Is Chick-fil-A Open on Memorial Day?

Yes, Chick-fil-A is typically closed on Memorial Day, just like most major holidays. If you're asking is Chick-fil-A open on Memorial Day, the answer for nearly all locations across the United States is no. This longstanding policy reflects the company’s commitment to providing team members with time off to rest, spend time with family, and honor the meaning behind national holidays. While a very small number of high-traffic or airport locations may have different hours, the overwhelming majority of Chick-fil-A restaurants observe Memorial Day as a day off. To ensure accuracy, customers should always verify the operating status of their specific location using the Chick-fil-A app or website.

Quick Answer: Is Chick-fil-A Open on Memorial Day?

In short, Chick-fil-A is closed on Memorial Day. This applies to the vast majority of its more than 3,000 standalone and mall-based restaurants nationwide. The closure aligns with the brand’s well-known practice of remaining closed on Sundays and most federal holidays, including Memorial Day. While this isn’t an official corporate mandate enforced uniformly at every franchise level, the overwhelming consensus among franchise operators is to follow this tradition. Therefore, if you’re planning to visit a Chick-fil-A on Memorial Day—whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner—you should expect it to be closed unless confirmed otherwise by your local store.

Memorial Day Hours: What Customers Should Expect

Customers should plan accordingly when considering a trip to Chick-fil-A over the Memorial Day weekend. Although many Americans use Memorial Day as the unofficial start of summer and gather for barbecues, parades, or outdoor activities, Chick-fil-A does not operate on the holiday itself. Even though some fast-food chains remain open—such as McDonald’s, Wendy’s, or Burger King—Chick-fil-A chooses a different path rooted in its core values.

This decision supports employee well-being and reinforces the company’s mission of stewardship and service beyond the restaurant. As such, even if your nearby shopping center or plaza is open on Memorial Day, there's a strong likelihood that the Chick-fil-A within it will still be closed.

Chick-fil-A’s Typical Holiday Operating Policy

Understanding Chick-fil-A’s general holiday schedule helps explain why the chain closes on Memorial Day. Unlike many other fast-food brands, Chick-fil-A operates under a unique set of principles influenced heavily by its founder Truett Cathy’s Christian beliefs. One of the most visible expressions of these values is that all Chick-fil-A restaurants are closed on Sundays, without exception.

While Sunday closures are mandatory, holiday operations are determined at the franchisee level—but with strong guidance from corporate culture. Most franchise owners choose to close on major holidays, including:

New Year’s Day
Easter Sunday
Independence Day (July 4th)
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
Memorial Day

The company does not issue a centralized directive requiring closures on these days, but the cultural norm is so strong that fewer than 1% of locations remain open on any given federal holiday. This decentralized model means that while most Chick-fil-A restaurants will be closed on Memorial Day, there can be rare exceptions—especially in transportation hubs like airports or hospitals where demand remains high.

Why Franchise Ownership Affects Holiday Hours

Because Chick-fil-A operates primarily through independently owned franchises (over 90% of locations), individual operators have some discretion in setting holiday hours. However, they are expected to uphold the brand’s values, which include giving team members regular days off and observing meaningful holidays. Most franchisees honor this expectation by closing on Memorial Day.

Still, exceptions exist. For example, a Chick-fil-A located inside Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport may stay open due to constant passenger traffic and staffing agreements. These special-case locations often run on modified schedules year-round and may not follow the same holiday patterns as traditional standalone stores.

Factors That Influence Whether a Location Is Open

Several factors determine whether a particular Chick-fil-A might be open on Memorial Day—or any holiday—even if the general rule is closure. Understanding these variables helps customers make informed decisions.

Location Type: Mall vs. Standalone vs. Airport

The physical setting of a Chick-fil-A plays a significant role in its holiday operations:

Standalone Locations: Usually close on Memorial Day.
Mall-Based Restaurants: May follow mall hours, but most still opt to close despite surrounding stores being open.
Airport Locations: More likely to remain open due to continuous traveler demand; however, they may operate on reduced hours.
Hospital or University Outlets: Some may offer limited service depending on institutional needs.

Local Laws and Community Norms

While Chick-fil-A isn’t bound by blue laws (which restrict business operations on Sundays or holidays) in most areas, local customs and workforce availability can influence decisions. In smaller towns, community expectations about holiday observance may lead franchisees to close, whereas in larger metropolitan areas with diverse populations and higher foot traffic, a few locations might consider staying open.

