Is Arby's Open on New Year's Day?

Yes, most Arby's locations are open on New Year's Day, though hours may vary by location and some restaurants may open later than usual. If you're wondering is Arby's open on New Year's Day, the general answer is yes—but it's essential to verify with your specific branch. Unlike holidays such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, when many Arby's locations close, New Year's Day typically sees continued operations due to high demand for quick-service meals after holiday celebrations. However, because Arby's operates a mix of company-owned and franchised outlets, individual store decisions—alongside local regulations and staffing—can influence whether a given restaurant opens and what time it does so.

Quick Summary: Is Arby's Open on New Year's Day?

The majority of Arby's restaurants remain open on January 1st, commonly referred to as New Year's Day. While not every single outlet guarantees full-day service, most locations choose to operate, often with adjusted or limited hours. This stands in contrast to major holidays like Christmas Day or Thanksgiving, when closures are far more widespread across the chain. The decision to open largely depends on regional demand, franchisee discretion, and staffing availability. Customers should expect potential delays or modified menus at select locations. Ultimately, there is no universal corporate mandate requiring all Arby's stores to open on New Year’s Day; instead, operational status is determined locally.

Arby's Typical Holiday Operating Policy

Arby's follows a flexible holiday schedule that balances customer needs with employee well-being. Unlike fast-food giants such as McDonald's or Wendy's, which maintain near-constant year-round availability, Arby's adopts a selective approach to holiday operations based on historical foot traffic and community expectations.

Regular Holiday Patterns

Over the years, Arby's has established predictable patterns around key U.S. holidays:

New Year’s Day (January 1): Most locations are open, often starting at 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM.
Memorial Day & Labor Day: Nearly all locations operate on regular hours.
Independence Day (July 4): Typically open, sometimes with special promotions.
Thanksgiving: The vast majority of Arby's restaurants are closed.
Christmas Day: Almost all locations shut down for the day.
Easter Sunday: Many locations open, but hours can be reduced.

This tiered system reflects both consumer behavior and logistical realities. For example, post-holiday meal demand spikes on December 26 and January 1, making those days profitable for continued operation. In contrast, Thanksgiving and Christmas emphasize family gatherings, reducing dine-in traffic and increasing labor costs due to overtime pay.

Franchise Ownership and Local Control

A significant portion of Arby's restaurants are independently owned and operated under franchise agreements. This decentralized structure means that while corporate provides guidance, final decisions about holiday hours rest with individual franchisees. A franchise owner in a busy urban area might opt to stay open longer on New Year’s Day to serve late-night revelers, whereas one in a rural town may close early or reduce staff due to lower expected demand.

Additionally, local laws can impact opening times. Some municipalities restrict business operations on certain holidays, although these rarely apply to New Year’s Day. Still, zoning rules, noise ordinances, or alcohol licensing (for locations serving beer) may indirectly affect operating windows.

Why New Year's Day Differs from Other Holidays

New Year’s Day occupies a unique position in the American holiday calendar. It marks the start of the Gregorian year and often follows New Year’s Eve festivities, during which many people consume alcohol and stay out late. As a result, there is consistent demand for accessible food options in the early morning and afternoon of January 1.

Post-Celebration Demand Drives Availability

Many consumers seek hearty, satisfying meals after late-night parties. Arby's signature roast beef sandwiches and curly fries align well with this craving profile, giving franchisees incentive to remain open. Additionally, football games broadcast on January 1 create additional foot traffic, especially in sports-centric regions.

In contrast, holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas prioritize home-cooked meals and private family time, leading to minimal foot traffic at quick-service restaurants. Thus, Arby's—and most QSR chains—choose not to operate fully on those days.

Holiday Adjacent Schedules

It's also worth noting how Arby's adjusts its schedule around the holiday weekend:

December 31 (New Year’s Eve): Most locations stay open late, often until midnight or later, particularly in city centers.
January 1 (New Year’s Day): Open with possible delayed openings (e.g., 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM instead of 8:00 AM).
January 2: Return to normal operating hours.

This staggered model allows employees time off while still meeting customer demand during peak periods.

Holiday	Typical Arby's Status	Notes
New Year's Day	Mostly Open	Limited or delayed hours common
New Year’s Eve	Open Late	Extended hours in urban areas
Thanksgiving	Closed	Nearly all locations shut down
Christmas Day	Closed	Rare exceptions exist
Fourth of July	Open	Regular or special holiday hours
Labor Day	Open	Standard weekday schedule

How to Plan Your Visit on New Year’s Day

If you're planning to visit an Arby's on January 1, follow these practical steps to ensure a smooth experience:

Check Hours in Advance

Never assume standard operating hours apply on holidays. Even if nearby locations are open, your preferred Arby's might have unique scheduling. Use official channels to confirm availability.

Use the Arby's Website or App

The most reliable method is visiting arbys.com or using the Arby's mobile app. Enter your ZIP code or allow location access to view real-time store information, including holiday hours, drive-thru status, and menu offerings.

Call the Local Location Directly

Calling the specific restaurant remains one of the fastest ways to get accurate details. Staff can inform you of any last-minute changes, temporary closures, or delivery limitations.

Look Up via Google Maps

Search "Arby's near me" on Google. Each listing usually displays updated holiday hours, often marked with a note like "Open today: 10AM–8PM." User reviews may also mention recent visits on holidays.

Consider Alternative Options

If your local Arby's is closed, explore alternatives:

Other quick-service brands open on New Year’s Day (e.g., Subway, Taco Bell, some McDonald's).
Order delivery through platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub—if available in your area.
Pick up food the night before (December 31), when most locations are open late.

Step-by-Step Guide to Confirm Arby's Hours on New Year’s Day

Visit arbys.com or open the Arby's app.
Enter your address or ZIP code to locate nearby restaurants.
Select a location to view detailed info.
Check the "Today's Hours" section—look for January 1 updates.
Note any special holiday schedules (e.g., "Closed," "Opens at 10AM").
Call the store if online info is unclear or missing.
Verify again the morning of January 1, in case of unexpected changes.

Remember: Policies change annually. Just because a location was open in 2024 doesn’t guarantee it will be open in 2025. Always reconfirm close to the date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Arby's open on New Year’s Day 2025?

Most likely, yes—but hours may be limited. Check your local Arby's via the official website or phone call for confirmation closer to the date.

What time does Arby's open on New Year’s Day?

Opening times vary. Some locations open at 8:00 AM, others at 10:00 AM or later. Use the Arby's store locator to find exact hours for your area.

Do all Arby's locations close on Christmas?

Virtually all Arby's restaurants are closed on Christmas Day. Very few, if any, remain open. Always double-check locally if traveling.

Can I order Arby's online on New Year’s Day?

Yes, if the local restaurant is open. Online ordering and delivery through third-party apps depend on individual store participation and staffing.

Why are some Arby's closed on New Year’s Day?

Franchise owners make independent decisions based on staffing, local demand, and personal preference. Smaller towns or less-trafficked areas may close or shorten hours.