Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest travel and dining holidays in the United States, and many Americans are searching for answers to one important question: what restaurants are open on Memorial Day in 2026? Whether you are planning a family barbecue alternative, grabbing breakfast before a road trip, or looking for late-night takeout after holiday events, many national restaurant chains are expected to remain open throughout the holiday weekend.
Memorial Day, observed on Monday, May 25, 2026, honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. While government offices, banks, and some local businesses may close for the federal holiday, restaurants are typically among the busiest places nationwide. From fast food favorites to casual dining chains and coffee shops, millions of Americans head out for meals during the long weekend.
This guide covers the latest confirmed and expected restaurant openings, popular dining deals, holiday hours, and what customers should know before heading out on Memorial Day.
Table of Contents
Key Points Summary
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║ – Most major restaurant chains are open on Memorial Day 2026. ║
║ – Fast food locations are expected to operate under normal or extended hours. ║
║ – Casual dining chains often see increased holiday traffic during Memorial Day weekend. ║
║ – Some restaurants may offer Memorial Day specials, discounts, or limited-time menus. ║
║ – Hours can vary by franchise location, especially in smaller towns and malls. ║
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Why Restaurants Stay Open on Memorial Day
Unlike Thanksgiving or Christmas, Memorial Day is considered a major travel and leisure holiday rather than a stay-at-home celebration. Restaurants benefit from increased traffic due to:
- Highway and airport travelers
- Holiday shopping crowds
- Families attending parades and events
- Outdoor gatherings needing takeout food
- Vacationers dining away from home
For many chains, Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer. Restaurants often launch seasonal menu items, frozen beverages, grilled specials, and summer promotions around this time.
Fast Food Restaurants Open on Memorial Day 2026
Most major fast food chains are expected to remain open nationwide on Memorial Day. Many locations may even extend hours due to increased holiday demand.
McDonald’s
Most McDonald’s locations traditionally stay open on Memorial Day. Drive-thru service is usually available throughout the holiday, though hours can vary by franchise owner.
Popular Memorial Day menu picks often include:
- Big Macs
- McCrispy sandwiches
- Fries and nuggets
- McFlurries and iced coffee drinks
Burger King
Burger King restaurants are generally open on Memorial Day, including drive-thru and mobile ordering services. Some locations may offer holiday app promotions or combo discounts during the weekend.
Wendy’s
Wendy’s typically operates during regular business hours on Memorial Day. The chain often sees high demand for:
- Baconator burgers
- Frosty desserts
- Chicken sandwiches
- Breakfast menu items
Taco Bell
Taco Bell locations are usually open nationwide on Memorial Day, especially in major cities and travel areas. Holiday weekend traffic often increases for late-night dining and delivery orders.
Chick-fil-A
Since Memorial Day 2026 falls on a Monday, Chick-fil-A locations are expected to be open. Customers should still verify local hours because some mall-based restaurants may close earlier.
Subway
Subway restaurants generally remain open on Memorial Day, though independently owned franchises may adjust hours slightly depending on staffing and local demand.
Starbucks
Starbucks stores are expected to operate on Memorial Day, making them a popular stop for travelers and early morning commuters. Some stores may reduce evening hours.
Holiday favorites often include:
- Cold brew coffee
- Refreshers
- Frappuccinos
- Breakfast sandwiches
Casual Dining Restaurants Open on Memorial Day
Many families prefer sit-down dining during the holiday weekend, especially after outdoor activities or travel.
Applebee’s
Applebee’s locations are usually open on Memorial Day and often promote drink specials or seasonal menu items during the holiday weekend.
Popular orders include:
- Riblets
- Burgers
- Fiesta Lime Chicken
- Appetizers for group dining
Chili’s Grill & Bar
Chili’s traditionally remains open on Memorial Day and frequently sees increased dine-in traffic. The restaurant’s margarita specials and barbecue-style meals are especially popular during summer kickoff weekends.
Olive Garden
Olive Garden locations are expected to be open during normal holiday hours. Families often choose the chain for larger group meals and unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks.
Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse is one of the busiest chains during Memorial Day weekend because of its steak and barbecue-style offerings. Wait times may increase significantly during dinner hours.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings typically stays open on Memorial Day, especially for sports fans and groups gathering during the long weekend.
