Is your favorite fast food chain open on Thanksgiving Day?
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and it only means you have the choice to celebrate it on your most preferred way. You can go on a long weekend adventure, travel outside the country, or spend it at home and host a Thanksgiving Dinner for your family and friends. Lucky you, you’ll be greeted with the best deals whether you’re looking for a quick bite or planning a Thanksgiving feast at home.
From the West Coast to the East Coast, we’ve got the ultimate guide for you and your guests to enjoy Thanksgiving 2024 conveniently and deliciously. Make the most of this year’s Thanksgiving at these open fast-food chains and restaurants near you!
What Fast Food Chains and Restaurants are Open on Thanksgiving?
While Thanksgiving is the perfect holiday to showcase your cooking skills and prepare a feast for your guests, it’s also one of the busiest holidays of the year. There’s a lot of grocery rush going on, and you might find yourself crunching on prep and cooking time, leaving you stressed out.
While it’s always been a tradition to cook delicious dishes for guests during Thanksgiving, it’s also been a good option to dine out or order Thanksgiving meals from restaurants, fast-casual eateries, and even fast food chains that will be open on the said holiday. If you’re looking for quick fast food favorites, there are a lot of food chains that will keep their doors open on Thanksgiving, but if you want to treat your guests to a fancy dining experience, it’s best to contact and reserve a table at a fine-dining restaurant to enjoy a premium celebration, served with a premium menu lineup.
And if you’re looking for fast food chains and fast-casual restaurants that will be open Thanksgiving, you’ve come to the right place! We can help you to stop wondering, “Is Cracker Barrel, McDonald’s, or Starbucks Open on Thanksgiving?” or searching online with “What Fast Food Restaurants Are Open on Thanksgiving?“
III (3) Forks Steakhouse
III (3) Forks Steakhouse will be open on Thanksgiving Day from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM. To celebrate the holiday, they will also offer a Thanksgiving Feature at $43 per person, which includes spice-rubbed Holiday Turkey, Grandma’s gravy, fresh cranberry-orange relish, sausage sage cornbread dressing, creamed potatoes, maple-glazed yams, and roasted autumn vegetables.
Applebee’s
If you want something classic and familiar, Applebee’s is a good option for Thanksgiving dishes. Your friendly neighborhood grill doesn’t require reservations but it’s still best to check with your nearest Applebee’s if they will have reduced opening hours on the said holiday. There’s still no news yet from Applebee’s about a Thanksgiving menu or lineup.
Arby’s
Turkey might be the fan favorite during Thanksgiving but admit it, wanting a cheesy and delicious burger or sandwich is one of the guilt-free cravings you can have on Thanksgiving. Arby’s is the second restaurant in this list to assure customers they’ll be open on Thanksgiving, however, the fan favorite has no holiday specials for guests to enjoy.
Bob Evans
Adding to the lineup of restaurants offering comforting flavors, Bob Evans will stay and keep their doors open to offer home-cooked meals on Thanksgiving. Guests can choose from the fan favorite regular dinner menu, lunch, and breakfast options, or Bob Evans’ four different Thanksgiving meals, available for pick-up for your dinner parties.
Bonanza and Ponderosa Steakhouses
All-American favorites Bonanza and Ponderosa Steakhouses will also open their doors to customers on Thanksgiving! Guests can enjoy the steakhouse’s buffets featuring Roasted Turkey, Baked Ham, Fried Chicken, Meatloaf, Butterfly Shrimp, Baked Mac N Cheese, Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potato Casserole, Green Bean Casserole, Cranberry Sauce Fresh Baked Rolls and Dessert. The restaurant will also be offering platters to go for just $14 for those who opt for take-out orders.
Brio Italian Grille
Craving for some Italian dish on Thanksgiving? Brio Italian Grille got your holiday plans sorted out. The Italian restaurant will be open from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Thanksgiving, November 28. They will offer a traditional Thanksgiving menu, alongside their crowd favorite Italian dishes like Pasta Brio and Lobster, and Shrimp Fettucine. Plus, a kids menu featuring a classic turkey in smaller portions will also be served.
For those not opting for a dine-in, Brio Italian Grille also offers two Thanksgiving feast to-go, the first one is ideal for four to five people, and the other serves eight to 10 people at home.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Nothing beats a plate of flavored chicken wings on every occasion, including Thanksgiving! Buffalo Wild Wings has its doors open for Thanksgiving, and it’ll be serving its full regular menu featuring crispy, saucy wings and fried accompaniments. If you’re a football fan, hosting the Thanksgiving at Buffalo Wild Wings can be a great celebration idea, as their multiple jumbo flatscreens are perfect to catch the Thanksgiving football games.
