What Restaurants Are Open on New Year’s Day? (2027 Guide)
Most fast food restaurants are open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, and most chains keep their doors open on both days. Last year, a national report named McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, Taco Bell, Starbucks and Waffle House among chains open on January 1. Raising Cane’s was the main chain that closed. This year New Year’s Eve is Thursday, December 31, and New Year’s Day is Friday, January 1, 2027.
Chains have not published their 2026 to 2027 holiday hours yet. The table uses last year’s report, so treat it as a guide. Check your store before you drive. You can also read our McDonald’s menu with prices page to plan your order.
What Is Open on New Year’s Day? Chain Table (Last Year’s Pattern)
| Chain | New Year’s Eve | New Year’s Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| McDonald’s | Open, hours vary | Open, hours vary | Check the app. |
| Burger King | Open, hours vary | Open, hours vary | Franchise run. |
| Wendy’s | Open, hours vary | Open, hours vary | Check the app. |
| Chick-fil-A | Open | Open | Hours may be limited. |
| Taco Bell | Open | Open | Hours may vary. |
| Starbucks | Open, hours vary | Open, hours vary | Licensed stores follow the host store. |
| Dunkin’ | Open, hours vary | Open, hours vary | Check the app. |
| Subway | Open | Open | Owner set hours. |
| Chipotle | Open | Open | Check closing time on Dec 31. |
| Qdoba | Open | Open | Check closing time on Dec 31. |
| Arby’s | Open | Open | Call ahead. |
| Jack in the Box | Open | Open | Hours may vary. |
| KFC | Open | Open | Confirm hours. |
| Domino’s | Open | Open | Independent stores. |
| Denny’s | Open | Open | Confirm hours. |
| IHOP | Open | Open | Confirm hours. |
| Waffle House | Open | Open | Famous for always being open. |
| Applebee’s | Open | Open | Call ahead. |
| Olive Garden | Open | Open | Check locator. |
| Texas Roadhouse | Open | Open | Reserve ahead. |
| Panera Bread | Open | Open | Check hours. |
| Raising Cane’s | Open, closes about 3 p.m. | Closed | Closed on Jan 1 in the report. |
The chains in this table were listed in a 2025 news report as open on both days. It said most, if not all, of their locations would serve guests. The report also warned that hours vary, even inside the same chain. Where it did not give hours, we show only that the chain was open. We did not add times of our own.
Fast Food Open on New Year’s Day
Burger and chicken chains are easy to find on January 1. The Burger King menu, Wendy’s menu and Taco Bell menu pages show what each sells. Breakfast hours still end in the morning, so check our McDonald’s breakfast hours if you want an egg sandwich.
Is Chick-fil-A Open on New Year’s Day?
Chick-fil-A was reported open on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day last year. The chain is closed every Sunday, so the weekday matters. In 2026, January 1 is a Friday, so a normal open day is likely. In an earlier year, when New Year’s Eve fell on a Sunday, the chain said it would be closed that day, and that limited hours on January 1 were possible. Look at the Chick-fil-A menu and the app for your store’s hours.
Restaurants Open New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve is a busy night and many places close early. In 2025, Raising Cane’s was expected to close at about 3 p.m. In an earlier year, Chipotle and Qdoba told reporters most stores would close at 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Those earlier times may not apply this year, so check first. Sit-down chains such as Applebee’s, Olive Garden and Texas Roadhouse were listed open, and reservations help on a big night.
Chains That May Close or Cut Hours
- Raising Cane’s: closed on New Year’s Day last year, with an early close on New Year’s Eve.
- Many locations inside stores, malls or hotels: they follow the host business.
- Independent franchise stores: owners set hours for Domino’s, Subway, Sonic and others.
Some big retailers have been closed on January 1 in past years, including Costco, Sam’s Club and ALDI. Most gas stations and convenience stores stay open.
How to Check What Is Open Near You
- Open the chain’s app and pick your store.
- Use the store locator for holiday hours.
- Call the store if the listing seems wrong.
- Ask if the drive-thru has different hours.
- Arrive early on January 1, since staff may be short.
Looking back at another holiday? See restaurants open on Thanksgiving. For a coffee run, see the Dunkin’ menu and Starbucks menu.
Frequently asked questions
What restaurants are open on New Year’s Day?
Last year, McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Chick-fil-A, Taco Bell, Starbucks, Dunkin’, Denny’s, IHOP and Waffle House were reported open. Hours vary, and 2027 hours are not announced yet.
Is Chick-fil-A open on New Year’s Day?
It was reported open on January 1 last year. Hours can be limited, and the chain is always closed on Sundays. January 1, 2027 is a Friday.
Is fast food open on New Year’s Day?
Yes, most fast food chains are open, though hours differ by store. Check the chain’s app.
What restaurants are open on New Year’s Eve?
Most major chains are open, but some close early. Raising Cane’s was expected to close around 3 p.m. last year.
Which chains are closed on New Year’s Day?
Raising Cane’s was closed on January 1 last year. Warehouse stores such as Costco have also closed that day.
Prices are typical U.S. prices before tax and can vary by location. Menus Info is not affiliated with any restaurant mentioned. See how we check prices.
