When does McDonald’s stop serving breakfast in the morning?
Understanding the exact time McDonald’s breakfast service ends can be tricky. Restaurant hours vary across locations, but generally, most McDonald’s restaurants serve breakfast until 10:30 a.m. or 11 a.m.
This breakfast menu is a popular choice for many Americans, whether they’re grabbing a quick bite on their way to work or enjoying a morning treat before starting their day. From 2015 to 2020, McDonald’s offered all-day breakfast, but this option was discontinued to simplify business operations.
While the specific time may vary by location, McDonald’s states that breakfast is typically available until 10:30 a.m. or 11 a.m. at most restaurants. As for the transition to the lunch menu, McDonald’s indicates that restaurants typically begin serving lunch once the breakfast menu closes.
Although some customers hope for the return of all-day breakfast, McDonald’s has recently faced attention for price increases. The company acknowledges that media reports and viral posts have exaggerated the extent of these increases.
McDonald’s reports that the average price of a Big Mac increased by 20.5% from 2019 to 2024, rising from $4.39 to $5.29. McDonald’s U.S. President Joe Erlinger addressed a viral tweet from 2023 showing a Big Mac meal in Connecticut costing $18, calling it an “exception.” He emphasized that franchisees own and operate approximately 95% of American McDonald’s locations, setting their own prices.
The average U.S. price for a Big Mac meal (sandwich, fries, and a drink) currently stands at $9.29. However, McDonald’s acknowledges that some items have seen steeper price increases than the Big Mac. The average price of medium fries has risen from $2.29 in 2019 to $3.29 now, representing a 44% increase.
McDonald’s attributes the overall menu price increase of 40% over the last five years to a 40% average increase in labor, paper, and food costs. This increase surpasses the overall consumer price rise of 21% since December 2019, according to government figures.