Shoneys working hours run from 6–7 AM to 9–10 PM daily at most locations.
Shoneys Working Hours 2026
Shoneys working hours run from 6–7 AM to 9–10 PM daily at most locations, with the famous breakfast buffet typically served from 6 to 11 AM on weekdays and until 1 or 2 PM on weekends. Hours vary by location since most restaurants are franchised, and the chain stays open on most holidays.
So you’re trying to plan a Shoney’s run and need to know when they’re open. Honestly, it’s a bit trickier than most chains, because there’s no single nationwide schedule. Here’s the thing: Shoney’s is mostly franchised, which means the folks running each restaurant get a say in the opening and closing times.
That said, there IS a clear pattern. I looked into this across dozens of locations, and the vast majority follow the same rhythm. Below you’ll find the typical daily schedule, breakfast bar hours, holiday hours, and the one thing you should always do before heading out. And if you want the food side of the story first, our full Shoney’s menu with prices has every dish and price updated for 2026.
What Are the Typical Shoneys Working Hours?
Shoneys working hours typically run from 6–7 AM to 9–10 PM, seven days a week. That’s the pattern at the majority of company and franchise restaurants across the Southeast. A few locations stretch a bit later on Friday and Saturday nights, but 10 PM is the most common closing time you’ll see.
Typical Shoney’s Hours by Day
| Day | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 6:00 – 7:00 AM | 9:00 – 10:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:00 – 7:00 AM | 9:00 – 10:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:00 – 7:00 AM | 9:00 – 10:00 PM |
| Thursday | 6:00 – 7:00 AM | 9:00 – 10:00 PM |
| Friday | 6:00 – 7:00 AM | 9:00 – 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 6:00 – 7:00 AM | 9:00 – 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | 6:00 – 7:00 AM | 9:00 – 10:00 PM |
Quick note: some locations open closer to 8 AM and a few close as early as 8 PM, so the table above is the typical range, not a guarantee. Weekends can also mean slightly extended evening hours in busier spots.
What Are the Shoneys Working Hours for Breakfast?
The famous Shoney’s breakfast bar runs from 6 to 11 AM Monday through Friday, then stretches to about 1 or 2 PM on Saturday and Sunday. Those weekend hours are what made Shoney’s a brunch institution in the South, so show up before noon on a Sunday if you want the full spread.
What’s on the bar? The usual heavy hitters: scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, biscuits, grits, hash browns, and fresh fruit. Kids and seniors often get discounted pricing, and weekday versus weekend prices can differ a bit. If the bar isn’t your style, there’s also a made-to-order breakfast menu with omelets, breakfast sandwiches, and platters. Either way, when the clock hits 11 on a weekday, the kitchen flips over to lunch and dinner.
Is Shoney’s Open on Holidays?
Yes. Shoney’s stays open on most holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day, though holiday hours may be shorter than normal. That’s one of the reasons the brand has such a loyal following: when other places shut down, Shoney’s is usually still there.
Shoneys Working Hours: Holiday Hours at a Glance
| Holiday | Status | Typical Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving Day | Open | Breakfast bar 7–11 AM, feast food bar 11 AM–9 PM |
| Christmas Eve | Open | Often closes early, check your location |
| Christmas Day | Mostly open | Reduced hours, call ahead |
| New Year’s Eve | Open | Near-regular hours at most stores |
| New Year’s Day | Open | Near-regular hours at most stores |
| Easter Sunday | Open | Possible adjusted hours |
Thanksgiving is actually one of Shoney’s biggest days of the year. Local restaurants run a traditional Thanksgiving Day feast on the Fresh Food Bar, usually from 11 AM to 9 PM, with slow-roasted turkey, ham, all the sides, and even a free slice of pumpkin pie. It’s genuinely good value if you don’t feel like cooking.
Christmas is the one holiday where I’d really pick up the phone first. Most Shoney’s locations do open on Christmas Day with reduced hours, but a small number stay closed, and older information floating around online can be wrong. A 30-second call beats a wasted drive.
Do Shoney’s Hours Differ From One Location to the Next?
Yes, they do. Shoney’s is a franchised chain, so individual owners set their own opening and closing times. The differences are usually small, an hour either way, but real enough to matter on a breakfast trip.
The fastest way to nail down your specific store’s hours:
1. The official store locator. Go to shoneys.com and use the location finder. It lists each restaurant’s exact hours plus its phone number.
2. Google Maps. Honestly, this is what most people use, and it’s usually accurate because owners keep their business listings updated.
3. Just call. It’s the only way to get a definitive answer for holidays and weather closures. If you’re driving out of your way, it’s worth the 30 seconds.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Shoney’s open and close?
Shoneys working hours run from 6–7 AM to 9–10 PM every day. Exact times vary by location since the chain is franchised, so check your local store’s listing before you go.
What are Shoney’s breakfast buffet hours?
The Shoney’s breakfast bar typically runs 6 to 11 AM Monday through Friday and until 1 or 2 PM on Saturday and Sunday. On Thanksgiving Day, the breakfast bar is usually served from 7 to 11 AM before the feast food bar takes over.
Is Shoney’s open on Christmas Day?
Most Shoney’s locations are open on Christmas Day, but with reduced hours. A small number of locations may be closed or keep very short hours, so it’s smart to call your local restaurant ahead of time.
Is Shoney’s open on Thanksgiving?
Yes. Shoney’s is open on Thanksgiving Day and runs a traditional Thanksgiving feast on its Fresh Food Bar, typically from 11 AM to 9 PM, with the breakfast bar served from 7 to 11 AM that morning.
Bottom line: Shoneys working hours are about as predictable as a franchise chain gets. Early doors, breakfast until 11, dinner by 9 or 10, and the doors stay open through nearly every holiday. If you just remember to verify with your local store on the big holidays, you’ll never show up to a dark parking lot.
🕐 Prices last verified: October 17, 2026. For the official word on hours and locations, the Shoney’s official site and your local store are the source of truth.
