Cooking Thanksgiving dinner is always a demanding experience as the planning and preparation labor begins well before November 25. The turkey needs to defrost, and you need to make sure you have everything you need for your numerous casserole dishes, mashed potatoes, Thanksgiving salad, and all of your desserts and pies before you go to the grocery store. That’s a substantial amount of food! Not to mention the fact that you’ll need to hang your Thanksgiving decorations and prepare a dinner table with placemats and a centerpiece.
Well, if you’re feeling overwhelmed just reading this, there’s a solution: hire someone to do all the job for you. A ton of restaurants are open on Thanksgiving, and many of them also provide curbside and delivery services. This literally means that you can have your entire Thanksgiving meal in the comfort of your own home—or eat out and let someone else handle the cleanup!
So, whether you’re tired of spending hours on a dinner that only takes minutes to eat, need a snack on the way to the relatives, or simply aren’t in the mood for turkey, we’ve compiled a list of restaurants, from fine dining to fast food, that will be open on Thanksgiving so you can drive with confidence. We’ve also listed a few that will be closed, so you’ll be sure not to bother. (Ensure to check out these retailers and fast-food restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving!)
Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving
Let’s dive into the list without further ado…
#1. Golden Corral
This year, you may eat your favorite Thanksgiving feast with all the fixings at Golden Corral’s famed buffet. If you want to take it home with you, they also have a heat-and-serve option.
Not only is Golden Corral open, but they also prepare a whole Thanksgiving meal each year, complete with turkey, pie, and all the fixings, which you can order to go.
#2. Waffle House
Waffles? What are your plans for Thanksgiving? It may sound too good to be true, but Waffle House will be offering you just that. Waffle House, as many people know, is open every day of the year. That means you can have your favorite breakfast items on Thanksgiving Day, whether before or after your meal.
#3. T.G.I. Friday’s
The majority of T.G.I. Friday’s locations will be open on Thanksgiving Day—just call ahead to confirm! On Turkey Day, a plate of potato skins sounds like a nice idea.
#4. Tony Roma’s
Instead of a turkey, how about ribs? While you should check with your local Tony Roma’s for holiday hours, the majority of the chain’s restaurants will be open on Thanksgiving Day, serving their classic meals. Tony Roma’s, which is famed for its steaks, ribs, and other dishes, is a great place to eat this Thanksgiving.
#5. Ruby Tuesday
It sounds like a great way to spend Thanksgiving, munching on mozzarella sticks and eating spinach artichoke dip. You can do it at Ruby Tuesday; most locations will be open for both dine-in and take-out orders on Thanksgiving Day. If at all possible, call ahead and/or book reservations!
#6. Popeyes
You’d know this New Orleans-based chain knows its way around a bird if you’ve eaten their famed chicken sandwich. If you’re a fan, you can not only eat there on Thanksgiving, but you can also order a full turkey spiced with cajun spices!
Although it is pre-cooked, you will need to reheat it in your own oven. To place an order, simply phone your nearest location ahead of time—but don’t wait. They do run out of stock.
#7. Subway
No, they won’t be serving traditional Thanksgiving fare…but you can at least have some sliced turkey in your sandwich! Check with your local Subway; not all locations will be open on Thanksgiving, but some will..
#8. Buffalo Wild Wings
How about you opt for wings this Thanksgiving’s Instead of turkey? You might be able to find a Buffalo Wild Wings near you, although hours vary by location.
On Thanksgiving Day, several Buffalo Wild Wings stores across the country will be open, but not all. You’ll need to double-check the hours of operation with the one closest to you. While you’re at it, you’ll be able to watch the big game!
#9. Del Frisco’s
Del Frisco’s is the place to go if you want a quality wine and steak experience. Indoor dining is only accessible in some locations, so check their website. Then make your reservations, dry clean your suit, and prepare for a gourmet adventure.
#10. Buca di Beppo
This Thanksgiving, there’s nothing wrong with a little Italiano. Buca di Beppo, fortunately for you, will be serving a turkey meal that you can take home and heat up for your family.
A special Thanksgiving menu will be available at the celebrity-friendly Italian restaurant. Make reservations in advance on their website.
#11. Marie Callender’s
Are you hoping to eat all of your Thanksgiving favorites without even having to turn on the oven? Pre-order and pick up a “Thanksgiving feast” complete with mains, sides, and dessert at Marie Callender’s in Nevada or California.
To put it another way, you can pre-order your supper and pick it up to dine at home, or you can eat at the restaurant. The main entrée, sides, and dessert are all included in their Thanksgiving package.
#12. STK Steakhouse
STK Steakhouses will be open on Thanksgiving, serving steaks, hearty sides, and more to guests around the country. So, what’s the best way to get a reservation?
