McDonald's Announces Expanded Summer Hours, Gift Card Giveaway

CHICAGO, IL — McDonald's customers will soon be able satisfy their late-night cravings as the fast food giant kicks off the summer with expanded hours at some locations.

A McDonald's spokesperson confirmed Friday in a statement sent to Patch extended hours will be coming to more of their restaurants this summer.

"Our fans know there's no better way to end an unforgettable night than by feasting on your favorite McDonald's order," the spokesperson said. "That's why, as the summer season kicks off, we're excited to offer up more ways for customers to satisfy their late-night cravings with more choices and expanded hours at more restaurants."

The spokesperson confirmed a "vast majority of McDonald's restaurants nationwide" will be open until midnight or later starting Memorial Day weekend and continuing beyond summer.

While the spokesperson did not confirm what these expanded hours will be, they noted fans will now be able to snag items like the brand-new McCrispy strips and creamy chili dip or old favorites like the quarter pounder or chicken McNuggets "whenever their cravings strike."

USA Today reports McDonald's restaurants in airports, shopping malls or other areas that prohibit extended operating hours will not be included in the expanded summer hours.

"Maybe you got to your buddy's BBQ after all the good eats were gone, or you need to fuel up after dancing all night at your favorite artist's concert," the spokesperson said. "No matter the circumstances, late night McDonald's has never tasted so good."

Celebrating Summer With Giveaways

McDonalds will also look to kick off the unofficial start to summer, Memorial Day weekend, with a "Dip for McCrispy Strips" effort designed to "give fans a reason to dip from their Memorial Day plans to enjoy the new McCrispy strips late night."

According to the company, customers who attend concerts in Los Angeles, New York City or Detroit️ on Saturday are encouraged to be on the lookout for McDonald's street teams to score free merchandise and a gift card for free McCrispy strips.

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McDonald's will also give away 1,000 virtual gift cards for free McCrispy strips on Saturday to fans who post an Instagram story with the hashtag #DipforMcCrispyStripsGiveaway and tag @GoFooji, according to the company.

"Epic nights deserve an epic finish," the spokesperson said, "so dip to your local McDonald's after a night out and treat yourself to juicy, flavor-packed perfection."

Summer Hiring Surge

The move to expanded hours comes as McDonald's and its franchisees expect to hire up to 375,000 employees in their restaurants across the country this summer, according to a news release provided by the company.

The golden arches also plans to expand its footprint by 900 new U.S. restaurants by 2027 as it prepares to serve more customers over the summer months, according to the release.

"I often think about the time I spent working in our restaurants as a general manager, and it was immediately clear that crew members are the heart and soul of this brand," Joe Erlinger, president of McDonald's USA, said in a news release. "They go above and beyond to take care of our customers, and it's our job to take care of and create opportunities for them. When you put on an apron for a shift at McDonald's, you're building skills you'll carry with you for life."