The Ultimate List: 25+ Fast Food Restaurants Open On Thanksgiving Day 2025 (Plus The Best Holiday Menu Items)

Planning your Thanksgiving Day has never been easier, even if that plan involves skipping the kitchen and heading straight for the drive-thru. For those needing a coffee fix, a quick breakfast before a long day of cooking, or a full holiday meal replacement, numerous fast-food and quick-service restaurants across the nation are expected to keep their doors open on Thursday, November 27, 2025. This comprehensive guide provides the most current information available on which major chains are typically operating on the holiday, along with crucial details on variable franchise hours and the must-try seasonal menu items that turn a quick bite into a festive feast.

The trend of fast-food chains remaining open on Thanksgiving is a lifesaver for travelers, essential workers, and anyone whose turkey dinner plans didn't quite pan out. While many sit-down restaurants close, the quick-service sector often steps up to fill the void, offering everything from classic burgers to holiday-themed sandwiches. Remember that because most chains operate on a franchise model, it is absolutely essential to call your local branch ahead of time to confirm their specific operating hours for Thanksgiving Day 2025.

The Essential List: 25+ Fast Food Chains Expected to Be Open on Thanksgiving 2025

Based on historical patterns and recent holiday announcements, a significant number of national and regional fast-food giants are expected to welcome customers on Thanksgiving Day. While some may operate on reduced hours (often opening later or closing earlier than usual), they remain a reliable option for your holiday dining needs. The following list features the most reliable names in quick-service dining for November 27, 2025.

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• McDonald's: As one of the largest chains globally, most McDonald's locations are open on Thanksgiving, though hours can vary significantly. They are a reliable choice for an early morning breakfast or a late-night snack.
• Burger King: The "Home of the Whopper" is consistently open on the holiday. However, like its competitors, local franchise owners set the final schedule.
• Dunkin': A true holiday hero. Many Dunkin' locations, especially those in high-traffic areas, will be open for your essential coffee and donut needs, often with slightly reduced morning hours.
• Starbucks: Similar to Dunkin', Starbucks is a reliable source for your caffeine fix and seasonal lattes. Hours are typically limited, so check your local store's schedule.
• Waffle House: Famous for being open 24/7, 365 days a year, Waffle House is perhaps the most reliable option on this list. You can count on them for hash browns, scattered, smothered, and covered.
• Denny's: While technically a casual dining chain, Denny's operates 24/7 in many locations and is a Thanksgiving staple, often offering special holiday menus.
• IHOP (International House of Pancakes): Another 24-hour favorite, IHOP usually remains open to serve pancakes and other comfort food throughout the holiday.
• Arby's: Many Arby's locations will be open, especially known for their roast beef sandwiches and seasonal "Gobbler" themed items.
• Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen: Known for its famous chicken and, more importantly around the holidays, its pre-ordered Cajun-Style Turkeys. Many locations will be open for regular menu service.
• Sonic Drive-In: Most Sonic locations are open, providing a great drive-in option for families on the go.
• Whataburger: A Texas and Southern favorite, Whataburger is known for staying open on major holidays.
• Del Taco: For those craving Mexican fast food, Del Taco is frequently open.
• Jack in the Box: Primarily a West Coast chain, most locations are typically open.
• White Castle: Famous for its sliders, White Castle is known to be open all day on Thanksgiving.
• KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken): While some locations may close, many KFC restaurants remain open, often featuring special holiday bundles.
• Wendy's: Most Wendy's locations are expected to be open, though this is one chain where local closures are more common, so checking ahead is crucial.
• Boston Market: Known for its rotisserie chicken and holiday meals, Boston Market is a strong contender for a full Thanksgiving dinner.
• Cracker Barrel: Although a sit-down restaurant, Cracker Barrel is a perennial favorite for Thanksgiving, offering special holiday plates and heat-and-serve meals.
• Bojangles: Many locations of this Southeastern chicken and biscuit chain are open.
• Domino's: Pizza is always an option, and many Domino's stores will be open for delivery and carryout.
• Einstein Bros. Bagels: A great early-morning option for those hosting or traveling.
• Firehouse Subs: Some locations are open, and they often offer a holiday-themed sub.
• Subway: Franchise-dependent, but many Subway stores remain open for quick, customizable meals.

