CiCi’s Pizza Buffet Opening Breakfast Lunch And Holiday Hours can be a bit confusing if you are used to standard restaurant schedules. CiCi’s Pizza Buffet operates on a lunch-and-dinner model with weekend variations that affect when you can pile your plate. Most locations do not serve breakfast, but the exact times for lunch and dinner can shift depending on the day of the week.
Before you head out the door, you need to know that hours are not universal. While the corporate model is consistent, local franchises often adjust their clocks for school schedules or community events. Here is the breakdown of what you can generally expect.
CiCi’s Pizza Buffet Opening Breakfast Lunch And Holiday Hours
Let us clear up the biggest question first. You will rarely find a CiCi’s that serves breakfast. The brand focuses on lunch and dinner buffets. However, the opening time for lunch is usually earlier than you think, especially on weekends when families want an early meal.
Standard Weekly Operating Schedule
The typical week looks like this for most corporate-owned stores. Keep in mind that your local store might open 30 minutes later or close 30 minutes earlier.
- Monday to Thursday: Lunch starts at 11:00 AM. The buffet closes between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM.
- Friday: Lunch starts at 11:00 AM. The buffet stays open until 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM.
- Saturday: Lunch starts at 10:30 AM or 11:00 AM. Closing time is usually 10:00 PM.
- Sunday: Lunch starts at 10:30 AM. Closing time is earlier, often around 9:00 PM.
Notice that the weekend opening time is earlier. This is because families arrive right after church or early sports games. If you arrive at 10:45 AM on a Sunday, you should be able to get a fresh pizza.
Why There Is No Breakfast Service
You might wonder why they do not serve eggs or pancakes. The reason is operational efficiency. The ovens are configured for high-volume pizza production, not breakfast items. Also, the staff prep time is focused on dough and sauce in the morning hours.
If you are looking for a morning meal, you will need to go elsewhere. However, the lunch buffet often features breakfast-style desserts, like cinnamon rolls, which are available from the moment the doors open.
Holiday Hours And Closures
Holiday hours are where things get tricky. CiCi’s does not follow a strict national holiday schedule. You must check the specific store location. However, there are some general trends that are common across the chain.
Major Holidays With Adjusted Hours
- Thanksgiving: Most locations are closed all day. Some may open for a limited time at 4:00 PM.
- Christmas Day: Almost all stores are closed. This is a full closure day.
- New Year’s Day: Many stores open later, around 12:00 PM or 1:00 PM.
- Easter Sunday: Often closed or open only for a few hours in the afternoon.
- Independence Day: Usually open, but with reduced hours. Closing time might be 6:00 PM.
Do not assume the store is open just because the mall is open. The buffet requires a minimum staff level to operate. If they do not have enough cooks, they will lock the doors.
How To Verify Your Local Store Hours
You do not need to guess. There are a few reliable ways to get the exact schedule for your neighborhood CiCi’s. Use these steps to avoid a wasted trip.
- Go to the official CiCi’s website and use the “Locations” finder tool.
- Enter your zip code or city name.
- Click on the specific store address.
- Look for the “Hours” tab or section on that store’s page.
- Call the store directly using the phone number listed.
The website is usually accurate, but a phone call is the final authority. If you call and get a voicemail, that is often a sign that they are closed or busy with a rush.
Peak Hours And Best Times To Visit
Knowing the opening time is only half the battle. You also want to know when the buffet is fully stocked. The food is freshest right when the lunch shift starts. Here are the best windows to visit.
- Lunch Rush: 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM on weekdays. The pizza is hot, but the lines can be long.
- Dead Time: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The buffet is slower, but the pizza might be sitting out longer.
- Dinner Rush: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. Expect fresh pasta and specialty pizzas.
If you want the widest variety, go at 11:00 AM on a Tuesday. The staff has just put out the full spread, and you will get the first slices of the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the schedule that customers often ask. These should help you plan your visit better.
Does CiCi’s Serve Breakfast On Weekends?
No. Even on Saturday and Sunday, the store opens for lunch. The earliest you can get food is 10:30 AM, but it will be pizza, not breakfast items.
Are CiCi’s Hours The Same On Federal Holidays?
No. Federal holidays like Labor Day or Memorial Day often have reduced hours. The store might open at 11:00 AM but close by 5:00 PM. Always check the local listing.
Can I Get A Discount If I Arrive Right Before Closing?
No. The buffet price is fixed. You will pay the same price even if they are cleaning the buffet line and only have a few slices left.
Do All Locations Close On Christmas Eve?
Not all. Some locations close early on Christmas Eve, around 4:00 PM. Others stay open for dinner. You need to check the specific store page for that date.
Is The Lunch Price Different From The Dinner Price?
Yes. Most locations have a lower price for lunch (before 4:00 PM) and a higher price for dinner. The hours for this price change are listed on the door.
Always double check the hours on the day you plan to visit. The schedule can change without much notice due to staffing shortages. A quick phone call saves you from staring at a locked door.