New Year’s Day: a time for resolutions, new beginnings, and for some, a craving for Chick-fil-A. But will those golden-brown chicken sandwiches and waffle fries be available to start the year off right? This article will explore Chick-fil-A’s typical holiday hours and help you determine if you can satisfy your craving on January 1st.
Is Chick-fil-A open on New Year’s Day?
Good news for those with a chicken craving! Most Chick-fil-A restaurants will be open on New Year’s Day, January 1st, 2025.
Chick-fil-A is famously closed on Sundays, a practice based on the founder’s personal beliefs. This closure is consistent across all locations. However, their approach to other holidays is a bit different.
Chick-fil-A is typically closed on Christmas Day. This is a consistent policy across the chain.
For other holidays, including New Year’s Day, the situation is a bit more nuanced.
New Year’s Day and Chick-fil-A: What to Expect
While Chick-fil-A is closed on Christmas, most Chick-fil-A locations are open for at least part of the day on New Year’s Day. However, it’s crucial to understand that hours can vary significantly.
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Here are the primary factors that influence a specific Chick-fil-A’s New Year’s Day hours:
- Restaurant Location: Restaurants in high-traffic areas, such as malls, airports, or near major events, are more likely to have regular or slightly reduced hours. Standalone restaurants in suburban or less busy areas might have shorter hours or, in some cases, be closed.
- Franchise Ownership: Chick-fil-A restaurants are primarily franchise-owned. This means that individual operators have some autonomy in setting their hours, especially for holidays.
- Local Management: Even within a franchise, the restaurant’s management team can determine specific hours for holidays based on local needs and staffing.
Because hours can vary so much, it’s essential to check the specific hours of the Chick-fil-A you plan to visit. Here are the best ways to do this:
- Chick-fil-A Mobile App: The Chick-fil-A app is the most reliable way to find accurate and up-to-date information. The app’s store locator feature displays nearby restaurants and their hours of operation, often updated for holidays.
- Chick-fil-A Website Store Locator: The official Chick-fil-A website also has a store locator tool. You can search by address, city, or zip code to find local restaurants and their hours.
- Google Maps: Google Maps can be a helpful secondary resource. Searching for your local Chick-fil-A will usually display their hours in the business information. However, it’s always recommended to double-check with the official Chick-fil-A app or website, as Google Maps data might not always be perfectly current.
- Call the Restaurant Directly: For direct confirmation, you can call your local Chick-fil-A restaurant. The phone number is typically available on the Chick-fil-A website or on Google Maps.
What to Expect from Chick-fil-A in New Year’s Day?
If your local Chick-fil-A is open on New Year’s Day, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Reduced Hours are Possible: Even if open, many locations will likely have reduced hours, such as opening later or closing earlier than usual.
- Potential for Longer Wait Times: New Year’s Day morning and early afternoon can be busy times, so be prepared for potentially longer wait times, especially at the drive-thru.
- Limited Menu (Very Unlikely): It’s highly unlikely, but in extremely rare cases, a restaurant might have a slightly limited menu. This is not a common occurrence.
To avoid any disappointment on New Year’s Day:
- Check the Hours in Advance: Use the Chick-fil-A app, website, or call the restaurant to confirm their hours before you go.
- Consider Mobile Ordering: Using the Chick-fil-A app for mobile ordering can save you time by allowing you to skip the line.
What to Do if Chick-fil-A is Closed?
If your local Chick-fil-A is closed, don’t worry! There are other options to satisfy your cravings:
- Other Fast Food Restaurants: Many other fast-food chains are likely to be open on New Year’s Day.
- Grocery Stores: Grocery stores will generally be open, allowing you to pick up ingredients for a homemade meal.
While most Chick-fil-A locations are expected to be open for at least part of New Year’s Day, it’s vital to confirm the specific hours of your local restaurant using the Chick-fil-A app, website, or by calling them directly. Planning ahead will ensure you can start the new year off with your favorite Chick-fil-A meal if you so desire.
