Which Restaurants Are Open on Thanksgiving? Hours for Chick-fil-A, Red Lobster and Others

Many people will be eating a turkey dinner on Thanksgiving, but our favorite restaurants are here for those needing some quick feeding.

While many federal offices and public institutions are closed on this day, most restaurants are privately owned or franchised, meaning their bosses can choose whether to keep the doors open.

This is similar for retail stores, with many pharmacies and other shops staying open on Turkey Day.

Newsweek has rounded up a list of some of the U.S.'s favorite restaurants, and whether they are open on Thanksgiving.

Which Restaurants Are Open on Thanksgiving?

  • Applebee's—some restaurants will remain open on Thanksgiving Day. Contact your local restaurants or look on the Applebee's store locator to find out if yours is open.
  • Boston Market—some restaurants will remain open on Thanksgiving Day. Contact your local restaurants or look on the Boston Market store locator to find out if yours is open.
  • The Cheesecake Factory—closed on Thanksgiving Day.
  • Chick-fil-A—closed on Thanksgiving Day.
  • Chili—closed on Thanksgiving Day.
  • Denny's—some restaurants will remain open on Thanksgiving Day. Contact your local restaurants or look on the Denny's store locator to find out if yours is open.
  • Jack in the Box—some restaurants will remain open on Thanksgiving Day. Contact your local restaurants or look on the Jack in the Box store locator to find out if yours is open.
  • IHOP—some restaurants will remain open on Thanksgiving Day. Contact your local restaurants or look on the IHOP store locator to find out if yours is open.
  • McDonald's—some restaurants will remain open on Thanksgiving Day. Contact your local restaurants or look on the McDonald's store locator to find out if yours is open.
  • Olive Garden—closed on Thanksgiving Day.
  • Popeye's—some restaurants will remain open on Thanksgiving Day. Contact your local restaurants or look on the Popeye's store locator to find out if yours is open.
  • Red Lobster—closed on Thanksgiving Day.
  • Starbucks—some restaurants will remain open on Thanksgiving Day. Contact your local restaurants or look on the Starbucks store locator to find out if yours is open.
  • Subway—some restaurants will remain open on Thanksgiving Day. Contact your local restaurants or look on the Subway store locator to find out if yours is open.
  • T.G.I. Friday's—some restaurants will remain open on Thanksgiving Day. Contact your local restaurants or look on the T.G.I. Friday's store locator to find out if yours is open.
  • Waffle House—some restaurants will remain open on Thanksgiving Day. Contact your local restaurants or look on the Waffle House store locator to find out if yours is open.
  • White Castle—some restaurants will remain open on Thanksgiving Day. Contact your local restaurants or look on the White Castle store locator to find out if yours is open.

As many of these restaurants are franchised, it means it is difficult to give specific business hours for each one.

Speaking to Country Living, a representative for McDonald's said: "Ninety-five percent of McDonald's restaurants are independently owned and operated, so the holiday business hours will vary by location.

"The best way to determine hours for your local McDonald's is to call ahead of your visit to confirm their hours."

This is similar for the other places, so those who want to ensure they don't miss out on a good dinner should check with their local diner.

Chick-fil-A
An exterior view of Chick-fil-A during the coronavirus pandemic on May 12, 2020 in New York City. COVID-19 has spread to most countries around the world, claiming over 292,000 lives with over 4.3 million infections... Cindy Ord/Getty Images

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

About the writer



To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.

Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek magazine delivered to your door
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go
Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go