#13. Applebee’s
This Thanksgiving, swing by your nearest Applebee’s for some nice eats in the neighborhood. Choose between dine-in and takeout, but call ahead for hours, which may vary by location, according to an Applebee’s spokeswoman.
On Thanksgiving Day, select Applebee’s restaurants will be open and serving a special holiday menu. Others will have a set number of hours. You should contact beforehand to ensure that your favorite restaurant will be open on the day of your event!
#14. Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
This Thanksgiving, there are various ways to experience Ruth’s Chris Steak House. You can order a Thanksgiving take-home feast that contains every delectable dish on the menu, ready to heat and serve. Alternatively, you can dine in and enjoy a delectable three-course turkey feast.
Check to see which locations are open, but the legendary steakhouse will be serving a special holiday feast in addition to their regular menu.
#15. Sonic
Do you need to grab a quick bite to eat? You can go to Sonic this Thanksgiving if you desire a burger or just want to get a milkshake to tide you over until pie time. The hours of operation may differ based on the restaurant in your neighborhood, so double-check before heading over.
Simply look up the hours of operation for your exact area.
#16. IHOP
You might be in luck if you have a taste for pancakes on Thanksgiving morning. Franchises will be open, according to an IHOP representative, but guests should call ahead to confirm their location’s hours.
According to a spokesman,
the International House of Pancakes will be open for Turkey Day, so you may satiate your flapjack needs. Just make sure to double-check your local restaurant’s holiday hours.
#17. Bob Evans
Do you want to eat some traditional comfort food? Go on over to your local Bob Evans—they’re still open for business.
Every year, Bob Evans is recognized for its delectable Thanksgiving feast, and 2023 will be no exception. It’s hardly unexpected, either, because they already serve a slow-roasted turkey every day! In addition to the bird, you can have your entire meal catered by Bob Evans by calling ahead of time and selecting from their excellent pies and sides.
#18. Fogo de Cho
Fogo de Cho will be open for Thanksgiving, as it is every year. In addition to its regular menu, the Brazilian steakhouse will provide a special Thanksgiving Day meal.
So you’re in luck if you prefer steak to turkey on Thanksgiving. The Brazilian steakhouse will be open, but the exact hours will be disclosed later.
#19. Starbucks
It’s certain that you’ll require a caffeine boost on Thanksgiving morning. How else are you going to put all those pieces together?! You can get your Starbucks order filled on Thanksgiving because stores will be open—just call ahead to check on their hours.
Furthermore, while Starbucks will be open on Thanksgiving, hours and locations may vary.
Read Also: Walmart Thanksgiving Hours & Other Stores Open On Thanksgiving 2022 (Updated)
#20. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
On Thanksgiving Day, treat yourself to a steak at Fleming’s. From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., all eateries will be open. A three-course menu will be available, with the main dish being either turkey breast or filet mignon. (There’s even a Thanksgiving dinner for kids!)
#21. Cracker Barrel
Thanksgiving is no exception at Cracker Barrel, which is recognized for its home-cooked comfort cuisine. For your Thanksgiving Day feast, this famous restaurant has a few options. You can either have a whole meal prepared for you to go home and serve, or you can pick up a few important components, such as one of their delectable pies. Your family can also eat a great turkey supper at home!
Thanksgiving is the busiest day of the year for Cracker Barrel. Fun fact: Thanksgiving dinner is served every Thursday at the restaurant (ask for the Thursday Turkey N' Dressing special).
Either way, every location is open during regular hours (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.) on Thanksgiving Day, providing dine-in and carryout selections.
#22. Del Frisco’s Grille
Looking for a sophisticated evening? This Thanksgiving, dine at Del Frisco’s Grille. The restaurant has previously served a three-course classic turkey dinner.
Visit Del Frisco’s Grille for a Thanksgiving pre-fix menu that includes butter squash soup, roasted turkey with stuffing and all the fixings, and a generous slice of pumpkin cheesecake for dessert.
#23. Denny’s
Whether you prefer to eat in or take out, Denny’s is a popular choice for Thanksgiving. This year, the diner chain’s “Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner Pack” will be available for takeout once again. It comes with everything you’ll need for a great Thanksgiving meal for four people—all you have to do is heat it up and serve. From Friday, November 20 through Wednesday, November 25, you can place an order online. If you prefer to eat at your local Denny’s, a turkey and dressing meal is also available.
#24. Domino’s
Before heading out to do your Black Friday shopping, a personal-sized pizza might be just the ticket. Because Domino’s franchisees are separately owned, they may or may not be open on Thanksgiving, depending on the area.
#25. Dunkin’ Donuts
If you’re a Dunkin’ fan, you’ll be relieved to learn that your favorite cup of coffee will be available on Thanksgiving. Hours may vary on holidays, so verify with your nearest location beforehand.
