By Lydia Kane, Senior Correspondent
McDonald’s is set to extend operating hours in most U.S. locations to midnight or later starting this summer. The fast-food giant aims to enhance customer convenience and plans to hire up to 375,000 employees, marking its largest recruitment drive in years. To celebrate, McDonald’s is hosting giveaways on May 24 in major cities including Los Angeles, New York, and Detroit, offering merchandise and virtual gift cards for free McCrispy Strips.
Extended Hours Cater to Night Owls
As part of its summer strategy, McDonald’s will be keeping the lights on later across its U.S. locations. Most of the chain’s 13,000+ restaurants will remain open until at least midnight, with many extending operations even further depending on local demand and staffing availability. This decision reflects evolving customer habits and growing demand for late-night food options.
While traditional breakfast and lunch menus will retain their regular hours, customers can expect to enjoy select popular items like burgers, fries, and chicken sandwiches well into the early morning hours. Locations within malls, airports, and other limited-access venues may maintain previous hours due to site-specific constraints.
Hiring Surge to Fill New Demand
In tandem with extended hours, McDonald’s is undertaking an ambitious hiring effort—its largest in recent memory. The company plans to onboard up to 375,000 new employees nationwide. This hiring spree covers a range of roles, from front-line crew and kitchen staff to management-level positions.
The new positions are designed to be permanent rather than seasonal. This hiring push is geared not only to support the extended hours but also to lay groundwork for anticipated growth. Franchise owners will be empowered to hire according to local needs, with the company providing centralized support and resources for training and onboarding.
For prospective employees, McDonald’s promises competitive wages, scheduling flexibility, and access to professional development programs. The company’s longstanding “Archways to Opportunity” initiative continues to offer educational benefits, including tuition assistance and career counseling, to employees who qualify.
Celebrating With Nationwide Giveaways
To mark the launch of this dual initiative, McDonald’s will host celebratory giveaways on May 24. In major cities such as Los Angeles, New York, and Detroit, selected stores will distribute branded merchandise and digital gift cards. These cards are redeemable for free McCrispy Strips—a newly added item to the company’s permanent menu.
Additionally, McDonald’s is running a virtual promotion through social media, inviting fans to participate in an Instagram story challenge. Participants who share a themed story and tag the company with a special hashtag will have the chance to win digital vouchers.
Product Innovations Align With Strategy
Coinciding with the extended hours and hiring surge, McDonald’s recently launched its McCrispy Strips. These are made from 100% white meat and seasoned with a bold black pepper blend, designed to appeal to customers seeking a crunchy, flavorful option.
Alongside the strips, the fast-food chain has introduced a new dipping sauce: Creamy Chili Dip. This condiment offers a balance of spice and tang, tailored for late-night snackers and those craving an elevated fast-food experience.
Both items reflect a broader menu revamp aimed at boosting customer engagement and driving new traffic during off-peak hours.
Future Expansion and Community Impact
Looking beyond summer, McDonald’s has signaled intent to open over 900 new locations in the U.S. by 2027. These expansion efforts align with the brand’s broader strategy to grow market presence and improve accessibility in underserved areas.
This initiative is expected to create tens of thousands of additional jobs, bolstering local economies. McDonald’s also remains committed to community development through educational programs and support for employee advancement.
By extending its hours and investing in both talent and innovation, McDonald’s is positioning itself not just for a strong summer, but for sustained growth and customer satisfaction in the years ahead.