While many Americans celebrate Thanksgiving by cooking a feast with their family and friends, sometimes the holiday calls for a trip to a restaurant.
And for millions of Americans dealing with inflation, their budget may lead them to a fast-food restaurant on the holiday.
No matter the reason you end up eating fast food on Thanksgiving—finances, tradition or a turkey mishap—you'll want to know which restaurants are open.
Many stores and restaurants close to give their employees time with their families on Thanksgiving. However, many are aware that customers will still be hungry on the holiday and might end up wanting some comfort fast food rather than home cooking.
Burger King
No matter if you're craving a burger or chicken sandwich, Burger King will remain open on Thanksgiving.
Each location's hours could vary, depending on management, so inquire for your specific restaurant's hours at that location or online on Burger King's website.
Denny's
Denny's prides itself on staying open 24 hours a day every day of the year.
Historically, Denny's also offered Turkey Packs that you could purchase for pickup, but you should ask your specific restaurant about any Thanksgiving deals this year.
Dunkin'
Dunkin's store hours also vary by location, but to check if your local coffee fix store is open, you can look at the Dunkin' website store locator or the Dunkin' Rewards App.
Starbucks
Starbucks store hours vary by location on Thanksgiving, but many will be open to meet all your holiday caffeine cravings.
The hours for your specific store can be found on the Starbucks website.
Subway
If you prefer a turkey sandwich over a full-fledged turkey with all the fixings come Thanksgiving Day, select Subway stores will be open.
It depends on the specific franchise, though, so you should call your local store for clarity on the hours.
Waffle House
Waffle House is another restaurant that works hard to serve guests 365 days a year, and that includes Thanksgiving.
So if you're craving a breakfast of waffles, eggs, sandwiches and more, Waffle House will be there to meet your needs on Thanksgiving.
Wendy's
Wendy's said it will be "open and ready to serve fans throughout the holiday season." For specific hours, Frosty and burger fans should inquire with their local restaurant.
White Castle
White Castle restaurants will continue serving guests until 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving this year.
That means if you want to stock up on the chain's popular burger sliders before your feast later that night, you should have ample time.
McDonald's
The majority of McDonald's locations will be open on Thanksgiving.
However, specific hours vary by location, so you should look up your specific restaurant's address on McDonald's website.
Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel's Southern comfort food might be ideal for those looking to eat out on Thanksgiving.
Luckily, the chain is keeping certain locations open and also offering a special menu and takeout and delivery.
For specific details, contact your local restaurant to see if your store is welcoming customers on Thanksgiving.
Fast food closed on Thanksgiving
Not all fast-food restaurants keep their doors open on Thanksgiving. The day is a relatively unpopular one for employees to want to work, and many company leaders opt to let their workers enjoy the holiday at home with their families.
These fast-food restaurants will be closed for Thanksgiving 2024:
- Arby's
- Chick-Fil-A
- Chipotle
- Hardee's
- Moe's
- Noodles & Company
- Taco Bell
While many families make it their tradition to eat at a sit-down restaurant for Thanksgiving, many will also be closed for Thanksgiving, so you should check in advance if your holiday plans involved dining out.
The following full-service restaurants will be closed on Thanksgiving:
- Chili's
- First Watch
- Olive Garden
- Outback Steakhouse
- Red Lobster
- Texas Roadhouse
- The Cheesecake Factory
Many grocery stores will also be closed for Thanksgiving, including Aldi, Costco, Publix, Sam's Club, Target, Trader Joe's and Walmart.
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