Is Chick-fil-A Open on Memorial Day? What to Expect for Your 2026 Holiday Chicken Fix

You’re waking up on the last Monday of May, the sun is hitting just right, and honestly, the only thing that sounds better than a backyard burger is a spicy chicken biscuit. But then you remember: it's a federal holiday. And we all know the heartbreak of pulling into a silent, dark drive-thru on a Sunday.

So, is Chick-fil-A open on Memorial Day? The short answer is yes. Mostly. Unlike Christmas or Thanksgiving—the big two where the company shuts down entirely—Chick-fil-A restaurants are generally open on Memorial Day. But don't just grab your keys and sprint out the door quite yet. Because Chick-fil-A is a franchise-heavy business, there’s a lot of "it depends" involved in that "yes."

Why the "Closed on Sundays" Rule Doesn't Apply Here

If you’ve lived in the U.S. for more than five minutes, you know the deal with the Cathy family's policy. No chicken on Sundays. It’s been that way since S. Truett Cathy opened the first one in 1946. Memorial Day, however, always falls on a Monday.

Since it’s a Monday, the "Day of Rest" rule isn't in play. The corporate office in Atlanta leaves the decision of holiday hours up to the local Owner-Operators. Most of these owners want to serve the holiday crowd, but they also want to give their staff a bit of a break. This creates a weird patchwork of hours across the country.

Typical 2026 Memorial Day Hours

While most locations stick to something close to their regular schedule, you’re going to see a lot of variation. In previous years, and looking at the 2026 projections, here is the breakdown of what you'll likely see:

• Standard Hours: Many spots will run the usual 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM.
• Modified Holiday Hours: It is very common for locations to open a bit later (like 10:30 AM) and close early (often around 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM).
• Breakfast Drama: This is where it gets tricky. If your local shop doesn't open until 10:30 AM, you’ve officially missed the breakfast window. No Chicken Minis for you.

Basically, if you’re planning on a 7:00 AM breakfast run, you’re gambling.

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The Reality of the "Check Your App" Advice

Everyone tells you to "check the app." It’s the standard corporate line. And yeah, the Chick-fil-A app is actually pretty decent at updating holiday hours in real-time.

But here’s the thing: sometimes the digital updates lag. If you’re driving twenty minutes specifically for a frosted lemonade, call the store. I know, talking on the phone is the worst. But hearing a human voice (or a recorded message specifically mentioning May 25th) is the only way to be 100% sure.

Pro Tip: If you're using the app to order catering for a Memorial Day party, do it at least 24-48 hours in advance. Memorial Day is one of the busiest days for nugget trays, and many locations cap their orders once they hit capacity.

Common Misconceptions About Holiday Closures

There is a weird myth that floats around every year saying Chick-fil-A closes for all federal holidays. People get Memorial Day confused with Easter (which is always a Sunday, so they are definitely closed) or Labor Day.

Actually, Chick-fil-A stays open for most of the "minor" holidays. This includes:

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1. New Year's Day (usually limited hours)
2. Presidents' Day
3. Independence Day
4. Labor Day
5. Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples' Day

The only days they are guaranteed to be locked up tight are Sundays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

Memorial Day 2026: A Quick Strategy

If you want to be the hero of the cookout without actually cooking, you've got options. But you have to be smart about the timing.

Morning (6:30 AM - 10:00 AM): High risk. Only about half of the locations nationwide tend to open for the full breakfast shift on Memorial Day.

Lunch (11:00 AM - 2:00 PM): Peak chaos. Everyone who realized their grocery store was out of buns is at the drive-thru. Expect the line to wrap around the building twice.

Evening (After 6:00 PM): Danger zone. This is when many operators pull the plug and let their employees head home for their own family barbecues.

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The Best Way to Confirm

Don't guess. Use the official Chick-fil-A Store Locator.

Type in your zip code. Look for the specific "Holiday Hours" tag. If it isn't there, look for a phone number.

And look, if you show up and they're closed, don't take it out on the sign. They’re one of the few places that actually gives their staff a life outside of the kitchen, even if it means we have to wait until Tuesday for our waffle fry fix.

Actionable Next Steps

To make sure your Memorial Day plans don't end in hunger, follow this simple checklist:

• Download the App: Check the hours for your "Favorite" location the night before.
• Order Catering Early: If you want a 64-count nugget tray for the party, place that order by Saturday afternoon. Remember, they are closed Sunday, so you can't place an order then for Monday pickup.
• Check the Breakfast Window: If you need breakfast, call specifically to ask if they are opening at 6:30 AM or 10:30 AM.
• Have a Backup: If your local Chick-fil-A is closed, most McDonald's and Wendy's locations remain open for full regular hours on Memorial Day.