Is Olive Garden Open On Mlk Day

Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for families to come together, but it's also a holiday for feasting. However, not every family has a fantastic chef who wants to spend all day basting a turkey and preparing all of the side dishes. As a result, many families are turning to restaurants for their Thanksgiving meal. If that sounds like your family, you may be wondering, "Do restaurants close on Thanksgiving?" We'll break down a list of restaurants open on Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving 2021

Many restaurants and fast-food chains may have altered hours or be closed this Thanksgiving Day due to social distancing efforts, staffing shortages, and financial strain caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the Delta variant. If you are looking to dine out this Thanksgiving, be sure to contact your desired local restaurant, pizza place, or fast food location ahead of time to check what their hours will be during the holiday, if their dining room will be open, and if vaccination cards will be checked. Some locations may have no-contact delivery options you can enjoy even if their dining rooms are closed on Thanksgiving Day 2021.

What Restaurants Are Open on Thanksgiving?

Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving

So, are restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day? Yes! Many restaurant chains stay open on Thanksgiving to serve customers on the holiday. We compiled a list of the major restaurant chains that are open on Thanksgiving.

Food Open on Thanksgiving

If you're looking to dine out on Thanksgiving, be sure to call your restaurant of choice to check their hours and see if they require Thanksgiving reservations. Here is the list of restaurant chains open on Thanksgiving:

Applebee's
Black Angus Steakhouse
Bob Evans
Boston Market
Buca di Beppo
Capital Grille
Chart House
Cracker Barrel
Denny's
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse
Fogo de Chao
Golden Corral
Hooters
Home Town Buffet
IHOP
Legal Sea Foods
Maggiano's
Marie Callender's
McCormick and Schmick's
Morton's Steakhouse
Old Country Buffet
Ponderosa
Romano's Macaroni Grill
Ruby Tuesday
Ruth's Chris Steak House
Sizzler
Smith & Wollensky
Ted's Montana Grill
TGI Fridays
Waffle House

Pizza Places Open on Thanksgiving

Many pizza chains are open on Thanksgiving as well. Here's a list of them:

Domino's Pizza
Little Caesars Pizza
Papa John's Pizza
MOD Pizza
Pizza Hut

Fast Food Open on Thanksgiving

Some fast food chains are also open on Thanksgiving if you're just looking for a quick bite instead of a full meal:

Burger King
Krispy Kreme
McDonald's
Starbucks
Steak 'n Shake
White Castle

Many of these restaurants operate using special holiday hours and not all of their locations may be open, so be sure to check your local chain's website before you head out.

Thanksgiving Dinner Restaurant

Pecan pie in glass pie dish with silver pie server sitting beside on table

In addition to staying open on Thanksgiving Day, some restaurants and grocery store chains offer premade holiday meals so customers can eat with their families at home without stressing about cooking. Being able to purchase a prepared Thanksgiving dinner will save a lot of time. Here's a list of restaurants and grocery stores that sell take-out holiday meals:

Albertson's
Boston Market
Bob Evans
Buca di Beppo
Cracker Barrel
Marie Callender's
Publix
Safeway
Sprouts
Ted's Montana Grill
The Fresh Market
Whole Foods
Williams Sonoma

Fewer and fewer people are cooking for themselves on Thanksgiving and choosing to go out to eat instead. As a result, some restaurants are choosing to stay open. If you're looking for an alternative option for your Thanksgiving meal, use the list above to determine what chain restaurants are open on Thanksgiving in your area.