What started as a barbecue restaurant in 1940 turned into the second largest private employer in the United States. Not just that, but the golden arch is arguably one of the most recognized icons throughout the nation. The brand design has changed very little over the years, primarily incorporating an updated look to its interior and exterior, but the logo has consistently stayed the same. No matter where you are, you can recognize a McDonald’s restaurant from a mile away. One thing that does not stay the same from restaurant to restaurant, though, is the opening and closing time. So, what time does McDonald’s close?

What Time Does McDonald’s Close?

As with many franchises, the operating hours at each McDonald’s restaurant vary by location. Some may be open until midnight while others might close by 10 p.m. Additionally, the drive-thru hours tend to differ from the in-store hours. Their restaurant hours may also be longer on the weekends than on the weekdays. Certain chains even allow car-less pedestrians to walk through the drive-thru (if you’re well-behaved, that is). Overall, you can expect a McDonald’s restaurant to serve food Monday through Sunday each week, even during the holiday seasons.

Most locations are open until 11 p.m., and it was not until the early 2000’s that McDonald’s actually started to offer 24/7 food service, according to this Bloomsburg Businessweek article. However, it wasn’t always like this.

A Little McDonald’s History

In the same article, Michael Arndt writes that Ray Kroc, founder of the McDonald’s System, Inc. and leader of what Mcdonald’s is today, had the restaurants open just before lunch and close just after dinner. These hours were maintained over the next 20 years until 1975 when the Egg McMuffin was introduced, which created breakfast hours at the chain. In 2003, more than 90% of McDonald’s locations had extended their business hours beyond the usual 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.