Most restaurants are open on New Year's Day but some branches may be operating on a reduced schedule. Some venues may also be shut or offering limited services amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Contact your local restaurant to confirm the exact hours of operation and any safety protocols in place before visiting.
Here we look at the New Year's Day hours for some major restaurant chains across the country.
Applebee's
Most Applebee's restaurants are open on January 1. Daily opening hours are typically from around 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. or 1 a.m. local time.
The restaurant chain has implemented several safety protocols, including social distancing measures, amid the ongoing outbreak. See the Applebee's website for more information.
Red Lobster
Most Red Lobster branches are open on New Year's Day, from around 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. local time.
The seafood chain has also issued several COVID-19 safety guidelines for customers. These include the following:
- Do not enter the restaurant if you are sick.
- Practice social distancing and keep at least six feet apart from others.
- Limit party size.
- Refrain from congregating in waiting areas or bar areas.
- Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer.
See the Red Lobster website for more details.
Olive Garden
Most Olive Garden restaurants are open on January 1 and branches are open daily from around 11 a.m. to 10 or 11 p.m. local time.
The Italian restaurant chain has also introduced COVID-19 safety measures, including requiring guests dining at the restaurant to wear masks when not at their table. See the Olive Garden website for more information.
Chili's
Most Chili's branches are open on New Year's Day. Daily hours of operation are usually from around 11 a.m. to 10 or 11 p.m. local time at most locations.
Amid the ongoing pandemic, some venues may be offering limited services.
The company notes: "We are following official guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and all state and local guidelines and mandates when it comes to serving Guests. Your Chili's may be offering dine-in, or may only be open for To-Go or patio service based on local mandates."
Guests are advised to check the Chili's website to see "which restaurant locations are open and the health, cleanliness and safety measures we've put in place to keep our guests and team members safe."
Denny's
Most Denny's restaurants are open on New Year's Day and are usually open daily 24 hours a day.
Several safety measures are in place across all Denny's branches amid the ongoing outbreak. The company states: "We've taken steps to help ensure the safety of our employees, our guests and our community; from bolstering our sanitation and safety protocols to developing drive-up ordering, curbside pickup and contactless delivery.
Other measures in place include the following:
- Temperature checks performed daily on every employee
- Masks worn by all team members
- Removal of multi-touch items from the tables
- Social distancing throughout the restaurant
- A trained Sanitation Specialist who cleans every chair, table, highchair, menu and condiment container after every guest
- Disposable menus available upon request
- Washing of team members' hands every 20 minutes with soap and water followed by alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
See the Denny's website for more information.
TGI Fridays
Most TGI Fridays venues are open on January 1, typically running from around 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. or 12 a.m. local time at most locations.
The restaurant chain has also taken several precautionary safety measures amid the ongoing outbreak.
"In areas where dining rooms remain open, we are creating more distance between our tables, and removing shared condiments in favor of individual servings. We are also making single-serve menus available," the company states.
See the TGI Fridays website for more details.
IHOP
Most IHOP venues are open on New Year's Day, with most typically active from around 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time. The restaurant chain has also issued COVID-19 safety guidelines for customers. See the IHOP website for more information.
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