Burger King
Of course, Burger King wouldn’t be the last to offer grab-and-go menu lineup for Thanksgiving. The fast foodgiant will be open throughout the holiday, serving all fan favorites during the holiday, however, it’s still best to check with your nearest Burger King for any changes or if they’ll have limited opening hours during Thanksgiving.
Chart House
Chart House is one of the country’s upscale seafood restaurants, and they’re welcoming guests on Thanksgiving. Plus, they will also serve a special three-course menu during the holiday. Plus, guests can also opt for the regular Chart House menu dishes if they want to go for the classic Chart House offerings. Chart House will be observing standard operating hours but we still recommend to reserve a table if you’ll visit during Thanksgiving.
Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel wouldn’t miss to open their doors during America’s favorite holiday. The homestyle restaurant will be open on Thanksgiving to let you enjoy all your favorite Southern foods, along with their special seasonal menu items just in time for the holiday season, which also includes a full Thanksgiving meal, available for dine-in or take-out.
Del Frisco’s Grille
Guests opting for a fancier restaurant for Thanksgiving can opt to choose gourmet American dishes and book a table at Del Frisco’s Grille. The restaurant will serve their regular menu with a special offer, in addition to their holiday-worthy dishes. That’s not all, most Del Frisco’s Grill will also offer a special Thanksgiving menu featuring all classic dishes. Word of advice, keep your Thanksgiving dinner hassle-free and call ahead to reserve a table and know their holiday menu items per location.
Denny’s
Just like Cracker Barrel, Denny’s will also remain open during Thanksgiving. They will also serve a traditional Thanksgiving Feast if you’re craving to save time for cooking and meal prep, but still want to impress your guests.
Domino’s Pizza
Domino’s will keep their doors open on Thanksgiving to serve guests their pizza favorites. Guests can order their favorite pizza for carry-out or delivery at home. To be sure, check with your local Domino’s if they will be open throughout the day or will be implementing special Thanksgiving hours.
Dunkin’
Dunkin‘ won’t be missing out on the holiday celebrations and some of their locations will remain an open fast-food chain for Thanksgiving. Customers should note that not all locations will be open, and some will observe holiday hours. It’s best to visit or call your nearest Dunkin’ or check online at Dunkin’s store locator to get updated on their actual hours.
Eddie V’s
One of the top restaurants for important celebrations, guests can enjoy Eddie V’s top-notch dishes and service during the holiday. This high-end restaurant will be open on Thanksgiving and will offer a delicious meal featuring turkey and all the trimmings, including pie as the dessert, all these without the expensive price tag. Guests wanting the regular menu can still ask for it during the holiday. We highly recommend calling the restaurant and making a reservation ahead of time.
Firehouse Subs
Firehouse Subs will keep their doors open for Thanksgiving Day, ready to welcome and serve any guests craving a big bite. However, we still advise to give your nearby Firehouse Subs a call for their open hours.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, one of the top steakhouse restaurants will be open on Thanksgiving Day. They will serve a special three-course menu lineup to guests, alongside a full dinner menu. Like other high-end or steak restaurants open on Thanksgiving, we recommend making a reservation ahead of time.
Fogo de Chão
Another top-notch steakhouse chain, Fogo de Chão will be opening their doors from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Thanksgiving Day. Visiting guests can enjoy classic holiday dishes like roasted turkey, sweet potato casserole, Brazilian apple and sausage dressing, complete with cranberry relish. Plus, guests can also order Thanksgiving packages for to-go, ideal for at least six people and features the same Thanksgiving menu lineup served at the restaurant.
Golden Corral
Golden Corral will also be open on Thanksgiving, with piping hot surprises for customers. Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner menu on an all-you-can-eat style, which also features regular menu dishes and Thanksiving special offers. Or, guests can also catch Golden Corral’s Thanksgiving Special, serving up to six to eight diners, with a turney, glazed ham, or pork roast with traditional sides and a whole pie to complete the feast.
Hardee’s
Hardee’s will be opening their doors to serve meals from breakfast to dinner on Thanksgiving! Guests can order their favorite biscuit sandwiches, burgers, and even crispy fries for Thanksgiving breakfast, mid-day lunch, or even as late-night finishers to Thanksgiving.
Hooters
Craving for some chicken wings on Thanksgiving weekend? Lucky you, Hooters will be open on Thanksgiving from 4 PM to midnight to celebrate Thanksgiving. However, locations in Michigan will open starting at 11 AM to 10 PM for the Detroit Lions game and Hooters locations in Dallas will be open from 3 PM to midnight for the Cowboys game.