IHOP
IHOP restaurants are usually open 24 hours or extended hours during Memorial Day weekend. Breakfast dining remains extremely popular throughout the holiday.
Denny’s
Denny’s is among the most reliable chains open during nearly every major holiday, including Memorial Day. Many locations operate 24/7.
Coffee Shops and Dessert Chains Open on Memorial Day
Holiday travelers often rely on coffee shops and dessert locations during Memorial Day outings.
Dunkin’
Most Dunkin’ locations are expected to remain open, though some stores may operate under reduced holiday schedules.
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme shops are generally open on Memorial Day and may feature seasonal doughnut collections tied to patriotic themes or summer launches.
Baskin-Robbins
As temperatures rise during the holiday weekend, Baskin-Robbins locations often see increased customer traffic for ice cream treats and frozen beverages.
Are Local Restaurants Open on Memorial Day?
Many independent restaurants also remain open on Memorial Day, especially in:
- Tourist destinations
- Beach towns
- Downtown entertainment districts
- Areas hosting parades or festivals
However, locally owned restaurants are more likely to:
- Adjust hours
- Close early
- Require reservations
- Offer limited holiday menus
Calling ahead remains the safest option before visiting smaller establishments.
Memorial Day Restaurant Deals and Specials
Restaurants often compete heavily for holiday weekend business by introducing limited-time promotions.
Common Memorial Day offers may include:
- Buy-one-get-one deals
- Family meal bundles
- Free delivery promotions
- Kids eat free specials
- Discounted appetizers
- Summer drink launches
Mobile apps and loyalty programs frequently provide the best Memorial Day savings.
Delivery Apps Stay Busy During Memorial Day Weekend
Food delivery services typically experience huge spikes in activity during Memorial Day.
Popular options include:
- DoorDash
- Uber Eats
- Grubhub
- Postmates
Customers should expect:
- Longer delivery times
- Surge pricing during peak hours
- Limited driver availability in some areas
Ordering earlier in the day can help avoid delays.
What Restaurants Might Be Closed on Memorial Day?
Although most national chains stay open, some locations may close due to:
- Staffing shortages
- Mall operating hours
- Local holiday policies
- Franchise owner decisions
Restaurants inside:
- Airports
- Shopping malls
- College campuses
- Office buildings
may operate on reduced schedules.
Best Times to Avoid Crowds on Memorial Day
Restaurants often experience their busiest periods during:
- Noon to 2 p.m.
- 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Customers looking to avoid long waits should consider:
- Early breakfast visits
- Mid-afternoon dining
- Mobile ordering
- Reservations where available
Drive-thru lines may also become unusually long during peak travel times.
Why Memorial Day Weekend Is So Important for Restaurants
For many restaurant companies, Memorial Day weekend represents one of the first major revenue surges of the summer season.
The holiday often signals:
- Patio dining season
- Summer menu rollouts
- Increased tourism
- Vacation travel spending
- Outdoor event catering
Restaurant analysts frequently monitor Memorial Day sales as an early indicator of summer consumer spending trends.
Travel Stops and Highway Restaurants Remain Busy
Travel-related dining locations see major traffic increases during Memorial Day weekend.
Busy restaurant categories include:
- Gas station food courts
- Interstate fast food chains
- Airport restaurants
- Rest stop cafes
Travel experts recommend using mobile ordering apps to reduce wait times during peak travel periods.
Family Dining Trends for Memorial Day 2026
Many Americans are increasingly choosing restaurant dining over home cooking during holiday weekends due to:
- Convenience
- Rising grocery costs
- Large family gatherings
- Travel schedules
Group-friendly chains and takeout services continue growing in popularity for Memorial Day celebrations.
Final Thoughts
If you are wondering what restaurants are open on Memorial Day, the good news is that most major restaurant chains across the United States are expected to welcome customers throughout the holiday weekend in 2026. Fast food spots, casual dining chains, coffee shops, and delivery services are all preparing for one of the busiest dining weekends of the year.
Still, holiday hours can vary depending on location, staffing, and local business decisions. Checking restaurant apps, calling ahead, or using online ordering tools can help avoid surprises before heading out.
Planning to dine out this Memorial Day? Share your favorite holiday restaurant tradition and stay tuned for more 2026 holiday dining updates and travel guides.
