You may have wondered: Why are fast food restaurants open during national holidays, and you’re not alone. Millions of Americans go to these establishments every day for their favorite fast foods. In fact, the National Retail Federation predicts that holiday sales will rise eight to 10 percent this year, despite soaring inflation and a new variant of the coronavirus. This is why so many fast food restaurants and drive-throughs stay open, even on holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The rise of fast food has its roots in ancient Rome, where small shops called thermopoliums sold food on-the-go. These foods were popular among city dwellers. Later in the Middle Ages, food was sold by street vendors in large cities. In the United Kingdom, fish and chip shops became popular after 1860. They were popular among the working class. In fact, many national holidays now have fast food establishments open, including the National Day of Happiness.
There are some exceptions to this rule, however. Some restaurants are closed on Christmas Day, but there are plenty of other restaurants that remain open. Denny’s, for example, is open on Christmas Eve. And in most states, Starbucks is open on Christmas Day, and will deliver you a drink. Some of these locations also feature special holiday treats. If you’re wondering why fast food restaurants are open during national holidays, consider the following factors.