#26. Einstein Bros. Bagels
Do you need a bagel on Thanksgiving morning? You can have a bite to eat at your local Einstein Bros. Bagels to tide you over till supper. Call ahead of time to double-check your local restaurant’s holiday hours.
#27. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse
Do you want to go all out this Thanksgiving? Enjoy a great three-course meal at a Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse near you. According to a spokesman, most stores will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
#28. Maggiano’s Little Italy
Do you want an Italian twist on your turkey dinner? Then go to Maggiano’s for Thanksgiving dinner. Basically, catering, carryout, and dine-in are among the three Turkey Day choices available at the restaurant.
#29. McCormick & Schmick’s
Enjoy a fantastic seafood supper at McCormick & Schmick’s this Thanksgiving. If you want to stick to tradition, they normally have a special turkey meal!
#30. McDonald’s
Because most McDonald’s should be open on Thanksgiving, you can indulge with a Big Mac and fries. However, you should double-check with your nearest branch because hours vary by region.
#31. Morton’s Steakhouse
Do you want a steak supper for Thanksgiving? Make a reservation at Morton’s Steakhouse for an exceptional meal.
#32. Romano’s Macaroni Grill
Last year, this popular Italian eatery featured a three-course Thanksgiving dinner as well as a takeout option, allowing you to host a large gathering at home. Call your local Romano’s Macaroni Grill to find out what hours they’ll be open this year and if you can get a precooked dinner ahead of time.
#33. Shoney’s
This Thanksgiving, pay a visit to this Southern institution for their annual “All You Care to Eat” Thanksgiving feast. In the past, certain Shoney’s locations have given Thanksgiving meals-to-go, so check with your local location to see whether they’ll be participating this year.
#34. Ted’s Montana Grill
Ted’s Montana Grill is famed for its comfort food, and the Thanksgiving menu is no exception. It has traditionally hosted a three-course Thanksgiving Roast Turkey Feast with your favorite sides and a delectable dessert in the past. For hours and menu options, contact your local office.
#35. Wendy’s
Do you have a hankering for a Frosty before you dig into your Thanksgiving desserts? Wendy’s will be open for any snacks or burgers you may need. However, you should contact ahead to confirm the hours of your local branch.
#37. Boston Market
Boston Market, known for its rotisserie chickens, is also available to cater your Thanksgiving feast! Stop into the restaurant or order takeout for a delectable turkey dinner with sides and dessert.
#38, Chili’s
If a turkey isn’t your thing, head to Chili’s for a wider range of dishes this Thanksgiving. Only a few locations will be open, so call ahead to check.
#39. Charts House
Because of their amazing menu selections, which include steaks, seafood, and more, Chart House is always a great choice for a holiday dinner. To find out the actual hours of operation and to book a reservation, contact your local restaurant.
#40. Kona Grill
Kona Grill has a special Thanksgiving menu featuring macadamia-nut-crusted turkey and ginger-yuzu flavored cranberry sauce in some locations. Call your local Kona Grill to discover what they have planned for the Thanksgiving menu this year, and don’t forget to wash it all down with one of their distinctive margaritas.
#41. Smith & Wollensky
On Thanksgiving Day, Smith & Wollensky will provide a traditional four-course turkey dinner with a delicious slice of pumpkin pie from 4 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
#42. The Capital Grille
The Capital Grille has everything you’re searching for when it comes to a classic Thanksgiving feast. The eatery serves everything from exquisite mashed potatoes to stuffing and savory turkey from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
On the other hand, it is always confusing for business owners whether or not to open their restaurants on Thanksgiving day.
Should You Keep Your Restaurant Open on Thanksgiving?
For everyone, Thanksgiving is a special — and intense— time of year. Thanksgiving is the official start of the holiday season, but it’s also one of those days when restaurant owners are at a loss for what to do.
So questions like; Should you keep your store open all day? Will having a shift on a day when so many people are at home cost you money? Will your employees be irritated by having to work on a holiday that is supposed to be about rest and relaxation? come up…
Well, there are really no clear answers to these concerns, but considering your individual business (as well as local trends) might help you decide what is best for your restaurant in November. Here are a few factors to consider in making that decision.
#1. Examine Your Menu Options
Is a Thanksgiving lunch appropriate for your company’s image? That’s a huge component of deciding whether or not to stay open on that particular day. Fast-casual eateries, for example, are unlikely to provide the Thanksgiving experience that consumers seek.
Is Thanksgiving, even if you’re a full-service restaurant, a good fit for your menu? Is it possible for your kitchen staff to change the style of your menu to make it more like a traditional Thanksgiving meal?
