If you’ve ever been hit with late-night hunger only to find your local McDonald’s doors locked, good news is here.
This summer, McDonald’s is rolling out a huge shakeup to its opening hours across 13,637 locations in the US, aiming to satisfy those late-night cravings like never before. The fast food giant plans to keep most restaurants open past midnight, including some airport spots, giving night owls a reason to celebrate.
However, some places like malls and certain airports that have restrictions won’t join the late-night party and will stick to regular breakfast hours. Still, the move shows McDonald’s commitment to maximizing the summer season and meeting customer demand whenever those hunger pangs strike.
McDonald’s themselves said it best: “Our fans know there’s no better way to end an unforgettable night than by feasting on your favorite McDonald’s order. That’s why, as the summer season kicks off, we’re excited to offer more ways for customers to satisfy their late-night cravings with more choices and expanded hours at more restaurants.”
To sweeten the deal, McDonald’s is also giving away 1,000 free virtual gift cards on May 24. All you have to do is post on your Instagram story with the hashtag #DipforMcCrispyStripsGiveaway and tag @GoFooji to enter.
But longer hours mean one thing: McDonald’s needs more people to keep the fries frying and patties sizzling. This summer, the company is launching one of its biggest hiring pushes ever, with up to 375,000 new positions in the US alone. This hiring blitz supports McDonald’s ambitious plan to open 50,000 new locations by 2027, a massive expansion that would add roughly 900 new restaurants over the next two years alone.
Joe Erlinger, McDonald’s USA head, shared his perspective, recalling his own early days working as a general manager. He said, “Crew members are the heart and soul of this brand.” And with nearly 2 million employees worldwide and about 1 in 8 Americans having worked at McDonald’s at some point, that statement rings true.
If you’re looking for a summer gig, McDonald’s might be your best bet. Flexible hours, solid pay, and, of course, the chance to chow down on your favorite menu items whenever you want. Speaking of menu items, here’s a quick snapshot of some current fast food deals to keep in mind alongside McDonald’s: Taco Bell’s $7 Luxe Cravings Box, Wendy’s $5 Biggie Bag, Burger King’s $5 Your Way Meal, and McDonald’s own $5 Meal Deal featuring a McDouble or McChicken, four-piece nuggets, fries, and a drink.
So this summer, whether you’re working behind the counter or ordering a late-night snack, McDonald’s is all in on making those late-night cravings easier to satisfy. With expanded hours, massive hiring, free giveaways, and big expansion plans, the Golden Arches are ready to keep the party going well into the night.
| Fact / Detail | Description / Data |
|---|---|
| Number of locations extending late hours | 13,637 McDonald’s restaurants |
| Extended hours include | Many restaurants open past midnight, including airports |
| Locations excluded from late hours | Airports and shopping malls with local restrictions |
| Giveaway date | May 24 |
| Giveaway details | 1,000 free virtual gift cards via Instagram #DipforMcCrispyStripsGiveaway and tagging @GoFooji |
| Hiring push | Up to 375,000 new US positions this summer |
| Expansion plan | 50,000 new McDonald’s locations by 2027 |
| Increase in restaurant count over 2 years | Approx. 900 new locations |
| McDonald’s global workforce | Nearly 2 million employees |
| Proportion of Americans who worked at McDonald’s | 1 in 8 Americans |
| Current value meal examples | McDonald’s $5 Meal Deal, Taco Bell’s $7 Luxe Cravings Box, Wendy’s $5 Biggie Bag, Burger King’s $5 Your Way Meal |