IHOP
If you’re looking for the perfect start for Thanksgiving, you might as well consider IHOP. They’re one of the best breakfast places that will open their doors on Thanksgiving to serve delicious waffles, breakfast platters, and more. The famous breakfast place will also serve lunch and dinner favorites like burgers, steak dinners, and sandwiches. To be sure with their availability, check with your local IHOP for any changes or special Thanksgiving hours.
KFC
You might be wondering, “Is KFC open on Thanksgiving?” Well, the answer’s yes, and no. Yes, KFC is another fast food chain that will be open on Thanksgiving, and no, not all KFC locations will be operational on the said holiday. That’s why it’s still best to check with your nearby KFC if they be open for the whole day, will observe limited hours, of will totally close their doors on Thanksgiving.
Maggiano’s Little Italy
Since we’re already talking about all sorts of dishes, Maggiano’s Little Italy also deserves a spot in the list of open restaurants on Thanksgiving Day. This upscale casual eatery will be serving their fan favorite family-style Italian meals, seasonal fall menu, and special Thanksgiving menu for carry-out. To manage your expectations and to ensure a hassle-free celebration, we recommend making a reservation.
McCormick and Schmick’s
McCormick and Schmick’s has their restaurant doors open for Thanksgiving 2024. Guests are invited to enjoy their Pacific Northwest’s flavors featuring seafood, steaks, and crafted drinks while spending time with their family. McCormick and Schmick’s will also serve a traditional turkey dinner with classic side dishes. To avoid the holiday rush, it’s best to reserve your table before Thanksgiving.
McDonald’s
Of course, the world’s most famous fast food chain won’t be closing their doors on Thanksgiving. Many McDonald’s locations will be observing amended holiday hours but they will still be serving the world-famous breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu to guests.
Morton’s The Steakhouse
Another upscale steakhouse, Morton’s The Steakhouse joins the roster of open restaurants for this year’s Thanksgiving holiday. To celebrate Turkey day, Morton’s will be offering their three-course Thanksgiving menu, featuring traditional dishes like autumn salad, butternut squash bisque, and turkey with stuffing, potatoes, and green bean casserole, and lastly, pumpkin pie cheesecake for a sweet dessert. Just like our advise for other high-end restaurants, it’s best if you’ll give Morton’s a call to reserve your table ahead of time.
Papa John’s
Papa John’s will stay as one of America’s favorite pizza places as they remain an open fast food restaurant on Thanksgiving. But, it’s still best to ask your local Papa John’s for their holiday hours as they might observe limited store hours.
Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut joins Papa John’s in the list of pizza places that will be open on Thanksgiving Day. Though not all locations will be open, most stores will still operate and serve piping-hot pizza flavors to dining families. Like any fast food chain, it’s best to ask your local Pizza Hut their holiday hours on Thanksgiving.
Popeyes
Moving from Turkey to Louisiana’s Chicken this Thanksgiving? If you’re the type to serve chicken on Thanksgiving, Popeyes got your back. You can replace turkey with everyone’s all-time favorite, fried chicken or fried fish, accompanied by classic sides like mac and cheese and mashed potatoes with gravy.
But if you change your mind, Popeyes is also serving a turkey complete with Cajun seasoning that you can serve along with all their classic Popeye’s sides, just a word of warning though, this is only available for pre-order, so you need to place a reservation to enjoy this Thanksgiving classic dish.
Red Lobster
Red Lobster, known for their delicious shrimp, gourmet lobster, and their fan favorite Cheddar Bay Biscuits, will still offer these classics during the holiday season. The classic casual chain restaurant will be open on Thanksgiving and will serve their regular menu to guests. Guests should note that not all Red Lobster accept reservations, so be sure to arrive early to get the best seat on a first-come, first-served basis.
Ruby Tuesday
Ruby Tuesday won’t fail their guests’ cravings and will serve their fan favorites seafood, juicy burgers, and baby back ribs as they keep their doors open. Ruby Tuesday is a great option if you’re looking for affordable and open restaurants on Thanksgiving, they never fail to serve a fast-casual but delicious meal of American fare. However, guests should note that some locations may have shortened hours for the holiday so it’s best you check with your local Ruby Tuesday.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Joining the roster of steakhouse options open on Thanksgiving Day, Ruth’s Chris is inviting guests to their house this holiday season. They will be offering a three-course Thanksgiving feast with all the holiday trimmings alongside their regular dinner menu featuring fan-favorite steakhouse options, available all day.