Urban vs. Rural Differences

Urban locations sometimes face greater pressure to remain accessible during peak travel times. However, even in big cities like New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago, Chick-fil-A locations almost always close on Memorial Day. The brand’s consistency in holiday closures has become part of its identity, reinforcing customer trust and internal morale.

Holiday	Typical Chick-fil-A Status	Notes
New Year’s Day	Closed	Rare airport exceptions
Memorial Day	Closed	Most locations shut down
Independence Day	Closed	Aligns with summer holiday break
Labor Day	Closed	End-of-summer closure
Thanksgiving	Closed	No dine-in or takeout services
Christmas Day	Closed	All locations closed annually
Sundays	Closed	Company-wide policy

Memorial Day-Specific Considerations

Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, honors U.S. military personnel who died in service. It marks a moment of reflection and remembrance, which resonates with Chick-fil-A’s emphasis on patriotism and community values. The closure allows employees to participate in ceremonies, spend time with loved ones, or simply rest after a busy spring season.

It’s also worth noting how Chick-fil-A handles the days immediately before and after Memorial Day:

Saturday and Sunday before Memorial Day: Full regular hours; often busier than usual due to holiday weekend traffic.
Memorial Day (Monday): Closed at nearly all locations.
Tuesday following Memorial Day: Return to normal operating schedule.

There is no early closing or special menu offered on Memorial Day because the restaurants are not open. However, promotional events or digital deals may appear in the app leading up to the holiday weekend.

Planning Ahead: What to Do If Chick-fil-A Is Closed

If you were counting on grabbing a Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich or waffle fries on Memorial Day, here are practical steps to help you adapt:

1. Check Local Store Hours in Advance

Don’t assume every location follows the standard closure. Use the official Chick-fil-A website or mobile app to search for your nearest restaurant. Enter your zip code or address, select the location, and view detailed holiday hours.

2. Call Your Local Restaurant Directly

When in doubt, call the restaurant. Managers can confirm whether they’re open on Memorial Day and provide information about reopening times. Phone numbers are listed on both Google Maps and the Chick-fil-A site.

3. Explore Alternative Options

If your local Chick-fil-A is closed, consider these alternatives:

McDonald’s – Open on Memorial Day with full menu
Burger King – Typically operates normally
Taco Bell – Most locations open
Popeyes – Often open, especially in urban areas

4. Prepare Meals in Advance

Craving Chick-fil-A flavors? Try recreating fan favorites at home. Many copycat recipes for nuggets, sauces, and sandwiches are available online. You could even host your own mini “Chick-fil-A night” with family or friends.

5. Use Delivery Apps Strategically

Note: Even if delivery apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats show Chick-fil-A as available on Memorial Day, this doesn’t guarantee the restaurant is actually open. Third-party platforms sometimes display outdated or incorrect data. Always cross-check with the official source.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Confirm Chick-fil-A Hours for Memorial Day

Open the Chick-fil-A app or go to chick-fil-a.com.
Search for your nearest location using ZIP code or city/state.
Select the specific restaurant from the list.
Click on “Hours” to view the weekly schedule.
Look for Memorial Day on the calendar—if no hours are listed, it’s likely closed.
Contact the store via phone if the information is unclear.
Check back closer to the date, as hours may be updated weeks in advance.

Remember: Policies can change from year to year. Just because a location was closed last Memorial Day doesn’t guarantee it will be closed next year—though historically, the pattern holds strong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chick-fil-A open on Memorial Day 2025?

No, Chick-fil-A is expected to be closed on Memorial Day 2025, which falls on May 26. This follows the brand’s standard practice of closing on most major holidays. Always verify with your local restaurant for confirmation.

Are any Chick-fil-A locations open on Memorial Day?

A very small number of Chick-fil-A restaurants—typically those in airports or travel plazas—may remain open or offer limited service on Memorial Day. However, the vast majority are closed.

Does Chick-fil-A deliver on Memorial Day?

No. Since most Chick-fil-A restaurants are closed on Memorial Day, delivery services like DoorDash or the Chick-fil-A app will not be active. No curbside pickup or drive-thru access is available.

What time does Chick-fil-A open after Memorial Day?

On the Tuesday following Memorial Day, Chick-fil-A locations resume their regular business hours. Most restaurants open between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM for breakfast service.

Why is Chick-fil-A closed on Memorial Day?

Chick-fil-A closes on Memorial Day to honor the significance of the holiday and allow team members time off for rest and family. This aligns with the company’s broader philosophy of work-life balance and respect for national observances.