Did you know most McDonald’s in the U.S. will be open on Thanksgiving Day? This is just one of the many surprising facts about fast food chains open during the holiday season. You don’t have to stick to a traditional home-cooked meal for Thanksgiving.
Looking for a quick bite, a full holiday feast, or late-night food? Many fast food and restaurant chains will be open on Thanksgiving. This guide will help you find the best holiday dining options, from national brands to local favorites.
Key Takeaways
- Many major fast food chains, including McDonald’s, Burger King, and Popeye’s, will be open on Thanksgiving Day.
- Cracker Barrel, Denny’s, and Bob Evans offer Thanksgiving-themed meals for dine-in and take-out.
- Starbucks and Ziggi’s Coffee shops will have varying holiday hours, with some closing as early as 12 p.m. local time.
- Whataburger and White Castle are among the chains with 24-hour or extended holiday operations.
- Domino’s, IHOP, and Hardee’s will be open for Thanksgiving, providing both breakfast and dinner options.
Popular Fast Food Chains Open During Thanksgiving
Many fast food open on Thanksgiving Day. They offer a break from cooking at home. Burger King, Denny’s, Dunkin’, Starbucks, Subway, Waffle House, and Wendy’s are open. They have different hours and services.
National Chains with Regular Hours
Denny’s and Waffle House are open 24 hours. They’re ready for customers on Thanksgiving. Burger King and Wendy’s also keep their regular hours.
Limited-Hour Operations
Dunkin’ and Subway might have shorter hours on Thanksgiving. You can check their website or app for your nearest location’s hours.
24-Hour Locations
Denny’s and IHOP are open all day on Thanksgiving. But, hours can vary at different locations. It’s wise to call your local spot.
| Fast Food Chain | Thanksgiving Day Hours |
|---|---|
| Burger King | Regular hours |
| Denny’s | 24-hour operations |
| Dunkin’ | Varying store hours |
| IHOP | 24-hour operations, but hours may vary by location |
| Subway | Select stores open |
| Waffle House | Open 365 days a year |
| Wendy’s | Regular hours |
Traditional Restaurant Alternatives for Thanksgiving Day
Many restaurants serving thanksgiving meals are great for those who don’t want to cook. You can find everything from casual spots to fancy steakhouses. They all have different menus for Thanksgiving Day.
Applebee’s and Cracker Barrel have special menus for Thanksgiving. Cracker Barrel starts serving at 11 a.m. Brio Italian Grille offers a turkey dinner and Italian dishes from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. For a fancy meal, try Morton’s the Steakhouse, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, or Sullivan’s Steakhouse. They have pre-order and catering options.
Local and regional places also serve Thanksgiving meals. Chinese restaurants like Pei Wei, HuHot Mongolian Grill, and Lao Sze Chuan offer international flavors. Casual spots like Bar Louie, Boston Market, Eddie V’s, Chart House, and Del Frisco’s Grille have holiday menus.
If you want a turkey dinner to-go, many places offer carry-out or delivery. Remember to call ahead or check websites for hours and menus, as they can change.
| Restaurant | Thanksgiving Day Hours | Menu Offerings |
|---|---|---|
| Cracker Barrel | 11 a.m. – closing | Limited Thanksgiving menu |
| Brio Italian Grille | 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Turkey dinner, Italian dishes |
| Morton’s the Steakhouse | Open for Thanksgiving | Four-course Thanksgiving meal |
| Ruth’s Chris Steak House | Extended hours | Multi-course Thanksgiving dinner |
| Sullivan’s Steakhouse | 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Three-course Thanksgiving dinner |
Looking for a traditional feast or something different? These restaurants serving thanksgiving meals are great alternatives. By checking hours and menus early, you can have a memorable meal without cooking.
Fast Food Open on Thanksgiving: Complete Chain Directory
As Thanksgiving draws near, many wonder which fast food places will be open. Whether you need a quick meal or a tasty sandwich, several chains have you covered. They’re ready to serve you on this holiday.
Drive-Thru Options
Looking for a Thanksgiving meal you can eat on the go? McDonald’s, Burger King, and Sonic will likely have their drive-thrus open. These places are open all day, making it easy to skip the cooking.
Sandwich and Sub Shops
Sandwich and sub shops like Subway and Firehouse Subs might be open too. But, their hours could change. They offer a lighter meal option for those wanting something different from the usual Thanksgiving food.
Burger Restaurants
Burger joints like Wendy’s and Jack in the Box are often open on Thanksgiving. Jack in the Box is even open 24 hours. If you’re in the mood for something different, try Popeyes or KFC for chicken dishes.
Remember, while many fast food places will be open, their hours and menus can differ. Always check with your local spots to see if they’re open and what they’re serving.
Special Holiday Menu Items and Deals
As Thanksgiving draws near, many thanksgiving dining options and turkey day fast food places are getting into the holiday spirit. They offer special menu items and deals. You can find everything from traditional Thanksgiving meals to unique holiday-themed dishes.
