If you’re looking to grab a bite to eat or a cup of coffee on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day, there are many options.
Unlike Christmas, when many major chains closed, more restaurants will be open to bid 2020 a farewell and welcome in 2021.
Expect to find many restaurants operating with special hours Thursday and Friday.
Most Chick-fil-A restaurants close at 6 p.m. both Thursday and Friday, the chicken chain said in a blog post, noting hours can vary by location.
For local restaurants, how far you’ll have to travel to find an open restaurant will also vary.
Only 52% of local restaurants were open on New Year’s Day 2019, according to an analysis by small business software provider Womply.
Even fewer restaurants will be open this year. With coronavirus cases surging, Womply found 28% of restaurants nationwide were closed as of Dec. 1.
Justin Davies, Womply marketing manager, said with many restaurants closed and COVID-19 restrictions varying nationwide, it’s important to check hours and dine-in policies in advance for both Thursday and Friday.
“With the support of consumers, New Year’s Eve could give local restaurants the boost they need to start to pull out of the slump they’ve seen throughout 2020,” Davies said.
Fast-food chains open New Year’s Day
The following restaurant chains have select locations open in some capacity. Some dining rooms may be closed, and many may be offering a more limited menu or only takeout and delivery.
Check with your closest location before heading out as not all locations are open. Some restaurant websites do not have updated holiday hours, so call ahead.
- Arby’s
- Boston Market
- Burger King
- Carl’s Jr.
- Checkers
- Chick-fil-A
- Dairy Queen
- Del Taco
- Dunkin’
- Hardee’s
- Firehouse Subs
- Jack in the Box
- Jimmy John’s
- KFC
- Krispy Kreme
- Little Caesars
- McDonald’s
- Panda Express
- Panera Bread
- PDQ
- Pollo Tropical
- Popeyes
- Shake ShackSonic Drive-In
- Starbucks
- Steak ‘n Shake
- Subway
- Taco Bell
- Wendy’s
- White Castle
More restaurants open New Year’s Day
Almost all national chains are open Friday, but check with your closest location as not all locations will be and hours will vary. Some restaurant websites do not have updated holiday hours, so calling ahead is suggested.
- Applebee’s
- Benihana
- Buca di Beppo
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- Carrabba’s Italian Grill
- Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen
- Chili’s Grill & Bar
- Chipotle Mexican Grill
- Cheesecake Factory
- Cracker Barrel
- Denny’s
- Domino’s
- Fazoli’s
- Fleming’s Steakhouse
- Hooters
- IHOP
- Juice It Up!
- Macaroni Grill
- Maggiano’s Little Italy
- Miller’s Ale House
- Morton’s The Steakhouse
- Noodles & Company
- Olive Garden
- On The Border
- Papa Gino’s
- Papa John’s Pizza
- P.F. Chang’s
- Pizza Hut
- Portillo’s
- Red Lobster
- Ruth Chris’ Steak House
- Shoney’s
- Texas Roadhouse
- TGI Fridays
- Village Inn
- Waffle House
- Yard House
Get it delivered
Delivery services including Postmates, Grubhub, UberEats and DoorDash will be delivering food orders New Year’s Day for participating local and national restaurants. Check the apps or websites to find available options.
Read more at usatoday.com
