25+ Fast Food Restaurants Open On Thanksgiving 2025: Your Ultimate Guide To Holiday Hours And Turkey Alternatives

Planning your Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025, just got a whole lot easier. The traditional holiday feast is a beautiful thing, but sometimes life calls for a quick, delicious, and stress-free alternative—or maybe you just need a coffee and a breakfast sandwich before the big dinner. The good news is that a surprising number of major fast food and casual dining chains keep their doors open on the holiday, offering everything from a classic burger to a full-blown turkey dinner alternative.

This comprehensive guide provides the most up-to-date information on which fast food restaurants will be open on Thanksgiving 2025, along with crucial details on holiday hours and where you can find special seasonal deals. Remember, while most corporate locations follow a general policy, the vast majority of fast food restaurants are franchised, meaning hours can and will vary significantly by location. Always call ahead to your local branch to confirm their specific operating schedule before heading out.

The Definitive List of Fast Food Chains Open on Thanksgiving Day 2025

Whether you’re a traveler on a long road trip, a first responder working a shift, or a host who needs a last-minute side dish, these chains are your reliable options for grab-and-go food on Thursday, November 27, 2025. This list includes both quick-service and fast-casual dining, as these are the most common alternatives to a home-cooked meal.

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• McDonald's: A significant number of McDonald's locations will be open, but hours are highly dependent on the franchise owner. Many will operate with reduced hours, often closing early in the afternoon. Look for locations near major highways or travel hubs, as these are often more likely to maintain longer hours.
• Burger King: A solid choice for a classic flame-broiled option. Burger King is known for being consistently open on major holidays, though expect most locations to close earlier than their standard operating hours.
• Wendy's: Most Wendy’s restaurants across the country will be open, offering their full menu, including the popular Frosty and square-pattied burgers. As with others, call your local spot to verify their holiday schedule.
• Arby's: A great option for those craving roast beef or their famous curly fries. Many Arby’s locations will be open, but typically with reduced holiday hours.
• Dunkin': For those who need their morning coffee and donut fix, Dunkin' is a reliable choice. The majority of locations will be open, especially in the morning, but afternoon hours are less certain.
• Starbucks: While not strictly fast food, many drive-thru Starbucks locations will be open, operating on reduced hours to serve holiday travelers and early risers.
• Waffle House: The legendary Waffle House is famous for being open 24/7, 365 days a year, including Thanksgiving. It is one of the most reliable options for a sit-down or to-go meal.
• White Castle: This chain is known to be open all day on Thanksgiving, serving up their iconic sliders.
• Whataburger: All Whataburger locations nationwide are expected to be open on Thanksgiving Day.
• Baskin-Robbins: If you need a last-minute dessert or ice cream cake, Baskin-Robbins often keeps limited hours on the holiday.
• Del Taco: For a quick Mexican food fix, many Del Taco restaurants will be serving customers, though hours will vary.
• Popeyes: Many Popeyes locations will be open and are a top destination for those seeking a turkey alternative, often offering special family feasts.

The Casual Dining Chains Offering Full Thanksgiving Feasts

If you're looking for a slightly more traditional experience without the cooking, several casual dining and family restaurant chains are famous for offering special Thanksgiving meals. These locations often require reservations, so planning ahead is essential for your holiday dining.

• Denny's: Always a holiday staple, Denny's will be open 24 hours in many locations and is famous for its special holiday menu, often featuring a classic turkey and dressing dinner.
• IHOP (International House of Pancakes): Most IHOP locations operate 24/7, making them a safe bet for a holiday breakfast or even a late-night pancake craving.
• Cracker Barrel: A highly popular choice, Cracker Barrel offers a Heat n’ Serve Holiday Family Meal To-Go, which can be picked up before Thanksgiving, as well as a traditional Thanksgiving meal served in-store. Reservations are strongly recommended.
• Bob Evans: Known for its "Farmhouse Kitchen" meals, Bob Evans will be open and also offers a carryout option for a complete Thanksgiving dinner.
• Golden Corral: A great option for a buffet-style holiday meal, Golden Corral is typically open and serves a special Thanksgiving menu with all the traditional fixings.

Holiday Specials and Thanksgiving Dinner Alternatives

For many, the biggest draw of fast food on Thanksgiving is the convenience of a "turkey alternative" or a pre-made holiday feast. Several chains step up to fill this niche, saving you hours of kitchen time. These holiday specials are a key reason why these chains experience a surge in traffic on November 27.

The Fried Chicken Feasts (Turkey Bundles)

Fried chicken has become a surprisingly popular alternative to the traditional roasted turkey. Two major players consistently offer holiday specials:

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• Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen: Popeyes often offers a Cajun-Style Turkey, which is pre-cooked and ready to heat and serve, making it a perfect centerpiece for a last-minute family feast. This service requires pre-ordering, so check their website well in advance.
• KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken): While many locations will be open, KFC is a go-to for family meal bundles that can easily feed a crowd without the fuss of cooking. Look for special "Holiday Buckets" or family-sized sides.

Breakfast and Dessert Options

The morning of Thanksgiving is often the busiest for fast food, as hosts grab breakfast or coffee before starting their cooking marathon. Dunkin' and Starbucks are the mainstays, but don't forget options for dessert, such as Baskin-Robbins' ice cream cakes or a simple apple pie from McDonald's.

Furthermore, chains like Denny's are known for their traditional Thanksgiving menu, which includes turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie, served all day. This is an excellent option for individuals or small families who want a sit-down experience without the massive effort of cooking a holiday meal.

Chains Confirmed to Be Closed on Thanksgiving 2025

While many chains are open, it’s just as important to know which ones are taking the day off to give their employees a holiday. This prevents wasted trips and disappointment. Two major fast food giants are known for their consistent policy of closing on Thanksgiving Day:

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• Chick-fil-A: As a company policy, Chick-fil-A is closed every Sunday and on major holidays, including Thanksgiving. Do not plan on getting a chicken sandwich on November 27.
• Taco Bell: Most, if not all, Taco Bell locations across the US will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. This is a common policy for the chain to allow employees to celebrate the holiday.
• Chipotle: Chipotle typically closes on Thanksgiving, focusing on giving their employees the day off.

These closures are a good reminder that the ability to grab a quick meal on Thanksgiving is a privilege provided by the hard work of restaurant staff. Always be courteous and patient with the employees working on the holiday.

Tips for Dining Out on Thanksgiving Day

Navigating the fast food landscape on Thanksgiving requires a little strategy. Follow these tips to ensure a smooth, hassle-free experience:

• Always Call Ahead: This is the golden rule. Hours vary by franchise, and even if a chain is listed as "open," a specific location might be closed or operating with significantly reduced holiday hours (e.g., 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM).
• Check the App/Website: Many chains update their mobile apps and official websites with holiday hours closer to November 27. Use the store locator feature for the most accurate information.
• Expect Limited Menus: Some locations may operate with a limited staff and, consequently, a limited menu. Don't be surprised if certain specialty items are unavailable.
• Be Patient and Tip Well: The staff working on Thanksgiving are giving up their holiday. Expect longer lines and wait times, and show your appreciation for their service.
• Pre-Order Holiday Meals: If you are planning on a turkey bundle or family feast from a chain like Popeyes, Cracker Barrel, or Bob Evans, you MUST pre-order days or even weeks in advance to secure your meal.

Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a road trip lunch, or a complete Thanksgiving dinner alternative, this extensive list of fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving 2025 ensures you won't go hungry on the holiday. Focus on enjoying the day, and let these chains handle the cooking!