Is Bojangles Open on Memorial Day?

Yes, Bojangles is typically open on Memorial Day, with most locations operating during their regular weekday business hours. While the fast-casual chicken chain does not have a company-wide policy of closing on this federal holiday, individual restaurant hours may vary based on location, franchise ownership, or local regulations. For those searching for is Bojangles open on Memorial Day near me, it’s essential to verify with your specific store, as some standalone units or mall-based outlets might adjust schedules due to staffing, foot traffic, or regional events. Unlike holidays such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, where closures are more common across the industry, Memorial Day generally sees continued operations at Bojangles, making it a reliable option for holiday meals.

Quick Summary: Is Bojangles Open on Memorial Day?

In short, yes—most Bojangles locations remain open on Memorial Day. This includes both company-owned and franchised restaurants across the Southeastern United States, where the brand has its strongest presence. However, there is no universal mandate from corporate headquarters requiring all stores to stay open, nor is there a blanket closure policy. Instead, operational decisions are often left to individual franchise operators who consider factors like staffing availability, customer demand, and proximity to high-traffic areas such as parks, military bases, or tourist destinations. As a result, while the majority of Bojangles outlets will be serving customers on Memorial Day, a small number may choose to close or operate on modified hours.

Bojangles’ General Holiday Operating Policy

Understanding Bojangles' approach to holiday operations requires examining its broader pattern across major U.S. holidays. The chain maintains a flexible model that allows franchisees autonomy in setting holiday hours—a structure common among regional fast-food brands.

Typical Holiday Schedule Patterns

Bojangles tends to remain open on most federal holidays, particularly those that fall on Mondays or involve long weekends. These include:

New Year’s Day – Most locations open, often with slight delays (e.g., opening at 8 AM instead of 5 AM)
Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Generally open
Presidents’ Day – Open at nearly all locations
Mother’s Day & Father’s Day – Fully operational
Labor Day – Open, similar to Memorial Day
Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day – Majority open
Veterans Day – Typically open; some locations offer free meals or discounts

In contrast, Bojangles usually closes or significantly reduces operations on two key holidays:

Thanksgiving Day – Nearly all locations closed
Christmas Day – Almost universally closed

This selective closure strategy reflects both employee welfare considerations and lower consumer demand on deeply family-oriented holidays. Memorial Day, however, marks the unofficial start of summer and often involves outdoor gatherings, cookouts, and travel—situations where quick-service food options like Bojangles fried chicken, biscuits, and Cajun fries are in higher demand.

Why Store Hours May Vary on Memorial Day

Even though Bojangles operates under a consistent national brand, actual store availability on Memorial Day depends on several localized variables. Here's why one location might be open while another nearby is closed or running on reduced hours.

Franchise Ownership vs. Corporate-Owned Locations

About 90% of Bojangles restaurants are independently owned and operated by franchisees. While they must adhere to brand standards regarding menu, quality, and service, holiday operating decisions are largely discretionary. A franchise owner may decide to give staff the day off as a benefit, especially if historical sales data shows only marginal increases on Memorial Day. Others may see an opportunity to capitalize on increased weekend traffic and choose to open early or extend hours.

Location Type Matters

The physical setting of a Bojangles outlet also influences its likelihood of staying open:

Standalone Drive-Thru Units: More likely to remain open, especially in suburban or rural areas where drive-thru convenience is valued.
Mall Food Courts or Shared Retail Spaces: May follow the mall’s operating schedule. If the shopping center is closed on Memorial Day, the Bojangles inside may also be shuttered.
Urban Downtown Outlets: Often experience lower foot traffic on holidays and may opt for shortened hours.
Highway or Travel Plazas: Highly likely to stay open, catering to road-trippers and travelers returning home after weekend getaways.

Regional Differences and Local Laws

Some states or counties enforce blue laws that restrict commercial activity on certain days, although these rarely apply to restaurants. Still, local labor regulations, minimum staffing requirements, or union agreements (though uncommon in QSR) can indirectly affect operations. Additionally, areas near military installations—where Memorial Day observances are especially prominent—may see Bojangles locations adjusting hours to accommodate ceremonies or base access changes.

