For many of us, Thanksgiving is centered around a huge meal. But let’s say you don’t feel like spending much, if any, time in the kitchen and would rather be on the couch watching TV with takeout. Or maybe your food prep doesn’t go quite as planned and you need a last-minute backup dinner. Or you’ve realized you simply don’t want to do a ton of dishes. Or you’re just hanging out alone and want to do something low key. What to do?
Many grocery stores (and retailers like Target and Walmart) will have short hours or be closed entirely on Thursday, but a handful of chain restaurants are expecting to be open for regular dining or Thanksgiving-specific orders. Here are some of the most popular....just make sure you check the hours or call ahead before you head out, as it’s possible that not every location will be serving on Thursday.
Chain restaurants that will be open on Thanksgiving
Applebee’s
Bahama Breeze
Bob Evans
Boston Market
Buca di Beppo
Buffalo Wild Wings
Chart House
Chevy’s Fresh Mex
Cracker Barrel
Del Frisco’s Grille
Denny’s
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Fogo de Chao
Golden Corral
Hometown Buffet
IHOP
Maggiano’s Little Italy
McCormick and Schmick’s
Mimi’s Cafe
Morton’s Steakhouse
Popeyes
Romano’s Macaroni Grill
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Seasons 52
Starbucks
STK Steakhouse
Sullivan’s Steakhouse
TGI Friday’s
Waffle House
This isn’t an exhaustive list, so you might stumble across a few others, but these are generally safe bets. Many fast food spots will be open on Thanksgiving Day as well, and local (non-chain) dining spots in your area may have dine-in or takeout available as well. Just don’t expect a Mexican Pizza or Arch Deluxe...we know, we miss them too, and we’ll all just have to cope.
This story was updated on Wednesday, November 24 to remove Ted’s Montana Grill, who decided to close on Thanksgiving after all.