The Holiday Feast Trend: Fast Food’s Thanksgiving Menu Offerings

The biggest recent development in the quick-service industry is the rise of the specialized Thanksgiving menu item. These limited-time offerings allow customers to enjoy the traditional flavors of the holiday without the hassle of cooking a full turkey dinner. This trend has been driven by chains looking to capture the market of people who are traveling, working, or simply seeking a non-traditional meal.

Must-Try Seasonal Thanksgiving Menu Items

If you plan to visit a fast-food restaurant on Thanksgiving 2025, consider trying one of these highly anticipated seasonal items that bring the holiday spirit to the counter:

• Popeyes Cajun-Style Turkey: This is arguably the most famous fast-food Thanksgiving item. Popeyes offers a pre-cooked, hand-rubbed, and seasoned turkey infused with Louisiana seasonings, which is then slow-cooked and flash-fried for a crispy coating. It is sold pre-cooked and cooled, requiring reheating, and can often be ordered online for pickup or delivery well in advance of the holiday.
• The Wawa Gobbler: A regional favorite, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic states, the Wawa Gobbler is a hot hoagie, sandwich, or bowl that layers together hot, roasted turkey, savory stuffing, creamy gravy, and tangy cranberry sauce. It’s a complete Thanksgiving meal packed into a single, delicious format.
• Arby's Deep Fried Turkey Gobbler Sandwich: Arby's often joins the trend with its own take on the turkey sandwich, featuring deep-fried turkey breast, a popular alternative to traditional roasted turkey.
• KFC Festive Feast: While sometimes offering a full turkey dinner bundle, KFC is also known for its "Festive Feast," which usually centers around its Extra Crispy Fried Chicken combined with classic comfort sides like mashed potatoes, gravy, coleslaw, and biscuits, providing a non-turkey holiday comfort meal.
• Subway Festive Subs: Subway has historically offered subs featuring turkey, ham, and other traditional holiday meats and dressings, sometimes dubbed "TurHamKen" or similar festive names, allowing for a quick, customizable holiday bite.

Navigating Thanksgiving Day Hours and Franchise Caveats

The single most important piece of advice when planning to dine out on Thanksgiving is to confirm the hours of your specific location. The quick-service industry relies heavily on the franchise model, meaning individual owners have the final say on holiday operations.

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For example, while McDonald's Corporation may state that most locations are open, a specific franchise owner might choose to close to give their employees the day off. This variation is especially common for chains like Wendy's and Arby's. Here is a quick guide to what you can generally expect for Thanksgiving Day hours:

• Breakfast/Coffee Chains (Dunkin', Starbucks, Einstein Bros.): Often open early (e.g., 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM) to serve the morning rush before closing early.
• 24/7 Chains (Waffle House, Denny's, IHOP): Most likely to maintain their 24-hour service, though staffing may be limited.
• Burger/Sandwich Chains (McDonald's, Burger King, Arby's): Most likely to open around 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM and close earlier than their typical evening hours (e.g., 6:00 PM or 8:00 PM).
• Pizzerias (Domino's): May open in the late afternoon or early evening to cater to families looking for a simple dinner after the main holiday meal.

To ensure a smooth experience, use the chain's official mobile app or website to search for the specific location's holiday hours, or simply call ahead. Relying on general Google Maps hours may lead to disappointment on a major holiday like Thanksgiving.

Beyond Burgers: Why Fast Food is a Holiday Necessity

For many, the idea of eating fast food on Thanksgiving might seem non-traditional, but the reality is that quick-service restaurants play a vital role on the holiday. They serve a crucial demographic that includes:

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• Travelers: People on road trips or flying often rely on drive-thrus for quick, familiar, and affordable meals when other options are scarce.
• Essential Workers: Police, nurses, gas station attendants, and other workers who must staff their posts appreciate having nearby, convenient food options.
• The Non-Traditional: Not everyone celebrates with a full turkey dinner. Fast food provides a simple, low-effort alternative for small families, couples, or individuals.
• The Early Bird/Late Night Crew: Those needing a quick breakfast before a marathon cooking session or a late-night bite after the last guest leaves find these spots indispensable.

Whether you’re looking for a full holiday meal replacement like the Popeyes Cajun Turkey, a festive sandwich like the Wawa Gobbler, or just a reliable cup of coffee to power through the day, this extensive list of open fast-food restaurants ensures you have plenty of options on Thanksgiving Day 2025. Plan ahead, confirm your local hours, and enjoy a stress-free holiday meal, however you choose to celebrate.