This doesn’t mean you have to serve Thanksgiving solely at American-style restaurants, nor does it imply you have to change your entire menu for one day. There are several ways to incorporate your signature dishes into a Thanksgiving menu alongside seasonal staples or to tweak the traditional turkey dinner to fit your restaurant’s aesthetic.
Also, think about whether you can offer Thanksgiving specials in addition to the regular menu. Depending on your market, there may be a strong desire to celebrate Thanksgiving without the traditional roasted turkey and fixings, which is where your regular menu can help.
That said, you should assume that some of your Thanksgiving Day guests will want traditional Thanksgiving fare, and it’s up to you to decide whether or not combining your own brand with the holiday is a good idea.
#2. Take a Look at Your Competitors
If you’ve decided that a Thanksgiving menu from your menu and brand is even possible, the next step is to research what your competitors (especially those with similar customer bases) have done in recent years.
Knowing one rival closes for Thanksgiving doesn’t absolutely mean you should close (it could be an undiscovered opportunity), but if most or all of your area’s long-running restaurants don’t open for the holiday, it could be a clue your market isn’t feasible.
#3 Calculate How Much Your Regular Shift Will Change.
Any particular holiday will necessitate adjustments to your shift’s routine. But then, are you willing to serve a fixed-price menu or go family-style for the day? Are you ready to place an order for Thanksgiving dinner ingredients?
Are you prepared to keep reservations organized for this particular day if your restaurant does not normally take reservations? Some of these challenges will be simpler to overcome in your business than others, but you should still be prepared if you wish to work a Thanksgiving shift.
#4. Speak With Your Team
After you’ve considered whether or not to keep a Thanksgiving shift, sit down with your staff and explain the benefits and drawbacks. You might be shocked by what they have to say about it!
Some waiters and waitresses prefer to spend the day with their families. Others, on the other hand, may not be as sentimental about the holiday and would rather take advantage of the opportunity to get helpful holiday advice from consumers.
Your team is also very familiar with your cuisine and brand, so they can help you decide whether or not a Thanksgiving shift is a good idea.
If you have a large enough team, you might be able to find enough people who want to work that shift while the rest of them have the day off! Even if you reject the concept owing to a lack of enthusiasm on the part of the team, your employees will appreciate the fact that you included them in the conversation and listened to their concerns.
#5. Create a Strategy
Whether you want to host Thanksgiving at your restaurant or not, you need to have a strategy in place. If you’re open for Thanksgiving, even if it’s for a limited time, make sure everyone on staff is on the same page when it comes to meal preparation and service. Staff should be aware of how this shift differs from others and what you expect from them.
Starting in early November, you should publicize the event at the restaurant, on social media, and through traditional marketing methods such as print, radio, and signage.
Furthermore, when it comes to spreading the word about your holiday hours, don’t forget about the internet — many people who are making Thanksgiving plans go to Google first to discover who will be open in their area. Include the event (and the menu, if it’s already been decided) on your website, but make sure that material is removed after Thanksgiving so that your website remains current.
If you’re going to be closed for Thanksgiving, on the flip side, make sure to advertise it on your website, social media pages, and in-person at your restaurant. This assures that your customers won’t try to search got your services while you’re closed for the holiday and that they’ll also know when you’ll reopen.
Also, make sure that your entire crew is aware that they will be off for the holiday and when their regular schedule will resume.
#6. Think About Your Options
There are alternative options if you don’t want to work a full-service shift on Thanksgiving. Last year, the world-famous vegan eatery Chicago Diner closed its doors on Thanksgiving Day but offered packaged carryout bookings. Their customers pre-ordered weeks in advance (whether it was just a few sides or the entire dinner), and their cooks prepared the orders to be picked up the night before or even the day of! This allows their employees to take the day off while still meeting their customers’ specific culinary requirements.
Is Texas Roadhouse Open for Thanksgiving?
Yes, Texas Roadhouse is one of the many restaurants that open on thanksgiving day. They are only closed on Christmas but not on other days.
What’s Open on Thanksgiving Vancouver?
Anything from restaurants to grocery stores, malls, theatres, liquor stores are often open in Vancouver on Thanksgiving.
What Restaurants Make Thanksgiving Dinner?
Tons of restaurants that are open on the Turkey Day make Thanksgiving dinner. These include;
- Denny’s
- Bob Evans Restaurant
- Cracker Barrel
- Boston Market and so on.
Is Cracker Barrel Open on Thanksgiving Day?
Yes, Cracker Barrel is often one of the restaurants on Thanksgiving. They open regular business hours on the Turkey Day, serving traditional Thanksgiving meals beginning from 11 am.
Does KFC Prepare Thanksgiving Meals?
Hosting Thanksgiving dinner isn’t as easy as pie, but KFC’s Cajun Deep Fried turkey makes it easy and tasty to feed family and friends, no matter what your Thanksgiving tradition is.
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