BROOKINGS — Around-the-clock service is returning to the Brookings McDonald’s, which is now open 24 hours a day Tuesday through Saturday.

“All of our decisions are based on the customer,” owner/operator Jordan Hartshorn told the Brookings Register in an interview. “There was certainly high demand. Brookings was significantly busy overnight prior (to COVID). We ended up pulling overnights — as much of the nation did — during COVID as business really slowed down (and) people’s habits changed.”

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and its ripple effects that have played out in the years since, led many businesses that were 24-hour operations to curtail their hours. McDonald’s is testing the waters, though, by re-extending its hours.

“Now it’s becoming — the routines are back in place,” Hartshorn said. “We knew that by the time the college came back into session, it was going to be again a very high sought-out option for students and the community. I’m very excited to get it back up and going in the summer so we’re prepared for the school year.”

Besides the Brookings location at 1605 Sixth St., two locations in Sioux Falls are also returning to 24/5 operations — 3200 S. Minnesota Ave. and 2416 W. 12th St. A third location in Sioux Falls, along with the McDonald’s in Watertown, also eventually plan to extend their hours.

— Contact Mondell Keck at mkeck@brookingsregister.com.