Not cooking on Thanksgiving? Check out which restaurants and fast food places will be open

If youre not interested in cooking, avoiding turkey, or traveling during Thanksgiving, several chain restaurants and fast-food outlets will remain open, letting you enjoy your holiday without the hassle of meal prep. Many establishments are embracing the Thanksgiving spirit by offering special menus or pre-made meals, making it easier for customers to celebrate without cooking or cleaning.

Below is a list of restaurants likely to be open on Thursday, November 27. Keep in mind that hours may differ by location, so its recommended to call ahead to confirm availability and holiday schedules.

• Arbys: Select locations will operate on Thanksgiving, but hours may vary.
• Applebees: Some locations will welcome guests on November 27.
• Bob Evans: Famous for its Thanksgiving meals, including roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and classic sides.
• Buffalo Wild Wings: Many locations will be open for dine-in and takeout.
• Burger King: For those craving a burger instead of turkey, many restaurants will remain open.
• The Capital Grille: Offers a prix fixe Thanksgiving menu with traditional dishes, alongside the regular dinner menu.
• Cracker Barrel: Provides heat-and-serve Thanksgiving meals for at-home enjoyment; dine-in guests can enjoy a limited holiday menu.
• Dave & Busters: Participating locations will welcome diners and arcade players on Thanksgiving.
• Dennys: Serving turkey bundle meals for in-restaurant or at-home dining.
• Dunkin: Many coffee shop locations will be open.
• Golden Corral: Offers buffet service, pre-orderable holiday feasts, and individual to-go meals.
• Hard Rock Cafe: Limited-time Thanksgiving menu featuring roasted turkey and classic sides, available for dine-in or catering.
• IHOP: Known for being open year-round, including holidays; check with local franchises for exact hours.
• McDonalds: Most locations will operate on Thanksgiving.
• Mortons the Steakhouse: Offering a four-course Thanksgiving menu.
• Popeyes: Many locations open; full-sized Cajun turkeys are available for home preparation.
• Ruby Tuesday: Most locations are expected to open.
• Starbucks: Most stores will be open, but verify holiday hours locally.
• Waffle House: Open 24/7, including Thanksgiving.
• Wendys: Many locations available for travelers or burger lovers.

Restaurants Closed on Thanksgiving

• Pizza Hut: Most locations will remain closed.
• Red Lobster: Closed at all locations except the flagship in Times Square.
• Subway: Majority of stores closed, though independently owned outlets may vary.

Author's Insight: Dining Out This Thanksgiving

This year, Thanksgiving presents an opportunity for those who prefer convenience over cooking. A wide range of chain restaurants and fast-food outlets will remain open, offering either dine-in options, takeout, or pre-prepared holiday meals. From traditional turkey dinners to burgers and coffee, options cater to different tastes and schedules.

Notably, establishments such as Bob Evans, Cracker Barrel, and The Capital Grille are providing special Thanksgiving menus, while chains like Waffle House, McDonald’s, and IHOP ensure continuity for travelers or late-night diners. For those aiming to celebrate at home without the preparation hassle, Golden Corral and Popeyes offer pre-orderable meals and full-sized turkeys.

It is essential for diners to confirm local hours, as operations vary by location. Meanwhile, some major chains, including Pizza Hut, Red Lobster, and most Subway outlets, will remain closed, reflecting a limited holiday schedule in the sector.

Overall, this holiday season highlights a growing trend: flexibility in celebrating Thanksgiving. Consumers can enjoy traditional dishes without the effort of cooking, while restaurants benefit from accommodating both diners and travelers on a major holiday.

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• Don't plan to cook on Thanksgiving? Here are the restaurants and fast food places that are scheduled to be open