Krispy Kreme has a special collection of Thanksgiving Pies Doughnuts. They come in flavors like Chocolate Silk Pie and Lemon Creme Pie. Cracker Barrel offers a Thanksgiving Homestyle Turkey ‘n Dressing meal for dine-in and takeout, starting at $16.99. Bob Evans has four Thanksgiving meal options for pick-up, perfect for families to enjoy together.
Some restaurants might have holiday discounts or family meal deals. It’s a good idea to check their websites or social media for thanksgiving dining options and turkey day fast food promotions. Denny’s, for example, has a Holiday Turkey Bundle for $54.99. It includes a carved turkey breast, stuffing, and more.
Whether you want a classic Thanksgiving meal or something different, there’s something for everyone. The variety of thanksgiving dining options and turkey day fast food makes your holiday dining special.
Casual Dining Restaurants Serving Thanksgiving Meals
As Thanksgiving nears, many casual dining spots across the U.S. are ready to welcome guests. They offer a range of dine out options thanksgiving, from family-style meals to lavish buffets. These restaurants aim to meet the diverse tastes and preferences of holiday-goers.
Family-Style Options
Cracker Barrel and Bob Evans are famous for their traditional Thanksgiving meals. They serve these in a family-style setting. You can enjoy roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and more without cooking at home.
Buffet Restaurants
Buffet restaurants like Golden Corral are great for a big Thanksgiving meal. They offer a wide range of dishes, including turkey, ham, and desserts. Bonanza and Ponderosa Steakhouses also have Thanksgiving buffets, perfect for a feast.
Some casual dining chains, like Applebee’s, might have special Thanksgiving menus. They might also adjust their regular menus for the holiday.
| Restaurant | Thanksgiving Day Hours | Thanksgiving Offerings |
|---|---|---|
| Cracker Barrel | Open | Traditional Thanksgiving Meal |
| Bob Evans | Open | Family-Style Thanksgiving Feast |
| Golden Corral | Open | Thanksgiving Buffet |
| Bonanza Steakhouse | Open | Thanksgiving Buffet |
| Ponderosa Steakhouse | Open | Thanksgiving Buffet |
| Applebee’s | Open | Special Thanksgiving Menu |
No matter your dining preference, there are many restaurants open on Thanksgiving. They offer memorable dining experiences for you and your family.
Coffee Shops and Breakfast Spots Open for the Holiday
Planning your Thanksgiving dining? Many coffee shops and breakfast spots will be open for you. Starbucks hours may vary, so check your local branch. Dunkin’ Donuts will also be open, but hours might differ by location.
Craving a big Thanksgiving meal? Several breakfast chains will serve their regular menus. IHOP, open 24/7, will have holiday hours. Denny’s, open every day, including Thanksgiving, offers a break from home cooking.
Cracker Barrel will keep its regular hours, serving breakfast all day. Some Einstein Bros. Bagels locations will also be open for quick breakfasts.
Whatever your Thanksgiving dining wish, check local coffee shops and eateries. Make sure they’re open and know about holiday hours or special menus.
Late Night Dining Options on Thanksgiving
If you’re looking for food late on Thanksgiving, many places are open. Denny’s and IHOP are known for being open all night. Some McDonald’s and Burger King might also stay open late.
24-Hour Establishments
Jack in the Box is open 24/7, 365 days a year, even on Thanksgiving. Waffle House is famous for being open 24/7. They’re a great choice for those up late on holidays.
Extended Holiday Hours
Some places might stay open later on Thanksgiving. It’s a good idea to check the hours of your local spots. Hours can change on holidays.
| Restaurant | Thanksgiving Hours | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Bob Evans | 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. | Charlotte, Huntersville, Rock Hill |
| Chima Steakhouse | 12:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | Charlotte |
| Fleming’s Steakhouse | 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. | Charlotte |
| Golden Corral | 4 p.m. to close | Charlotte |
| Maggiano’s | 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. | Charlotte |
| McCormick & Schmick’s | Starting at 11 a.m. | Charlotte |
Keep in mind, options for late night food thanksgiving and 24 hour restaurants thanksgiving might be few. It’s smart to plan and check hours with your local spots.
Pizza Delivery and Takeout Services
As the holiday season gets closer, many families look for easy ways to enjoy Thanksgiving. Luckily, takeout thanksgiving dinner and fast food open on thanksgiving are plentiful. Pizza delivery services are also available on this big day.
Pizza chains like Domino’s and Papa John’s often keep their doors open on Thanksgiving. However, their hours might change depending on where you are. Some Marco’s Pizza spots and Mountain Mike’s Pizza restaurants will also be open, with hours varying by location. Pizza can be a tasty and easy addition to your Thanksgiving meal or a great holiday meal on its own.
