The Ultimate List Of 25+ Fast Food Restaurants Open On Thanksgiving Day 2025: Your Holiday Meal Lifesaver

Planning your Thanksgiving Day meal can be stressful, especially if you're traveling, hosting a small gathering, or simply need a quick escape from the kitchen. With Thanksgiving 2025 falling on Thursday, November 27th, the question of which fast food restaurants will be open becomes a critical piece of holiday logistics. The good news is that many of your favorite chains are stepping up, not just by opening their doors, but by offering special holiday menu items and family feasts to make your day easier. This definitive, up-to-date guide provides the most current information on the major fast-food chains you can rely on this holiday season.

While the vast majority of corporate-owned chains opt to close their doors to give employees a well-deserved break, the franchise-heavy nature of the fast-food industry ensures plenty of options remain available. It is absolutely crucial to remember that holiday hours are determined by individual franchise owners, meaning you must call your specific local location to confirm their operating schedule before you head out. Expect limited hours, and be prepared for potential drive-thru-only service at many locations. The following list details the most reliable fast-food and quick-service dining options for Thanksgiving Day 2025.

The Essential List of Major Fast Food Chains Open on Thanksgiving 2025

The following quick-service restaurants (QSRs) are historically the most dependable options for a meal or coffee run on Thanksgiving Day. These chains often have policies that allow or encourage franchise owners to open, depending on local demand and staffing.

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• McDonald's: Always a reliable choice, a majority of McDonald's locations remain open on Thanksgiving Day, though typically with reduced hours. This is your go-to for a classic breakfast or a late-night Big Mac fix.
• Burger King: Like its main competitor, most Burger King outlets will be open. You can expect to find Whoppers and fries available, but be sure to check the specific store hours online or by phone.
• Wendy's: Most Wendy's locations are known to be open on Thanksgiving, offering a reliable choice for a hot and fresh meal, including their signature square burgers and Frostys.
• Dunkin': For your morning coffee and donut fix, Dunkin' is a safe bet. Many locations, especially those in high-traffic areas, operate with special holiday hours.
• Starbucks: While not strictly fast food, Starbucks is a critical quick-service stop. Many locations will be open, often with limited hours, serving up seasonal drinks and breakfast items.
• Subway: A significant number of Subway locations typically remain open, allowing you to grab a sandwich or even one of their special "festive subs" if available.
• Waffle House: Famous for being open 24/7, 365 days a year, Waffle House is perhaps the most certain bet on this list. You can count on them for hash browns and a classic diner breakfast.
• White Castle: This chain is often open all day on Thanksgiving, serving up their famous sliders for a quick and inexpensive holiday treat.
• Arby's: Many Arby's locations will be operating on Thanksgiving, though hours will definitely vary by location.
• Taco Bell: Most Taco Bell locations will be open, but they are a prime example of a chain where holiday hours are entirely at the discretion of the franchise owner.
• Jack in the Box / Del Taco: Primarily located on the West Coast and in the South, these chains often have locations that remain open for holiday business.
• Whataburger: All Whataburger locations nationwide are expected to be open on Thanksgiving, making it a reliable choice for those in the Southern and Southwestern US.

Beyond the Burger: Quick-Service Holiday Feasts and Special Menus

For those who want a taste of Thanksgiving without the hours of cooking and cleanup, several quick-service and fast-casual restaurants offer pre-made holiday meals, turkey bundles, and festive menu items. These offerings are often available for pre-order but may also be available for pick-up on Thanksgiving Day at select, open locations.

The Turkey Takeover: Chains Offering Full Holiday Meals

The biggest game-changer for Thanksgiving is the ability to pick up a pre-cooked, full-sized turkey or a complete holiday meal bundle. These options are perfect for simplifying your holiday catering.

• Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen: The legendary Cajun-Style Turkey is the star of the show. This fully cooked, heat-and-serve turkey is marinated with Louisiana seasonings and slow-roasted, then flash-fried for a crispy coating. It's a hugely popular item that requires pre-ordering and is available for pickup at select locations.
• KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken): KFC often offers a limited-edition KFC Turkey Dinner or an Extra Crispy Festive Feast. While the main menu is fried chicken, the holiday bundles sometimes feature a roast turkey, along with classic sides like mashed potatoes, gravy, and stuffing, making it a true fast-food holiday fix.
• Denny's: A classic diner option, Denny's will be open and is known for offering a Classic Turkey & Dressing Dinner that includes carved turkey breast, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and a choice of a second side, such as herb-glazed corn or broccoli. This is often available for dine-in or takeout.

Festive Sandwiches and Smaller Turkey Options

If a full turkey is too much, several chains offer Thanksgiving-themed sandwiches, subs, and smaller meals that capture the holiday flavor in a convenient format.

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• Subway: Look for their special TurHamKen or other "Festive Subs" that feature turkey, ham, or other holiday-inspired ingredients. It's a great way to get a quick, lighter holiday meal.
• Firehouse Subs: They often feature a seasonal Thanksgiving Turkey Sub, loaded with turkey, cranberry sauce, and other fixings that mimic the traditional dinner.
• Wawa: For those in the Mid-Atlantic and Florida, the Wawa Gobbler Sandwich (or hoagie) is a cult favorite. It packs turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce onto a roll and is a must-try seasonal item that is often available on Thanksgiving Day.

Crucial Tips for Fast Food on Thanksgiving 2025

Navigating the fast-food landscape on a major holiday requires a strategy. Do not assume normal operating procedures. Follow these essential tips to ensure your meal is a success and you don't end up disappointed at a locked door.

Always Call Ahead to Confirm Hours

The most important piece of advice cannot be overstated: always call your local restaurant before leaving the house. Unlike corporate-owned locations which follow a central directive (like Chick-fil-A, which is almost universally closed), the vast majority of fast-food chains are run by independent franchise operators. These owners have the final say on whether to open, close, or operate with limited holiday hours, which can range from 8 AM to 2 PM or drive-thru only.

Expect Limited Menus and Staffing

Even if a location is open, be prepared for a slightly different experience. Staffing on Thanksgiving is often minimal, leading to longer wait times, especially at the drive-thru. Furthermore, some locations may operate with a limited menu, focusing only on the most popular items to streamline the cooking process for the reduced staff. Patience is key when dealing with the dedicated employees working on this holiday.

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Consider Non-Traditional Options

Don't limit yourself to just the burger joints. Chains like Denny's, IHOP, and Cracker Barrel (though often with long waits and reservations recommended) are quick-service or fast-casual options that are reliably open and specifically cater to a holiday crowd with full meals. For a quick snack or drink, Dunkin', Starbucks, and convenience stores like 7-Eleven are excellent choices.

By keeping this list of open fast-food restaurants and these critical tips in mind, you can navigate Thanksgiving Day 2025 with confidence. Whether you need a full turkey feast, a quick cup of coffee, or just a break from the holiday chaos, there are plenty of quick-service dining options available to serve as your holiday meal lifesaver.