If you receive EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, you may wonder whether your benefits can be used at local restaurants. The short answer is: sometimes, yes — but it depends on where you are, the program in your state, and the specific restaurant. Unlike grocery stores, restaurants accepting EBT isn’t uniform across the U.S., and there are unique rules and programs that make it possible in certain places.
This article is designed to help you understand:
- Which restaurants may accept EBT near you
- What the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is
- How to locate participating restaurants in your area
- What chains and local eateries commonly participate
- Tips for using your EBT card at restaurants
By the end, you’ll be equipped to find places near you that accept your benefits — as well as understand the eligibility rules and limitations of the program.
What Is EBT and SNAP?
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is a federal program that helps low-income individuals and families purchase food. When you qualify, your benefits are loaded onto an EBT card, which works similarly to a debit card.
In most cases, EBT cards can be used at grocery stores and markets to buy food that you prepare at home — including staples like bread, milk, eggs, produce, canned foods, and more.
However, using EBT at restaurants for hot and prepared meals isn’t usually allowed under standard SNAP rules. That’s where the Restaurant Meals Program comes in. ([National Council on Aging][1])
The Restaurant Meals Program: Explained
Because SNAP benefits are intended for groceries, restaurants generally cannot accept EBT for prepared meals unless a special program is in place.
The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is a special SNAP initiative that allows certain eligible individuals to use their EBT benefits at participating restaurants. These restaurants accept EBT for hot, prepared meals — not just groceries. ([National Council on Aging][1])
Who Is Eligible?
Not everyone who gets SNAP benefits automatically qualifies to use the Restaurant Meals Program. Typically, the following populations are eligible:
- People who are 60 years old or older
- Individuals with disabilities
- People who are homeless These eligibility rules are defined by state SNAP agencies and vary slightly by location. ([National Council on Aging][1])
How Does It Work?
To accept SNAP benefits for prepared meals:
- A state must operate the Restaurant Meals Program. Not all states have adopted it. ([USDA Food and Nutrition Service][2])
- The restaurant must sign up with the state and be authorized to accept EBT under the RMP rules. ([USDA Food and Nutrition Service][2])
- You must present your EBT card at the restaurant to pay for qualified meals.
When a restaurant participates, they will typically have signage indicating “Restaurant Meals Program” or “EBT Accepted” to let customers know they accept SNAP benefits for food purchases.
Where the Restaurant Meals Program Exists
Not all U.S. states have adopted the Restaurant Meals Program, so location matters. Only a handful of states operate active RMP programs where eligible recipients can use EBT at restaurants. These states include:
- Arizona – statewide RMP
- California – statewide RMP
- Illinois – selected counties
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New York
- Rhode Island
- Virginia These states have RMPs that allow participating restaurants to accept EBT cards for prepared meals. ([LinkedIn][3])
In all other states, restaurants generally do not accept EBT as payment for hot, prepared food — even if they accept it for grocery items in other contexts.
Types of Restaurants That May Accept EBT
Restaurants that accept EBT through the Restaurant Meals Program aren’t limited to any single category. They can include:
1. Fast Food Chains
Certain national chains participate in RMP in states where the program exists. Examples include:
- Subway – known for sandwiches and salads
- Burger King – participates in several RMP states
- Denny’s – offering dine-in options
- Pizza Hut – participating locations
- KFC – select locations
- Del Taco – in some states
- Carl’s Jr. – in RMP states
- Domino’s Pizza – pizza available at approved locations These chains have local branches that participate based on state and restaurant owner election. ([National Council on Aging][1])
2. Local Independent Restaurants
Many smaller diners, family restaurants, and independent eateries also participate in the Restaurant Meals Program. These restaurants often offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner options that are affordable and prepared onsite.
Examples can include:
- Pizzerias
- Grills and BBQ spots
- Mexican, Chinese, or Caribbean restaurants
- Soul food diners
- Café style eateries Local participation varies widely depending on the city and county; some areas offer extensive lists of participating restaurants online through state SNAP portals. ([AirTalk Wireless][4])
Popular Restaurant Chains and EBT Acceptance
Below is a general list of restaurant brands that have been reported to accept EBT under the Restaurant Meals Program in eligible states. Not every location of these chains will accept EBT — participation depends on the specific store and whether it is enrolled in the RMP.
Common chains include:
- Subway – sandwiches, salads and wraps
- Burger King – burgers and meals
- Denny’s – diner offerings
- Pizza Hut – pizza and sides
- Domino’s Pizza – pizza delivery and carryout
- Carl’s Jr. – burgers and quick meals
- Taco Bell – Mexican-inspired food
- KFC – fried chicken meals
- Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen – fried chicken
- El Pollo Loco – grilled chicken meals
- Church’s Chicken – fried chicken
- Jamba Juice – smoothies and snacks This list comes from multiple program and eligibility sources and is representative of chain participation where RMP is active. ([PR Newswire][5])
Again, participating locations vary by business and region — so just because a chain appears on the list doesn’t guarantee that every restaurant branch accepts EBT.