To get the best service, it’s wise to order your takeout thanksgiving dinner early. This way, you can confirm delivery times. Demand might be high, and some stores might close early.
| Pizza Chain | Thanksgiving Hours |
|---|---|
| Domino’s Pizza | Open, hours vary by location |
| Papa John’s Pizza | Open, hours vary by location |
| Marco’s Pizza | Some locations open, hours vary |
| Mountain Mike’s Pizza | Open, hours vary by location |
By looking into these fast food open on thanksgiving pizza delivery options, you can have a tasty and easy Thanksgiving meal.
Fast Casual Restaurant Thanksgiving Hours
As Thanksgiving approaches, many fast casual restaurants will be open. This gives people who don’t want to cook at home a place to eat. About 41 million Americans choose to dine out on Thanksgiving, and fast-casual spots are ready to serve them.
Popular fast-food chains like Burger King, McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Dunkin’ will be open. They offer quick meals for those who don’t want to cook. Some places even offer delivery, making it easy for people to enjoy a restaurant meal at home.
There are 28 fast casual restaurants open on Thanksgiving. Places like Bahama Breeze and Golden Corral will have special menus and deals. This gives customers a variety of options for their Thanksgiving meals.
Applebee’s, Cracker Barrel, and IHOP are top picks for Thanksgiving dining. They show the wide range of choices available on holidays. Many restaurants and grocery stores also offer pre-made Thanksgiving meals. This reflects a growing trend of ready-made holiday feasts.
Quick-service chains like Kentucky Fried Chicken and McDonald’s will have different hours and menus on Thanksgiving. They aim to meet the varied tastes of their customers.
Holiday Hours for Major Restaurant Chains
As Thanksgiving gets closer, many popular chain restaurants change their hours. Whether you want a traditional Thanksgiving meal or just a quick snack, knowing the holiday hours of major restaurant chains helps plan your Thanksgiving dining.
Morning Hours
Breakfast-focused spots like IHOP and Denny’s often open early on Thanksgiving. This lets early risers enjoy a big meal before the day’s fun. Coffee shops, such as Starbucks and Dunkin’, might open a bit earlier but close sooner. This is because they see less demand during the holiday.
Evening Operations
Thanksgiving evening hours vary among different restaurant chains. Some, like Applebee’s and Chili’s, might close early. Others, such as Buffalo Wild Wings, stay open late for those watching holiday football games. It’s best to check with each location or look at company websites and apps for the latest on Thanksgiving hours.
| Restaurant Chain | Thanksgiving Hours |
|---|---|
| Applebee’s | Select locations open with reduced hours. Contact local Applebee’s for specific holiday hours. |
| Cracker Barrel | Open regular hours on Thanksgiving, traditional meal starting at 11 a.m. |
| Fogo de Chão | Open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. offering new and traditional holiday options on Thanksgiving. |
| Golden Corral | All restaurants open on Thanksgiving from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., extended hours in select markets with holiday classics on the menu. |
| Hooters | Participating locations open 4 p.m. – midnight on Thanksgiving, some exceptions for specific game times. |
| IHOP | Open on Thanksgiving, hours will vary by location. |
| Krispy Kreme | Open on Thanksgiving with shortened hours, closing at 2 p.m. |
| Ruby Tuesday | All locations open on Thanksgiving, most from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., but specific hours vary by location. |
Many major fast food and coffee chains, including Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Burger King, Denny’s, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s, McDonald’s, Starbucks, Sonic Drive-In, Taco Bell, and Wendy’s, suggest checking their apps or websites for accurate Thanksgiving holiday hours.
Quick Service Restaurant Holiday Policies
As Thanksgiving gets closer, many fast food restaurants and quick service places are ready to serve. Some big chains stay open, while others might have shorter hours or be open all day.
McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s usually stay open on Thanksgiving. They offer drive-thru and takeout for those who want a quick meal. But, Chick-fil-A is closed, sticking to its rule of being shut on Sundays and big holidays.
Taco Bell and KFC might have different hours on Thanksgiving. Some places stay open, while others close. It’s key to check the hours for your local spot, as they can change a lot.
White Castle will be open on Thanksgiving but only until 3 p.m. local time. It’s a good idea to check the hours of your favorite quick service restaurants before you go. This way, you won’t be surprised if they’re not open.
In short, many fast food restaurants and quick service spots try to stay open on Thanksgiving. But, their hours and rules can really vary. By looking up the details for your local place, you can make sure you get your Thanksgiving fix.
Regional Fast Food Chains Open for the Holiday
While big fast food chains might close or have limited hours on Thanksgiving, local spots can be a great alternative. These regional chains often have special menus or deals for the holiday. They aim to meet the tastes of their community.
For example, Whataburger, a favorite in the South, will be open on Thanksgiving. Culver’s, loved in the Midwest, might have some locations open with shorter hours. On the West Coast, In-N-Out Burger is usually closed, but Sheetz in the Mid-Atlantic will stay open.
These regional chains tailor their services to fit their local customers’ needs. Unlike big chains with set rules, they offer a unique Thanksgiving meal. This is perfect for those wanting to try something different from the usual fast food options.