Planning a late-night Chick-fil-A run or wondering if you can grab those famous waffle fries after work? Knowing when your local Chick-fil-A closes can save you from disappointment and help you plan your meals better.
Most Chick-fil-A locations close at 10:00 PM Monday through Saturday, but hours can vary significantly by location, day of the week, and special circumstances. (What hours are Chick-fil-A restaurants open?, n.d.) The chain is also famously closed on Sundays, a policy that has remained unchanged since the company’s founding. (Why is Chick-fil-A closed on Sunday?, n.d.)
Understanding Chick-fil-A’s operating hours isn’t just about avoiding a wasted trip—it’s about maximizing your chances of getting fresh food and avoiding the rush. This guide covers everything you need to know about Chick-fil-A closing times, including how to find your specific location’s hours and what factors might affect them.
Standard Chick-fil-A Hours Across Locations
Monday Through Saturday Hours
The majority of Chick-fil-A restaurants follow a consistent schedule during the week:
Typical Opening Hours:
- Monday-Saturday: 6:00 AM or 6:30 AM
- Breakfast starts immediately upon opening.
- The lunch menu typically begins at 10:30 AM.
Standard Closing Times:
- Monday-Thursday: 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM
- Friday-Saturday: 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM
These hours represent the most common schedule, but individual franchises have the flexibility to adjust based on local demand and market conditions.
The Sunday Policy
Chick-fil-A’s Sunday closure is one of the most well-known policies in fast food. Founder Truett Cathy established this practice in 1946, believing employees should have time for family, worship, and rest. (Why is Chick-fil-A closed on Sunday?, n.d.) This policy continues today across all locations, with rare exceptions only for special venues like airports or college campuses that may have modified agreements.
Location-Specific Variations
Mall and Shopping Center Locations
Chick-fil-A restaurants inside shopping centers often follow mall hours, which can differ from standalone locations: (Chick-fil-A – The Mall at Millenia, n.d.)
- May open later (typically 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM)
- Usually close when the mall closes (often 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM)
- Holiday hours may match mall schedules rather than standard restaurant hours.
Airport and Travel Hub Locations
Airport Chick-fil-A locations operate under different rules: (Chick-fil-A | MSP Airport, 2025)
- Extended hours to serve travelers
- Some locations may open on Sundays with limited hours (Liles & Jordan, 2020)
- Hours often align with airport terminal operations.
- May close earlier than expected during low-traffic periods
College Campus Locations
University-based restaurants frequently adjust their schedules: (Chick-fil-A – University of Central Florida, 2025)
- Hours may change during summer breaks and holidays.
- Some locations close during winter break
- Operating hours often reflect student activity patterns.
- Weekend hours might be reduced when students are away.
How to Find Your Local Store Hours
Official Store Locator
The most reliable method is using Chick-fil-A’s official store locator:
- Visit the Chick-fil-A website.
- Use the “Find a Restaurant” tool.
- Enter your zip code or city.
- Select your specific location.
- View detailed hours, including any temporary changes.
Mobile App Features
The Chick-fil-A One app provides convenient access to store information:
- Real-time hours for nearby locations
- Push notifications about temporary hour changes.
- Integration with mobile ordering that shows if locations are currently open
- Ability to save favorite locations for quick hour checking
Calling Ahead
When in doubt, calling your local restaurant remains effective:
- Store phone numbers are available through the store locator.
- Staff can inform you of any unexpected closures or hour changes.
- Useful for confirming holiday hours or special circumstances
Factors That Affect Closing Times
Seasonal Adjustments
Many locations modify their hours based on seasonal patterns:
- Summer hours may be extended due to increased demand.
- Winter hours might be reduced in certain markets.
- Back-to-school periods often see hour adjustments near colleges.
- Holiday seasons may bring temporary schedule changes.
Staffing Considerations
Like many restaurants, staffing levels can impact operating hours:
- Locations may close early due to staffing shortages.
- Newly opened locations might have limited hours initially.
- Training periods for new staff may result in temporary schedule changes.
Local Market Demands
Franchise owners adjust hours based on local business patterns:
- Urban locations may stay open later than suburban ones.
- Areas with active nightlife might extend weekend hours.
- Business districts may open earlier for breakfast commuters.
- Tourist areas often have extended hours during peak seasons.
Special Circumstances and Holiday Hours
Major Holidays
Chick-fil-A locations typically close or operate reduced hours on major holidays: (What hours are Chick-fil-A restaurants open?, n.d.)
- New Year’s Day: Many locations closed or have limited hours
- Independence Day: Varies by location.
- Thanksgiving Day: Most locations closed (Are Chick-fil-A restaurants open on Thanksgiving?, n.d.)
- Christmas Eve: Often closes early.
- Christmas Day: Closed (Are Chick-fil-A restaurants open on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?, n.d.)
Weather-Related Closures
Severe weather can impact store hours:
- Locations may close early during storms.
- Snow and ice can cause delayed openings.
- Hurricane and severe weather warnings often result in closures.
- Safety of employees and customers takes priority over operating hours.
Maintenance and Renovations
Scheduled maintenance can affect hours:
- Deep cleaning may cause early closures.
- Equipment maintenance might delay openings.
- Store renovations can result in temporary closures or modified hours.
- These changes are typically announced in advance when possible.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Peak Hours to Avoid
Understanding busy periods can improve your experience:
- Lunch rush: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM on weekdays
- Dinner rush: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
- Weekend afternoons often see increased traffic.
- Back-to-school and holiday periods bring additional crowds.
Best Times for Fresh Food
Timing your visit can ensure the freshest menu items:
- Early morning for breakfast items
- Just after lunch rush for freshly prepared chicken
- Mid-afternoon for items with longer prep times
- Avoid visiting too close to closing time for the best selection.
Mobile Ordering Advantages
Using mobile ordering can help with timing:
- Order ahead to skip lines during peak hours.
- Receive notifications if your selected location closes unexpectedly.
- Schedule orders for pickup during convenient times
- Access to real-time menu availability
Plan Your Next Chick-fil-A Visit
Knowing when Chick-fil-A closes helps you plan better meals and avoid disappointment. While most locations follow similar schedules, checking your specific restaurant’s hours ensures you don’t make an unnecessary trip.
Remember that hours can change due to holidays, weather, staffing, or other circumstances. The official store locator and mobile app provide the most current information, while calling ahead offers personal confirmation when you’re unsure.
Whether you’re craving those famous chicken sandwiches, waffle fries, or a breakfast biscuit, a quick hour check ensures your Chick-fil-A experience starts off right. Make it a habit to verify hours before heading out, especially during holidays or unusual circumstances.