Seasons 52
Seasons 52 specializes in offering a seasonally-themed menu and is known for their award-winning wine variety. For guests who want to bring their Thanksgiving celebration to another level, Seasons 52 is here to make that happen. The restaurant will be open to serve a multi-course menu of traditional Thanksgiving classics, which features a holiday meal for dine-in or to-go. This includes roasted turkey, brioche stuffing, mashed Yukon potatoes, and sweet potatoes.
Sizzler
No turkey on the dining table? No worries! You can enjoy a steak dinner at Sizzler, another restaurant open to host your Thanksgiving plans. Their hand-cut steaks with loaded baked potatoes will not make you miss the traditional turkey during the holiday. But if you ever crave for one, most locations will still have a Turkey dinner for your Thanksgiving meal cravings. Some locations may observe holiday hours so it’s best to check with your nearby Sizzler.
Smokey Bones
Smokey Bones invites guests to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast as they open their doors during the holiday. Guests can order their premium selection of Sliced Smoked Turkey, Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Green Beans, Cornbread, and dessert. For those looking for convenience, they also offer catering options available for pickup on Thanksgiving Day.
Sonic Drive-In
America’s favorite drive-in restaurant will celebrate Thanksgiving in-house. You can bet on Sonic as one of the fast food restaurants to be open on Thanksgiving and will continue serving their popular favorites like burgers, chili cheese dogs, and fan favorite custom drinks. Some locations may observe holiday hours so we recommend checking with your nearest Sonic Drive-In.
Starbucks
Thanksgiving is still one of the best holidays to treat yourself with a cup of coffee, and it’s a good thing Starbucks locations will be open for the Thanksgiving holiday. Starbucks will be offering their regular menu and holiday-themed menu during Thanksgiving, perfect for any guest wanting to get into the festive spirit. Check with your local Starbucks if they will be offering drive-through as some locations will only serve at-counter orders.
Steak ‘n Shake
If you’re looking for a quick bite for Thanksgiving, Steak ‘n Shake is one of the trusted fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving. Their regular menu will be available for every customers’ enjoyment during the holiday weekend.
STK Steakhouse
STK Steakhouse will complete their Thanksgiving celebration with a special menu featuring turkey and all fixings; this will be available alongside their regular menu. Plus, the award-winning Steakhouse will also continue their tradition of being a top-notch steakhouse on holidays.
Subway
Let’s add Subway to the list of open restaurants on Thanksgiving, as the fast food giant will continue serving their subs, footlong and sandwiches during the holiday. Plus, their healthy menu offerings are also good pick-me-up options if you’re looking for a low-calorie snack between dining events.
Taco Bell
Everyone’s favorite Tex-Mex restaurant, Taco Bell will remain open during Thanksgiving, but their store hours vary per location. So it’s best to check your local Taco Bell’s store hours to ensure a convenient visit.
TGI Fridays
Thanksgiving may not fall on a Thursday but that doesn’t hinder TGI Fridays to celebrate and remain an open restaurant during the holiday! To spice up Thanksgiving, TGI Fridays will also tune their big-screen TVs for the crowd’s favorite football games.
The Capital Grille
Known for their upscale dining experience, The Capital Grille will be offering a Thanksgiving meal alongside their full dinner menu on Thanksgiving, November 28. Visiting guests can enjoy slow-roasted turkey with gravy, brioche sage stuffing, and French green beans with marcona almonds. That’s not all, The Capital Grille is also offering a lineup of Thanksgiving side dishes for guests who prefer a carry-out option. A serving for four people will cost $135.
Waffle House
Along with IHOP, Waffle House will also continue serving their breakfast favorites as they’re one of the open fast-casual restaurants on Thanksgiving. Waffle House will be serving their breakfast lineup and will also offer regular menu items to make sure you’ll start your Thanksgiving Day right.
Wendy’s
You can now stop thinking, “Is Wendy’s Open on Thanksgiving?”, because we got what you’re looking for! Yep, Wendy’s locations will be open and ready to serve customers throughout the holiday season, including Thanksgiving. However, each store’s hours will vary per location. It’s best to check with your local Wendy’s for their holiday store hours.
Whataburger
If you’re craving a classic cheeseburger on Thanksgiving, Whataburger has you back! All locations of the burger chain will be open on Thanksgiving.
White Castle
Definitely not one to miss, let’s add White Castle to the list of fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving. They will remain open all day during the holiday and will still be serving juicy burgers and cheesy sliders to guests. Their drive-through and dining area will continue to serve guests during holiday hours, perfect for quick but delicious bites.
RELATED: Latest Holiday Delights from Carvel, Chicken Salad Chick, and More