Does McDonald‘s Serve McGriddles All Day in 2024?

ByCharles Scott Last Update on

McGriddles have been a beloved menu item for McDonald‘s breakfast lovers since they launched in 2003. The sweet maple-flavored buns with sausage, egg, and melted cheese have developed a cult following over the years. However, when McDonald‘s cut back its all-day breakfast options in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, fans lost the ability to satisfy their McGriddles cravings past the morning rush.

Now into 2023, with dining rooms reopened and operations stabilizing, many customers wonder if the expanded McGriddle availability will return. This article provides a detailed explainer of the current McDonald‘s breakfast menu, why all-day options were reduced, and what the future may hold for getting your McGriddle fix anytime.

Current McGriddle Availability at McDonald‘s

At present in 2024, McGriddles remain unavailable outside standard breakfast hours at most McDonald‘s locations across the United States.

The typical McDonald‘s breakfast menu ends between 10:30-11 AM nationally. This means McGriddles cannot be purchased in the afternoon or evening. There are a few exceptions – some local franchises have chosen to sell breakfast items all day. But corporate McDonald‘s has not brought back widespread all-day breakfast offerings.

DayBreakfast StartsBreakfast Ends
Monday-Friday5 AM10:30 AM or 11 AM
Saturday-Sunday5 AM11 AM

So for now, McDonald‘s McGriddle lovers need to visit before 10:30 AM on weekdays or 11 AM on weekends to enjoy the signature sandwich. Arriving after breakfast cutoff means settling for other menu options instead.

Why Did McDonald‘s Initially Remove All-Day Breakfast?

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, McDonald‘s made the decision in July 2020 to dramatically simplify its offerings, including reducing breakfast hours. There were two core reasons behind cutting all-day McGriddles and other favorites like the Egg McMuffin (source):

1. Speed Up Drive-Thrus: With dining room closures limiting service options in 2020, drive-thru demand surged over 25% through the pandemic (source). Kitchens struggled to keep up. Eliminating menu items enabled faster order processing and service times.

2. Accommodate Reduced Staffing: Many McDonald‘s locations faced employee shortages as COVID cases spiked. A simplified menu allowed teams to operate with fewer people and train new hires quicker.

Industry experts noted the benefits to kitchen performance and customer satisfaction. Jack Goldman, McDonald‘s U.S. Chief Experience Officer, stated the all-day cutbacks "made our kitchens more efficient and operations simpler" (source). Still, fans mourned the loss of McGriddles and other favorites after 11 AM.

Prospects for the Return of All-Day Breakfast

Is there a chance customers might once again be able to order McGriddles and other breakfast items past morning hours? McDonald‘s has not issued announcements regarding any nationwide reinstatement plans yet. However, encouraging signals point to the eventual comeback of all-day breakfast offerings:

  • Individual Franchise Experimentation: Some local McDonald‘s owners have resumed serving select breakfast items later in the day. Their success could motivate wider corporate changes (source).

  • Sales Resurgence in 2022: McDonald‘s breakfast revenue saw major gains last year after pandemic declines. U.S. same-store 2022 Q1 breakfast sales grew 14% with more customers returning in-store (source). This boost could warrant expanding availability.

  • Ongoing Customer Interest: McDonald‘s loyalists continue flooding the company‘s social media pages demanding #bringbackbreakfast beyond morning meals (source). As profits rise and operations stabilize entering 2023, McDonald‘s has opportunity to leverage breakfast demand and expand hours once more.

Industry experts advise businesses to watch breakfast food trends closely right now. Research group NDP stated breakfast was "the only daypart with sustained year-over-year growth post-pandemic." If McDonald‘s pays attention, all-day McGriddles could return in coming months.

The Bottom Line

Can you get a McDonald‘s McGriddle in the afternoon or evening right now? The short answer is no. After simplifying operations in 2020 based on COVID impacts, their signature breakfast sandwich remains unavailable outside normal breakfast hours ending between 10:30 AM and 11 AM.

While experts consider an all-day breakfast comeback likely eventually based on sales and customer feedback, McDonald‘s has not yet provided updates on expanded McGriddle or breakfast menu availability.

For now, fans must continue visiting before 10:30 AM or 11 AM daily to enjoy McDonald‘s beloved McGriddles. But sustaining breakfast sales growth and interest in 2024 both signal that all-day McGriddles could return nationwide soon.

Charles Scott is a dynamic professional whose academic and career achievements demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in the retail and consumer service industry. Graduating with an MBA from New York University in 2013, Charles has built a diverse and impressive career portfolio. He has held significant roles as a manager, advisor, and marketer, showcasing his multifaceted skills and deep understanding of the industry.

Beyond his direct professional engagements, Charles has made a notable mark as the head writer and founder of ExpertBeacon.com. This platform stands as a testament to his dedication to consumer empowerment and education. ExpertBeacon.com is a resource designed to assist consumers in addressing their persistent questions about products, services, and companies. Under Charles's leadership, the site provides in-depth, well-researched, and accurate information, all structured in easy-to-follow guides and articles. His work here not only highlights his expertise in the field but also his commitment to providing valuable, actionable information to the public.

Charles's approach is centered on a keen understanding of consumer needs and market dynamics, making him a respected voice in the industry. His contributions through ExpertBeacon.com and his professional roles reflect a blend of strategic thinking, practical knowledge, and a genuine desire to enhance consumer experiences in the retail and consumer service sectors.

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