Every day, there’s a transition at McDonald’s when the breakfast menu makes way for the lunchtime offerings, switching from Egg McMuffins to Big Macs. If you’re a breakfast lover, knowing exactly when this happens is crucial. So, when does McDonald’s stop serving breakfast? Let’s dive into the morning menu timeline.
McDonald’s Breakfast Hours: The General Rule
For many hoping to grab a McMuffin, the bad news is that McDonald’s breakfast isn’t an all-day affair at most locations. While it might feel like you remember a time when 24/7 breakfast was possible, your memory isn’t completely off.
McDonald’s did indeed offer all-day breakfast starting in 2015, a move celebrated by breakfast enthusiasts. However, this round-the-clock breakfast service was paused in early 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic began. McDonald’s aimed to simplify kitchen operations during uncertain times. According to a statement from Bill Garrett, Senior Vice President of McDonald’s U.S. Operations in March 2020, this change was to “simplify operations in our kitchens and for our crew, and ensure the best possible experience for our customers” by focusing on “most popular choices.”
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So, what are the standard McDonald’s breakfast hours now? Generally, McDonald’s begins serving breakfast when they open and stops in the late morning. McDonald’s Corporate states that while hours are set by local co-ops and franchisees, “you can often get your favorite breakfast item from the time your local restaurant opens until 10:30 or 11 a.m. local time.”
Weekend vs. Weekday Breakfast Times
Keep in mind that breakfast hours can slightly differ depending on whether it’s a weekday or weekend. Even if your local McDonald’s concludes breakfast service around 10:30 a.m. during the week, you might find the breakfast menu available a bit longer, potentially until 11 a.m., on weekends.
To get the most accurate information about when McDonald’s stops serving breakfast at your nearest location, it’s always best to check directly. You can easily find the phone number or check online for the specific hours of your local McDonald’s restaurant.
A Breakfast Icon: The Egg McMuffin
The story of McDonald’s breakfast is deeply intertwined with one iconic menu item: the Egg McMuffin. This breakfast staple has a rich history.
Back in 1971, Herb Peterson, a McDonald’s franchise operator in Santa Barbara, had the innovative idea to create a fast-food version of Eggs Benedict. While traditional Hollandaise sauce proved impractical for fast food, Peterson ingeniously substituted it with a slice of cheese. He also developed a Teflon ring to give eggs their perfectly round shape for sandwiches. And just like that, the Egg McMuffin was born, quickly becoming a breakfast favorite and paving the way for the extensive McDonald’s morning menu we know today.
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What to Do if You Miss Breakfast
If you happen to oversleep or simply miss the McDonald’s breakfast window, don’t worry! While you might not be able to get the “real thing” after breakfast hours, you can always try making your own McDonald’s-inspired breakfast at home. There are numerous copycat recipes available online that can help you recreate your favorite McDonald’s breakfast items in your own kitchen.
In conclusion, while the dream of all-day McDonald’s breakfast is currently on hold, understanding the typical breakfast hours can help you plan your morning cravings. Generally, you’ll find the breakfast menu available until 10:30 or 11 a.m., but always confirm with your local McDonald’s for the most accurate timing.
