Most restaurants in the United States are expected to remain open on Memorial Day, offering customers a wide range of dining options as the nation observes the federal holiday honoring fallen military personnel.
Memorial Day, observed on Monday, May 25, 2026, is widely regarded as the unofficial start of the summer season, with millions of Americans traveling, gathering with family, and dining out.
Major Fast-Food Chains Expected to Stay Open
Most major fast-food chains are anticipated to operate on Memorial Day, often with regular or slightly adjusted hours. Restaurants such as McDonald’s, Starbucks, Taco Bell, Chipotle, Dunkin’, Burger King, and Wendy’s typically remain open, although timings may vary by location.
Chick-fil-A is also expected to be open, differing from its usual Sunday closures.
Casual Dining Restaurants Also Welcoming Customers
A majority of casual dining chains are expected to serve customers throughout the day. Popular restaurants including Applebee’s, Olive Garden, Chili’s, Red Lobster, The Cheesecake Factory, and Buffalo Wild Wings generally operate on Memorial Day and often see increased demand.
Steakhouse chains such as Outback Steakhouse and LongHorn Steakhouse are also usually open during the holiday.
Grocery Stores and Food Courts
Many grocery stores and their in-house dining options are also expected to remain open. Large retailers such as Walmart, Target, Kroger, Trader Joe’s, and Aldi typically continue operations, though some sections may have adjusted hours.
However, Costco is among the major retailers that usually close on Memorial Day.
Hours May Differ by Location
While most restaurant chains remain open, operating hours can vary depending on the city and individual franchise decisions. Customers are advised to check local listings or contact outlets directly before visiting.
Banks, postal services, and government offices are generally closed for the holiday.
Why Restaurants Stay Busy on Memorial Day
Memorial Day is both a day of remembrance and a major travel and leisure holiday in the U.S. As a result, restaurants experience high customer traffic, making it one of the busiest dining periods of the year.