Every day, there’s a shift at McDonald’s where the breakfast menu transitions to the lunch and dinner options. For fans of Egg McMuffins, McGriddles, and hash browns, knowing the exact cutoff time for breakfast is crucial. If you’re wondering, “when does McDonald’s stop serving breakfast?”, you’re in the right place. This guide will give you the details on McDonald’s breakfast hours so you can plan your morning meal accordingly.
Understanding McDonald’s Breakfast Hours
McDonald’s doesn’t serve breakfast all day, much to the disappointment of some breakfast fanatics. While there was a period when all-day breakfast was available, that’s no longer the standard at most locations. Generally, McDonald’s begins serving breakfast when they open and continues until mid-morning.
According to McDonald’s Corporate, breakfast hours are set by co-ops and franchisees. However, a common timeframe across many locations is from the opening time until 10:30 or 11:00 a.m. local time. This means you typically have a window of about 4 to 5 hours to indulge in your favorite McDonald’s breakfast items.
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It’s worth noting that McDonald’s breakfast hours can vary slightly depending on the day of the week. While weekdays often see breakfast ending around 10:30 a.m., some McDonald’s extend their breakfast service until 11:00 a.m. on weekends. To be absolutely sure about your local McDonald’s breakfast schedule, it’s always best to check directly with your nearest restaurant.
The End of All-Day Breakfast: A Recent History
For a glorious period, McDonald’s offered all-day breakfast, starting in late 2015. This was a hugely popular move, allowing customers to enjoy breakfast favorites at any time of the day. However, this all changed in early 2020 with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In March 2020, McDonald’s made the decision to temporarily suspend all-day breakfast. Bill Garrett, Senior Vice President of McDonald’s U.S. Operations, explained that this was to “simplify operations in our kitchens and for our crew.” By streamlining the menu, McDonald’s aimed to improve efficiency and ensure a better experience for customers during challenging times. While initially intended as a temporary measure, all-day breakfast has not returned to most McDonald’s locations since.
McDonald’s Breakfast History: It Started with the Egg McMuffin
The McDonald’s breakfast menu has a rich history, and it all began with a breakfast icon: the Egg McMuffin. Back in 1971, Herb Peterson, a McDonald’s franchise operator in Santa Barbara, had the idea to create a fast-food version of Eggs Benedict.
His initial attempt with Hollandaise sauce didn’t quite work out for fast-food service. Peterson ingeniously replaced the sauce with a slice of cheese and developed a Teflon ring to give eggs their perfectly round shape. And just like that, the Egg McMuffin was born, paving the way for the expansive McDonald’s breakfast menu we know today.
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What If You Miss the McDonald’s Breakfast Cutoff?
Missing the McDonald’s breakfast hours can be disappointing, but it’s not the end of the world. If you find yourself craving breakfast after the cutoff time, there are a few options. Firstly, always aim to order before 10:30 a.m. on weekdays and perhaps 11:00 a.m. on weekends to be safe.
If you do miss the breakfast window, remember that McDonald’s lunch and dinner menu offers a wide variety of delicious options. From Big Macs and Quarter Pounders to Chicken McNuggets and fries, there’s still plenty to enjoy. And while it might not be an Egg McMuffin, you can always look forward to McDonald’s breakfast again the next morning!
In conclusion, while McDonald’s breakfast is not served all day, you can typically enjoy it from the time your local restaurant opens until 10:30 or 11:00 a.m. Be sure to check with your local McDonald’s for their exact breakfast hours to ensure you get your morning favorites.
