Check out unique New Year’s Eve drops from around the US
Take a virtual tour around the state to see some of the most unique New Year’s Eve drops.
The new year is here, and diners looking to kick off 2026 with coffee, burritos, and fried chicken are in luck because they’ll have plenty to choose from on New Year’s Day.
Most sit-down restaurants and fast food chains plan to open on January 1, although some business hours have been adjusted. The same is true for many retail and grocery stores. Most restaurant chains will be open on New Year’s Eve. If you plan ahead and have leftovers in the fridge from the night before, they’ll be open on New Year’s Eve.
We will introduce information you need to know, such as whether restaurants and fast food chains will be open on New Year’s Day and business hours.
When is New Year’s Day in 2026?
The new year is Thursday, January 1st.
Is McDonald’s open on New Year’s Day?
Business hours vary by store, but most McDonald’s stores will be open on New Year’s Day. You can check the opening hours of local restaurants here.
Is Starbucks open on New Year’s Day?
Starbucks store hours vary by location. You can check a specific store’s opening hours using the Starbucks app or here.
Is Dunkin’ open on New Year’s Day?
Dunkin’ hours vary by location. You can use the Dunkin’ Store Locator or the Dunkin’ Rewards app to find the hours of operation for a specific store.
Is Chick-fil-A open on New Year’s Day?
Chick-fil-A restaurants will open on January 1st, but some locations may have limited hours. Please check with local restaurants for specific holiday hours.
Is Chipotle open on New Year’s Day?
Yes, Chipotle restaurants will be open as usual on New Year’s Day, a company spokesperson told USA TODAY.
Is Cava open on New Year’s Day?
Cava restaurants will open for regular hours starting Jan. 1, a company spokesperson told USA TODAY.
Is Raising Cane’s open on New Year’s Day?
No, Raising Cane stores will close on January 1, a company spokesperson confirmed to USA TODAY.
Is Popeyes open on New Year’s Day?
Popeye’s holiday hours vary by location, a company spokesperson told USA TODAY. We recommend checking with your local restaurant for specific opening hours.
Is Bojangles open on New Year’s Day?
Yes, Bojangles restaurants will open at 7 a.m. local time on January 1, a company spokesperson told USA TODAY.
Is Burger King open on New Year’s Day?
The company says holiday hours vary by location, so it’s best to check with your local restaurant. You can use Burger King’s store locator to find a restaurant near you.
Is Wendy’s open on New Year’s Day?
Most Wendy’s locations are open on holidays, but business hours vary by store, a company spokesperson told USA TODAY. Customers are encouraged to use the company’s location locator for up-to-date information about Wendy’s stores near them.
Is Taco Bell open on New Year’s Day?
Business hours vary by location, but you can find the opening hours of your nearby Taco Bell here.
Is Whataburger open on New Year’s Day?
Yes, Whataburger restaurants are scheduled to open on January 1, a company spokesperson confirmed to USA TODAY.
Is Shake Shack open on New Year’s Day?
Yes, Shake Shack locations will be open on New Year’s Day, according to the company’s website, but some locations may have reduced hours. The company recommends checking the business hours of your local office.
Is Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburger open on New Year’s Day?
Yes, Freddy’s stores will be open as usual on New Year’s Day, a company spokesperson confirmed to USA TODAY.
Is Zaxby’s open on New Year’s Day?
Zaxby’s will open on January 1st, but business hours will vary by location, so the company recommends customers contact their local Zaxby’s for specific holiday hours.
Is the subway open on New Year’s Day?
Subway restaurants are independently owned and operated, so business hours vary by location. Please check with local restaurants for specific holiday hours.
Is Firehouse Subs open on New Year’s Day?
Yes, Firehouse Subs locations will open on January 1, but business hours may vary by store, a company spokesperson told USA TODAY. We recommend checking online or calling ahead to confirm your local store’s opening hours.
Is Panera Bread open on New Year’s Day?
Yes, Panera Bread restaurants will open on January 1, a company spokesperson told USA TODAY. Business hours vary by location, so we recommend checking online or calling your local store for specific holiday hours.
Are Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. open on New Year’s Day?
Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. hours vary by location, so you should check with your local restaurant for specific holiday hours.
Is Cracker Barrel open on New Year’s Day?
Yes, Cracker Barrel restaurants will be open as usual on January 1, a company spokesperson told USA TODAY.
Is IHOP open on New Year’s Day?
Yes, IHOP locations will be open on New Year’s Day. Hours vary by location, so check with local restaurants for specific hours before visiting.
Is Waffle House open on New Year’s Day?
Yes, Waffle House restaurants will open on January 1st.
Is Krispy Kreme open on New Year’s Day?
Krispy Kreme stores will remain open as usual on New Year’s Day, a company spokesperson told USA TODAY.
Is Outback Steakhouse open on New Year’s Day?
Most Outback Steakhouse locations will open starting Jan. 1, but business hours will vary by location, the company told USA TODAY. Please check with local restaurants for specific holiday hours.
Is Carrabba’s Italian Grill open on New Year’s Day?
Yes, Carrabba’s Italian Grill locations will be open on New Year’s Day, but business hours will vary by location, the company told USA TODAY. Please check with local restaurants for specific holiday hours.
Is Bonefish Grill open on New Year’s Day?
Bonefish Grill business hours vary by location, so we recommend checking with your local restaurant for specific holiday hours.
Is Texas Roadhouse open on New Year’s Day?
Yes, Texas Roadhouse restaurants will be open for regular business hours starting January 1, a company spokesperson confirmed to USA TODAY. Hours may vary by location, so we recommend checking with local restaurants for specific hours.
Is Applebee’s open on New Year’s Day?
Some Applebee’s stores nationwide will remain open on New Year’s Day, but hours may be reduced, the company told USA TODAY. Business hours vary by location, so please check with your local restaurant before visiting.
Is Red Lobster open on New Year’s Day?
Yes, Red Lobster restaurants will open on January 1, a company spokesperson told USA TODAY. Opening hours vary by store, so we recommend checking the Red Lobster website for the opening hours of your local store.
Is Maggiano’s open on New Year’s Day?
Yes, Maggiano Restaurants will be open as usual on New Year’s Day, a company spokesperson told USA TODAY.
Is Fogo de Chão open on New Year’s Day?
Yes, Fogo de Chão restaurants will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Jan. 1, a company spokesperson told USA TODAY.
Is Chili’s open on New Year’s Day?
Chili’s restaurants will remain open as usual on New Year’s Day, the company confirmed to USA TODAY.
Is First Watch open on New Year’s Day?
Yes, First Watch stores will be open as usual starting January 1, the company told USA TODAY.
Gabe Hauari is USA TODAY’s national trends news reporter. You can follow him at X @gabehauari Or email Gdhauari@gannett.com.
