America's late-night fast-food culture may be making a comeback — here's why
America's late-night fast-food culture has seen a significant decline in recent years, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some restaurant chains are beginning to extend their overnight hours again. Factors such as rising food costs and staffing challenges continue to impact the viability of late-night service.
- ▪The number of restaurants offering 24-hour service declined by 18% between 2020 and 2024.
- ▪Restaurant sales plunged 47% in April 2020 compared to the previous year, leading to reduced hours.
- ▪Rising food costs and inflation have made it challenging for restaurants to justify late-night service.
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Fast Food America's late-night fast-food culture may be making a comeback — here's why High food costs, staffing challenges and safety issues kept overnight hours from returning, but now there's movement By Teresa Mull Fox News Published May 23, 2026 8:00am EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Steak 'n Shake names first-ever chief MAHA officer Steak 'n Shake chief MAHA officer Michael Boes comments on dietary guidelines and their origins as well as his brand-new role on 'My View with Lara Trump.' NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Late-night fast food and 24-hour dining — once staples of American convenience — have shrunk dramatically in recent years, though some chains are beginning to expand overnight hours again.
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