What Restaurants Are Open on Easter Sunday 2026? McDonald's, Wendy's and More
Sunday, April 5, is Easter Sunday, and millions of Americans will gather with family and friends to celebrate the holiday. For those who want to skip having to prepare food for the holiday, the good news is that a handful of restaurants are open for the holiday.
So, while a bevy of restaurants will be closed to allow their employees time to celebrate the holiday, some will keep their lights on and doors open. With that in mind, let's get into the eateries that plan to have their doors open on Easter, but remember to call ahead before going, to make sure your local location isn't an exception, because hours and being open vary by location.
What Restaurants Are Open on Easter Sunday, April 5? The Tally Includes Denny's, Select McDonald's Locations and More
First, let's get into the restaurants that are closed on Easter, so don't even try these. Restaurants shutting their doors for the holiday include Chick-fil-A, Chipotle and Raising Cane's.
Now, let's get into the restaurants that say they're open but only select locations. These are restaurants that nationally indicate they're open, depending on the location, so check your local spot to make sure they're in business for the holiday.
Restaurants that are open, but vary by location, include Applebee's, Arby's, Buffalo Wild Wings, Burger King, Chili's, Dairy Queen, Dunkin', Firehouse Subs, Jersey Mike's, McDonald's, Red Lobster, Shake Shack, Starbucks, Subway, Taco Bell and Wendy's.
Restaurants that nationally say all locations are open on Easter Sunday include Bob Evans, Cracker Barrel, IHOP, Waffle House, Krispy Kreme, Denny's and Whataburger. Even in this case, it's advised to check your local spot to make sure they're in business. While these spots are comfortable in saying all locations are open, it's always a good idea to double check.
It's worth noting that Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas tend to be the three holidays where the largest number of restaurants and stores are closed nationwide.
America's Most Popular Easter Candy Isn't Peeps, But It's a Perennial Favorite
Easter is a Christian holiday that centers around the belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. "The authors of the Gospels hold that Jesus' death by crucifixion, marked by the Christian observance of Good Friday on the Friday before Easter, and subsequent resurrection three days later prove that he was the living son of God," the History Channel notes about the holiday, It's a major event in the faith and celebrated around the world.
On the topic of Easter food, the most popular Easter candy in the U.S., according to survey data from DoorDash, is Reese's Pieces, "proving that a festive plastic carrot full of peanut butter candy is the ultimate egg-hunt essential." According to the study, coming in at No. 2 is the Palmer Double Crisp Lil Crispy Bunny and No. 3 is the M&M's Easter Bunny Cake. Old-fashioned jelly beans didn't even make the top 10, so perhaps the Easter Bunny has found new favorites.