How to Find Restaurants That Accept EBT Near You
Finding restaurants that accept EBT near your current location can be done with a few smart strategies:
✅ 1. Check Your State SNAP Website
If your state participates in the Restaurant Meals Program, the SNAP agency usually maintains:
- Lists of participating restaurants
- Locator tools or maps
- PDF lists updated frequently For example, California’s CalFresh site and Arizona’s SNAP portal provide restaurant lists.
✅ 2. Use the USDA SNAP Retailer Locator
Although mainly for grocery stores, the federal USDA SNAP Retailer Locator can sometimes show restaurants authorized under RMP — meaning they are approved to accept EBT. Enter your address or ZIP code and filter by place types.
✅ 3. Look for “EBT Accepted” Signs
Restaurants that participate often display signs or stickers that say:
- “EBT Accepted Here”
- “Restaurant Meals Program Accepted” These signs are typically on the front door or near the cash register.
✅ 4. Call Ahead
Because not all listed restaurants keep their acceptance status updated, it’s a smart idea to call the restaurant before visiting. Ask:
“Do you currently accept EBT/SNAP benefits under the Restaurant Meals Program?”
If they do, you can plan your visit accordingly.
✅ 5. Contact Your Local SNAP Office
Your county or state SNAP office can provide the most up-to-date list of participating restaurants near you. Many offices will print or email a directory upon request.
Important Rules & Limitations
Before you go out to eat, it’s important to understand the rules around using EBT at restaurants:
❗ You Must Be Eligible for RMP
Only individuals in eligible categories (elderly, disabled, or homeless in most states) can use EBT for meals through the Restaurant Meals Program.
❗ Not All EBT Cards Work at Restaurants
Even if a restaurant is enrolled in the RMP, your EBT card must be coded or enabled for the Restaurant Meals Program by your local SNAP office.
If your card is not enabled, the transaction may decline — even at a participating restaurant.
❗ Participation Can Vary by Location
For chains like Subway or KFC, one franchise location may accept EBT while another nearby does not. That’s because each location must enroll individually in the state RMP program. ([Reddit][6])
❗ EBT Cannot Be Used for Delivery Through Apps
While some grocery stores allow EBT for online grocery delivery, restaurant meals ordered through delivery apps generally cannot be paid for with EBT. The EBT payment must typically take place at the physical restaurant location. ([Our Father's House Soup Kitchen][7])
Examples of Restaurants in RMP States
Here are examples of restaurants reported in various RMP states that have accepted EBT under the Restaurant Meals Program:
Arizona
- Burger King
- McDonald’s
- Subway
- Dairy Queen
- Carl’s Jr.
- Jack in the Box
- Del Taco
- Wendy’s These examples show the range of fast food and quick service options available under Arizona’s RMP. ([Propel][8])
California
- Subway
- Burger King
- Pizza Hut
- Denny’s
- El Pollo Loco
- KFC
- Wendy’s California’s large network of participating restaurants makes it easier to find EBT-friendly meals statewide. ([Propel][8])
New York
- IHOP
- Local pizzerias
- Caribbean restaurants
- Memphis Seoul
- Justino’s Pizzeria
- Lins Home Chinese New York’s RMP includes a variety of both national chains and local eateries. ([Propel][8])
Illinois
- BJ’s Market & Bakery
- Doughboy’s Chicago
- Firehouse Bakery & Grill
- JJ Fish and Chicken
- S2 Express Grill These are examples from Cook County and illustrate how local establishments participate. ([Propel][8])
Tips for Using EBT Effectively at Restaurants
🍔 Tip 1: Confirm Participation First
Always call or check the restaurant’s RMP status before visiting. Programs can change, and a restaurant listed online may no longer participate. ([Reddit][9])
🍱 Tip 2: Ask for the Best EBT Menu Items
Participating restaurants may offer meal deals or discounted items for SNAP customers. Don’t hesitate to ask for affordable options on the menu.
🍕 Tip 3: Plan Meals Ahead
Since only certain restaurants participate, plan your meals ahead of time by checking local listings or speaking with your SNAP office.
🍽️ Tip 4: Know Your Eligibility
If you’re unsure whether your SNAP benefits are coded for Restaurant Meals Program eligibility, contact your SNAP caseworker or local benefits office.
Myths and Misconceptions About EBT and Restaurants
There’s a lot of misinformation about where SNAP/EBT benefits can be used. Here are some important clarifications:
❌ Myth: All Fast Food Chains Accept EBT
Not true. A chain brand may be mentioned in some lists, but only specific locations in RMP states actually accept EBT — and even then, only for eligible recipients. ([PR Newswire][5])
❌ Myth: You Can Order Delivery With EBT
As of now, restaurant meal delivery does not qualify for EBT SNAP payments through apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats. EBT can typically only be used in person at the registered restaurant. ([Our Father's House Soup Kitchen][7])
❌ Myth: All SNAP Participants Can Use EBT at Restaurants
Only those eligible under the local Restaurant Meals Program usually have this option. Standard SNAP benefits don’t allow restaurant meals in most states.
Final Thoughts
Finding restaurants that accept EBT near you can provide both convenience and dignity — especially for individuals who cannot prepare meals at home. The Restaurant Meals Program is a valuable resource in select states, enabling eligible SNAP recipients to use their benefits for hot, prepared food at participating restaurants.
