Because many Burger King locations are franchised, hours may differ by area.
Best Practices:
- Check the official Burger King store locator or call ahead.
- Drive‑thru service is your best bet for late‑night hunger.
Wendy’s — Fresh, Fast, and Open
Wendy’s is another popular chain that is generally open on New Year’s Day, though breakfast offerings vary.
Typical Wendy’s New Year’s Hours
- Opening: Around 7:00 AM
- Closing: Around 10:00 PM
- Breakfast: Available at select locations
Wendy’s is known for its square burgers and salads, making it a good option for diners looking for something familiar after the holidays.
Taco Bell — Open and Often Late
Taco Bell is one of the most holiday‑friendly fast food chains, with many restaurants staying open late on New Year’s Day.
Taco Bell Holiday Hours
- Opening: Approx. 7:00 AM
- Closing: As late as Midnight (or later at select locations)
- Drive‑thru: Frequently remains open after dining room hours
Taco Bell’s customizable menu and late hours make it popular among night owls or post‑party diners.
“Chain restaurants like Taco Bell often keep drive‑thru service open later on holidays to accommodate travelers and late‑night crowds,” notes a restaurant operations expert.
Starbucks and Dunkin’ — Coffee for the New Year
For coffee lovers, Starbucks and Dunkin’ are typically open on New Year’s Day, though holiday hours may be shorter than usual.
Starbucks
- Expected Hours: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Drive‑thru: May extend hours
- Mobile Ordering: Available via app
Dunkin’
- Expected Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Menu: Full coffee and breakfast options
Both chains offer seasonal drinks and snacks, making them great pit‑stops for brunch or a midday pick‑me‑up.
Subway — Sandwiches to Start the New Year
Subway, with its franchise model, tends to have wide variation in New Year’s hours.
Subway Holiday Patterns
- Most locations: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Franchise discretion: Hours may expand or shrink
Because Subway locations are often individually owned, calling ahead is strongly recommended.
Chipotle — Mexican Fast Casual on New Year’s
Chipotle Mexican Grill usually welcomes customers on New Year’s Day, though holiday hours may be more limited.
Expected Hours
- Opening: 11:00 AM
- Closing: Around 10:00 PM
Chipotle’s focus on burritos and bowls makes it a popular grab‑and‑go or dine‑in option after New Year’s celebrations.
Pizza Hut — Delivery and Dine‑In
Pizza Hut is a go‑to for families and late dinners on holidays.
Typical Pizza Hut Holiday Hours
- Opening: 11:00 AM
- Closing: Up to 11:00 PM
- Delivery: Available later in the evening
Pizza Hut’s delivery and carryout options make it a convenient choice for New Year’s Day lunches and dinners alike.
Panera Bread — Bakery‑Cafe at the Start of the Year
Panera Bread often participates in holiday scheduling, staying open but with potentially reduced hours.
Panera’s New Year’s Day Hours
- Opening: Around 8:00 AM
- Closing: Around 9:00 PM
- Menus: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner items
Panera’s soup, salad, and sandwich menu appeals to those seeking lighter fare after holiday feasts.
Tips for Eating Out on New Year’s Day
Because holiday schedules can vary widely, here are some tips to make your meal plans go smoothly:
1. Check Store Hours Ahead of Time
Use store locators, Google Maps “Hours,” or restaurant apps to confirm exact opening times.
2. Call Ahead If Possible
Especially for local or franchise locations, calling can save an unexpected trip to a closed restaurant.
3. Consider Drive‑Thru or Delivery
Many chains keep drive‑thru services longer than dining rooms, and delivery apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash list open restaurants.
4. Expect Menu Adjustments
Some holiday schedules may limit full menus or breakfast hours at certain restaurants.
5. Plan for Crowds
New Year’s Day can be busy as families and travelers dine out, so expect lines around peak hours.
Common Myths About New Year’s Day Restaurant Hours
There are several misconceptions about holiday dining that are worth clearing up:
Myth: All Fast Food Chains Close on New Year’s Day
Reality: Most major chains remain open with adjusted hours. Only a few like Chick‑fil‑A typically close for the holiday.
Myth: Breakfast Menus Are Always Available
Reality: Not all chains serve breakfast on holidays. For example, breakfast at Wendy’s or Taco Bell may be limited or unavailable depending on the location.
Myth: Delivery Services Always Match Store Hours
Reality: Delivery hours may be shorter than store hours, especially if couriers wind down later in the evening.
Example Holiday Hours
| Restaurant | Opening Time | Closing Time | Drive‑Thru |
|---|---|---|---|
| McDonald’s | 6:00 AM | 11:00 PM | Yes |
| Burger King | 7:00 AM | 10:00 PM | Yes |
| Wendy’s | 7:00 AM | 10:00 PM | Yes |
| Taco Bell | 7:00 AM | Midnight | Yes |
| Starbucks | 7:00 AM | 8:00 PM | Yes |
| Dunkin’ | 6:00 AM | 10:00 PM | Yes |
| Subway | 8:00 AM | 10:00 PM | Limited |
| Chipotle | 11:00 AM | 10:00 PM | No |
| Pizza Hut | 11:00 AM | 11:00 PM | Yes (delivery) |
| Panera Bread | 8:00 AM | 9:00 PM | No |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. Most major chains are open with adjusted hours on January 1, 2026. Some may close earlier than normal.
Taco Bell and McDonald’s drive‑thru locations tend to stay open later than many other chains.
Yes, Starbucks cafés are typically open with shortened hours, but drive‑thru and app ordering help extend service.
No. Chick‑fil‑A normally closes on major holidays, including New Year’s Day.
Use the store’s official app, website, or Google Maps listing, or call the restaurant directly.
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