The Ultimate List: 20+ Fast Food And Casual Chains Open On Thanksgiving 2025 (Updated Hours & Specials)

Planning your Thanksgiving Day meal on Thursday, November 27, 2025, just got a whole lot easier. Whether you’re an essential worker needing a quick bite, a traveler on a long road trip, or simply looking for a stress-free alternative to a full home-cooked feast, knowing which fast food and quick-service restaurants are open is crucial.

The good news is that many major chains recognize the demand for convenient dining on the holiday, and a large number of them will be operating, often with limited hours or special menus. However, the golden rule for Thanksgiving remains: always check your local store's hours before you leave, as most are independently owned franchises with regional variations in their holiday schedules.

The Definitive List of Fast Food & Quick Service Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving 2025

Unlike full-service casual dining establishments, which often require reservations for a special Thanksgiving menu, fast-food and quick-service restaurants (QSRs) provide a convenient, no-fuss option. Here is a list of the most reliable chains expected to be open for business on Thanksgiving Day 2025. Remember that "select locations" or "limited hours" is the standard caveat for nearly every chain listed below.

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Major Fast Food Chains (Burgers, Sandwiches, & More)

• McDonald's: A vast majority of McDonald's locations will be open, though hours can vary significantly. Some will maintain regular business hours, while others may open later or close earlier.
• Burger King: Another reliable option, most Burger King locations are expected to be open, often operating under their regular hours. It’s always smart to call your local store to confirm.
• Wendy's: Many Wendy's locations are expected to be open, providing a great option for a classic burger fix on the holiday.
• Arby's: Arby's locations often remain open on Thanksgiving, but like other chains, operating hours will vary widely by franchise ownership.
• White Castle: Known for being open all day on Thanksgiving, White Castle is a great choice for those seeking their signature sliders.
• Del Taco: For those craving Mexican-inspired fast food, many Del Taco locations are typically open on Thanksgiving.

Coffee, Donuts, and Breakfast Joints

• Starbucks: Most Starbucks locations will be open, making it a reliable spot for your morning coffee or a mid-day caffeine boost. Hours are generally adjusted, so check the app or call ahead.
• Dunkin': Many Dunkin' locations will be open, especially those in high-traffic areas, offering coffee and donuts for early risers.
• Einstein Bros. Bagels: A solid option for a quick breakfast, many of their locations are expected to be open.

Pizza and Specialty Chains

• Domino's: Pizza is a fantastic, non-traditional Thanksgiving meal, and many Domino's locations will be open for delivery and carryout.
• Popeyes: Beyond their famous chicken, Popeyes is known for offering the highly sought-after Cajun-Style Turkey, which must be ordered in advance but is a major Thanksgiving entity. Many stores will also be open for regular service.

Note on Chick-fil-A: As a general rule, Chick-fil-A is famously closed on Thanksgiving Day, maintaining their policy of giving employees a day off for the holiday.

The Best Thanksgiving Specials and Holiday Meal Deals

One of the best reasons to visit a quick-service restaurant on Thanksgiving is for the limited-time holiday specials that capture the flavors of a traditional meal without any of the cooking hassle. These items are excellent alternatives to a full turkey dinner and contribute significantly to the topical authority of holiday dining.

The Turkey-Themed Sandwich Craze

For a portable taste of Thanksgiving, several chains offer turkey-centric sandwiches that have become holiday traditions in their own right:

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• Wawa Gobbler Sandwich: A regional favorite, this sandwich is stuffed with hot turkey, gravy, stuffing, and cranberry sauce on a roll. It's a must-try for East Coast residents.
• Firehouse Subs Thanksgiving Turkey Sub: Another popular option that brings together classic Thanksgiving flavors in a sandwich format.

Turkey To-Go and Full Meal Kits

For those who want the holiday feel without the all-day cooking, several fast-casual and QSR chains offer pre-ordered meals:

• Popeyes Cajun-Style Turkey: This fully cooked, heat-and-serve turkey is a holiday staple, seasoned with Louisiana-style spices. It must be pre-ordered and picked up before Thanksgiving.
• KFC: Historically, KFC has offered family-style meal deals and buckets that serve as an easy, non-traditional holiday dinner. Check your local KFC for 2025 meal availability and hours.
• Chipotle: While not a traditional turkey dinner, Chipotle often offers deals or catering options that can feed a large group easily and affordably on the holiday.

Casual Dining and Family Restaurants Open for a Homestyle Holiday Meal

If you're looking for a sit-down meal that offers a traditional Thanksgiving dinner—often a full turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce plate—several family-style and casual dining chains are reliably open. These establishments provide a homestyle Thanksgiving holiday meal that is a perfect dining alternative to cooking at home.

The Go-To Family Dining Entities

• Denny's: Famously open 24/7, 365 days a year, Denny's is one of the most reliable options. They typically offer a special Thanksgiving menu in addition to their regular breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.
• IHOP: Similar to Denny's, IHOP is a perennial favorite for holiday dining and typically remains open with limited or adjusted hours, often serving their full menu.
• Cracker Barrel: A traditional choice for Thanksgiving, Cracker Barrel offers their "Heat n' Serve Holiday Family Meal To-Go" (pre-order required) and often has dine-in options, though reservations or a long wait are common.
• Bob Evans: Known for their farm-fresh homestyle meals, Bob Evans is a staple for Thanksgiving dining, offering a full holiday buffet or special plated dinners.
• Golden Corral: This chain typically offers a massive Thanksgiving buffet, including turkey, ham, fried chicken, and all the classic holiday sides.

Other Casual Dining Entities Open

For those seeking a slightly more upscale or regional holiday experience, these chains are often open:

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• Lucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que: They are confirmed to be open from 10 am until 8 pm, offering an Individual Thanksgiving Dinner for those who want a Southern twist on the holiday.
• Maggiano's Little Italy: Often open and offering a special family-style Thanksgiving menu.
• Romano's Macaroni Grill: Another Italian-American option that frequently remains open for holiday dining.
• Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouse: These chains typically offer a holiday buffet with classic Thanksgiving fare for an affordable price.

Essential Tips for a Stress-Free Fast Food Thanksgiving

While the convenience of fast food on Thanksgiving is unmatched, a little preparation can save you a lot of hassle. Follow these practical tips to ensure your holiday dining experience is smooth and stress-free:

1. Always Call Ahead: This is the most critical piece of advice. Because nearly all major fast-food chains operate on a franchise model, the decision to open or close, and the specific hours, rests with the local store owner. A quick phone call to your specific location will confirm their availability and limited hours.
2. Check App and Website: Many chains, including McDonald’s and Starbucks, update their mobile apps and official websites with holiday hours. Use these resources to check local availability before you drive.
3. Expect Limited Menus: Even if a location is open, they may be operating with a skeleton crew and a limited menu. Don't be surprised if certain specialty items are unavailable.
4. Be Patient and Tip Extra: Thanksgiving is a busy day for restaurants, and the staff working are sacrificing their holiday. Be patient with wait times and consider offering an extra generous tip to show appreciation for their service.
5. Confirm Pre-Orders: If you ordered a special item like the Popeyes Cajun-Style Turkey or a Cracker Barrel meal, confirm your pickup time and ensure you have your confirmation details ready.

By keeping this list of open fast food and casual dining restaurants handy, you can successfully navigate Thanksgiving 2025 without having to worry about basting a turkey or washing a mountain of dishes. Enjoy your holiday!