Holiday	Typical Bojangles Status	Notes
New Year's Day	Open (delayed start)	Some open later than usual
Martin Luther King Jr. Day	Open	No widespread closures
Memorial Day	Mostly Open	Varies by franchisee
Independence Day (July 4)	Open	Peak summer demand
Labor Day	Open	Similar to Memorial Day
Thanksgiving Day	Closed	Nearly all locations shut
Christmas Day	Closed	Rare exceptions possible

Memorial Day-Specific Factors Affecting Bojangles Hours

Unlike religious or family-centric holidays, Memorial Day has unique characteristics that influence retail and restaurant behavior.

Long Weekend Dynamics

As a Monday holiday, Memorial Day creates a three-day weekend, increasing consumer mobility and dining-out frequency. Many people use the time for barbecues, beach trips, or visiting family—activities that generate demand for takeout food. Bojangles, known for its flavorful chicken and made-from-scratch biscuits, becomes a convenient alternative to cooking, especially for smaller gatherings or last-minute plans.

Pre-Holiday Surge on Saturday and Sunday

While the focus is on Monday, many Bojangles locations report peak sales on the preceding Saturday and Sunday. Customers stock up on family meals, catering trays, and sides ahead of holiday events. Some stores may even add extra staff or extend weekend hours to meet this demand. On Memorial Day itself, traffic may taper slightly compared to the weekend, but still remains above average for a Monday.

Connection to Military and Community Events

Given the solemn significance of Memorial Day honoring fallen service members, some Bojangles franchises participate in community tributes or offer special promotions for veterans and active-duty personnel. Though not a standardized corporate program, these gestures can increase visibility and foot traffic, further incentivizing owners to remain open.

Planning Your Visit: Practical Tips for Memorial Day

If you're counting on grabbing a Bojangles meal on Memorial Day, here’s how to ensure your plans go smoothly.

When Should You Go?

For the best experience, aim to visit Bojangles during off-peak hours. Lunchtime (11:30 AM–1:30 PM) and dinner (5:30 PM–7:30 PM) will likely be busiest, especially at drive-thru windows. Consider going earlier in the day—many locations open between 5:00 AM and 6:30 AM—for breakfast favorites like big breakfast bowls, sausage biscuits, or sweet potato biscuits without the wait.

What If Your Location Is Closed?

If your nearest Bojangles is closed on Memorial Day, don’t panic. Here are alternatives:

Order Ahead Over the Weekend: Pick up extra meals on Saturday or Sunday to reheat at home.
Check Nearby Locations: Use the store locator to find an open branch—even if it’s a bit farther away.
Explore Competitors: Chains like Popeyes, Chick-fil-A (closed Sundays), or KFC often remain open and offer similar fare.
Prepare a Copycat Recipe at Home: Bojangles-style chicken and biscuits can be recreated using publicly available fan recipes online.

How to Confirm Bojangles Hours on Memorial Day

To avoid disappointment, follow this simple five-step process to verify your local store’s status:

Visit the Official Website: Go to bojangles.com and click “Find a Location.”
Search by Address or ZIP Code: Enter your location to pull up nearby stores.
Check Individual Store Pages: Each listing displays daily hours, including holiday adjustments when updated.
Call the Restaurant Directly: Phone numbers are listed for each store. A quick call confirms whether they’re open and if any special hours apply.
Use Google Maps or Apps Like DoorDash: Real-time updates often appear here, especially if a location posts temporary closures.

Remember: holiday hours can change annually. Just because a Bojangles was open last Memorial Day doesn’t guarantee the same for 2025. Always double-check shortly before the holiday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bojangles open on Memorial Day 2025?

Most Bojangles locations are expected to be open on Memorial Day 2025, which falls on May 26. However, hours may vary by location. Always confirm with your local store via phone or the official website.

What time does Bojangles open on Memorial Day?

Opening times depend on the individual restaurant. Most start at 5:00 AM or 6:30 AM, but some may open later. Check your local store’s schedule online or by calling ahead.

Does Bojangles offer Memorial Day specials or discounts?

Bojangles does not typically run nationwide promotions for Memorial Day. However, some franchise locations may offer local deals or free meals for veterans as part of community outreach.

Are Bojangles drive-thrus open on Memorial Day?

Yes, most Bojangles drive-thrus operate on Memorial Day if the store is open. This is especially true for standalone locations focused on quick service.

Will Bojangles be closed on the day after Memorial Day?

No. The Tuesday following Memorial Day is a regular business day, and all standard Bojangles locations will operate according to their normal schedule.