The start of a new year often brings the question: What’s open? While some businesses take a break on New Year’s Day, many fast food restaurants remain open, offering a convenient option for a quick meal. Here’s a rundown of what to expect for January 1st, 2025.
Fast Food Restaurants Open on New Year’s Day
Many popular fast food chains will be open on New Year’s Day, but it’s always a good idea to double-check the hours of your local branch, as some locations may operate on a limited schedule.
- Chick-fil-A: Most restaurants are open, potentially with reduced hours. Use the Chick-fil-A App or website to confirm specific hours.
Alt text: Chick-fil-A restaurant exterior with drive-thru open, serving customers on New Year’s Day.
- Chili’s: Expect all Chili’s restaurants to be open and serving their full menu.
- Chipotle Mexican Grill: Satisfy your craving for burritos and bowls! Chipotle restaurants typically maintain regular hours on New Year’s Day.
Alt text: A busy Chipotle restaurant showing customers ordering and picking up food, open during New Year’s Day.
- Darden Restaurants (Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, etc.): Restaurants under the Darden umbrella, including Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Yard House, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Bahama Breeze and Eddie V’s are open with regular hours. This provides ample choices!
- Dunkin’: Need a coffee and a donut? Dunkin’ locations are generally open. Use the Dunkin’ Mobile App to verify your local store’s hours.
- IHOP: Many IHOP restaurants will be serving pancakes on New Year’s Day, but individual hours may vary. Contact your local IHOP to confirm.
- Outback Steakhouse: Steak lovers rejoice! Outback Steakhouse restaurants will be open, although it’s best to check with your local restaurant for their specific hours.
Alt text: An Outback Steakhouse restaurant with prominent signage, indicating its New Year’s Day availability.
- Starbucks: Your go-to coffee shop will likely be open, but Starbucks store hours can vary. Check the Starbucks app or website for specific locations.
Grocery Stores and Pharmacies Open on New Year’s Day
Need to pick up some groceries or prescriptions? Here’s a quick look at some major chains:
- Acme Markets: Most stores are open for limited hours. Check your store page.
- Albertsons: Most Albertsons banner stores and pharmacies will be open for reduced hours. This includes Safeway, Jewel-Osco, ACME, Randalls, Shaw’s, Vons and Tom Thumb. Check with your local store.
- CVS Pharmacy: Locations will be open, but hours might be reduced. Check cvs.com or call your local store.
- Food Lion: All stores are open regular hours.
- Giant Food: All stores, gas stations and Giant pick-up will be open during regular hours. Pharmacy hours vary.
- Kroger: Most locations will operate during their normal hours.
- Publix: All stores are open, but hours vary. Check ahead.
- Sheetz: Open 365 days a year, 24/7.
- Stop & Shop: Stores and fuel stations operate during regular hours. Pharmacies are closed.
- Target: Normal schedule on Jan. 1.
- Walmart: All stores will operate during normal business hours.
- Whole Foods: All stores are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
What’s Closed on New Year’s Day?
Be aware that some stores will be closed:
- ALDI: Stores are closed on New Year’s Day.
- Costco: Stores are closed New Year’s Day.
- Rite Aid (pharmacies): Rite Aid pharmacies will be closed, though stores will be open.
- Stop & Shop (pharmacies): In-store pharmacies are closed.
Other Important Closures
- Banks: Closed on Wednesday, Jan. 1.
- Post Office: All U.S. Postal Service locations are closed.
- DHL & UPS: Closed on New Year’s Day.
- FedEx: Closed, except for FedEx Custom Critical® services.
- Stock Market: The New York Stock Exchange will be closed.
Plan Ahead for a Happy New Year’s Day
While many options are available, remember to check the specific hours of your local establishments before heading out. With a little planning, you can easily find what’s open and enjoy a convenient New Year’s Day.
