New Year’s Day in the USA has its own special rhythm. Streets are quieter, mornings are slower, and most people want convenience, whether that means grabbing a warm breakfast, picking up groceries for the day, or doing a little shopping. Naturally, one question comes up every year: Are places open on New Year’s Day? And more specifically, what food places are open on New Year’s Day when everything feels closed?
The good news? A large number of restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, and big retailers remain open on January 1st. While hours may be shorter than usual, most essential chains welcome customers throughout the day. Below is a smooth, easy guide to help you know where you can eat, shop, and stop on New Year’s Day, without the guesswork.
If you're craving comfort food after a late night, many popular diners and breakfast chains stay open. Places like Denny’s, IHOP, Waffle House, and Cracker Barrel are known for serving customers on almost every holiday, including January 1st. These spots are great for anyone who wants pancakes, eggs, or a classic American breakfast without cooking at home. Even First Watch, depending on location, welcomes New Year’s Day guests for fresh brunch options.
Casual dining restaurants also tend to keep their doors open. Chains such as Applebee’s, Olive Garden, Chili’s, Cheesecake Factory, Red Lobster, Outback Steakhouse, LongHorn Steakhouse, and Buffalo Wild Wings usually operate with reduced hours but still serve lunch and dinner. This makes them a comfortable choice for families, travelers, or anyone wanting a sit-down meal.
Fast-food chains are even more reliable. McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Taco Bell, Sonic, Smoothie King, and most Starbucks locations remain open. Hours may vary, especially for Chick-fil-A, since some of their stores choose to close depending on location. If you're someone who needs coffee to start your New Year, Starbucks often updates its holiday hours in the app, making it easy to check before heading out.
Fine dining restaurants, surprisingly, aren’t far behind. Places like Ruth’s Chris Steak House, The Capital Grille, and Morton’s often stay open to serve guests looking for a celebratory New Year’s meal with a more elegant touch.
Beyond food, people also wonder whether retail stores are open, especially when they need last-minute items. Many major retailers remain open on January 1st, though with reduced operating hours. Walmart and Target are two of the most dependable options, along with Kohl’s, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and TJ Maxx. These stores attract customers who want to start the New Year organising, returning gifts, or grabbing home essentials.
If you're planning a shopping day, New Year’s Day often brings quieter crowds, making it a surprisingly good time to roam aisles peacefully.
Most grocery chains understand that January 1st still requires food runs, last-minute ingredients, or snacks for a relaxing day. Kroger, Albertsons, Publix, H-E-B, Hy-Vee, and Giant Food generally operate with adjusted hours. Some may open later or close earlier, but they stay available for essentials.
Pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS also remain open nationwide. Many 24-hour branches stay fully operational, making them convenient for prescriptions, cold-and-flu products, or quick household needs.
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While many places stay open, some large chains close completely. Costco and Sam’s Club are two of the most notable retailers that shut their doors on January 1st every year.
Specialty grocery stores like Trader Joe’s and Aldi also take a day off, returning to normal hours on January 2nd. If these are your go-to stores, it’s best to plan or visit a different retailer that stays open 24*7.
Although most brands follow a national schedule, individual store hours can vary depending on location, demand, and franchise decisions. The safest approach is to check your local store’s website, use the brand’s app, or simply call ahead. A quick check can save a wasted trip, especially when holiday hours change unexpectedly.
Whether you're grabbing breakfast, picking up groceries, or doing a little shopping, New Year’s Day in the USA offers plenty of open options. From diners and fast food to grocery stores and big retailers, most essential places stay available to make your holiday smooth and stress-free. Just remember to confirm the hours of your nearest location, as each store may follow its own holiday schedule.
If New Year’s Day also marks the start of your travel plans, Travelpodium can help you book flights, hotels, and holiday packages with ease. Start the year your way, book your next trip today with Travelpodium.
Yes. Many chains like Denny’s, IHOP, Applebee’s, Starbucks, and McDonald's stay open, though their hours may be shorter.
Denny’s, Waffle House, IHOP, and Cracker Barrel are reliable options for early meals.
Most major grocery stores, such as Kroger, Publix, H-E-B, and Albertsons, operate with adjusted hours.
No. Costco and Sam’s Club remain closed on January 1st every year.
Yes, most Starbucks locations are open, but hours may vary. Check the app for your nearest store.
Annu is a content writer who loves turning ideas into clear, engaging words. She explores new writing styles, tools, and technologies, and enjoys experimenting with cooking and other creative hobbies in her free time.
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