In light of many retailers and grocery stores making it a policy across all of their stores to require that people wear masks, a few restaurants and fast casual chains are also following in kind. Below we've listed the national chains that have made masks a requirement for customers.
Just a note that this may not include smaller chains and that these rules can vary based on franchise ownership and other factors. Also in many places, masks are a requirement in all public spaces, regardless of if the establishment is on this list or not. Finally, as a reminder, the CDC recommends that "people wear cloth face coverings in public settings when around people outside of their household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain." So, when in doubt, wear a mask! We'll be sure to update this post if other national chains make masks a national requirement.
Chipotle
The chain is now requiring its guests and employees to wear masks in all of its locations. You can read more here.
McDonald's
The Wall Street Journal reports that McDonald's Corp. has announced it will require customers to wear face masks in all of its U.S. locations "beginning next month."
Noodles & Co.
The chain is requiring as of July 22 that all team members and guests wear some sort of face covering in company-owned restaurants. "If you are unable or choose not to wear a face covering, we ask that you utilize a different ordering method, such as delivery, quick pick-up, or curbside pick-up, which decreases your contact with others," the company said. You can read more here.
Panera Bread
Panera asked guests beginning on July 15 to wear a mask inside of all of its locations nationwide. They are required except while seated and eating or drinking. Customers who do not wish to wear a mask are also asked to utilize Panera Curbside, delivery or drive-thru. You can read more here.
Starbucks
The coffee chain is requiring masks in all of its U.S. company-owned café locations as of July 15. Those who do not wish to wear masks can order at the drive-thru, get their drink by curbside pickup through the Starbucks app, or by placing an order for delivery through Starbucks Delivers. You can read more here.
In addition, the following chains are encouraging customers to wear masks at their locations, no matter where they live:
Darden Restaurants
Darden, which owns restaurants like Olive Garden, Longhorn Steakhouse, and Bahama Breeze, is asking customers to wear masks and practice social distancing while visiting their restaurants. You can read more here.
Shake Shack
Shake Shack asked customers to wear masks on June 10, but has since announced some locations will close temporarily, while the rest will now be to-go only. You can read more here.
