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The Ultimate 2025 List: 25+ Fast Food Chains Open On Thanksgiving Day (And The Must-Try Holiday Deals)

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Planning your Thanksgiving Day menu on Thursday, November 27, 2025, just got a whole lot easier. The holiday spirit is wonderful, but sometimes, a last-minute road trip, a sudden craving for a burger, or a complete dinner disaster requires an emergency fast-food run. This comprehensive guide, updated on December 23, 2025, cuts through the noise to give you the definitive list of major fast-food and casual dining chains expected to be open, along with the crucial caveat: always confirm local hours, as franchise operations vary widely.

The good news is that many of the biggest names in quick service will be serving customers, often with special holiday hours or even unique seasonal menu items. Whether you need a coffee fix before the parade or a full, non-traditional dinner, this list ensures you won't be left hungry on one of the few days most of the country shuts down.

The Essential List: Fast Food Chains Confirmed Open on Thanksgiving 2025

The vast majority of fast-food chains operate on a franchise model, meaning individual owners have the final say on holiday hours. However, based on historical data and 2025 projections, these chains are your safest bet for a quick meal on Thanksgiving Day. Expect most locations to operate on reduced hours, potentially opening later and closing earlier than usual.

Burger & Sandwich Powerhouses

  • McDonald's: A perennial favorite. Most locations—especially those near major highways or travel hubs—will be open, but hours will likely be shortened. Check the app for the most accurate times.
  • Burger King: Many Burger King restaurants will be open nationwide, offering a reliable alternative for a flame-broiled fix.
  • Wendy's: Known for their fresh beef, Wendy's is consistently a reliable option for Thanksgiving Day. Their drive-thrus are often the busiest.
  • White Castle: A hero of the late-night and holiday crowd, White Castle is often open all day on Thanksgiving, serving up their famous Sliders.
  • Arby's: A must-visit due to their seasonal offering. Many Arby's locations will be open, and they are famous for bringing back the Arby's Gobbler Sandwich—a popular, deep-fried turkey, Swiss, and bacon feast.
  • Subway: Select, independently owned Subway locations will be open, especially those inside travel centers or gas stations.

Coffee, Breakfast, and All-Day Comfort

  • Starbucks: Your best bet for a holiday caffeine fix. Most company-owned stores will be open, often with reduced hours, to serve their festive holiday drinks.
  • Dunkin': Like Starbucks, Dunkin' is a safe bet for coffee and donuts. Expect early morning hours and potentially an early afternoon close.
  • Waffle House: The undisputed champion of holiday availability. Waffle House is famous for being open 24/7, 365 days a year, including Thanksgiving. You can count on them for hash browns and a classic breakfast.
  • IHOP (International House of Pancakes): While technically casual dining, IHOP operates much like a fast-food breakfast spot and is almost always open on Thanksgiving.
  • Denny's: Another 24-hour staple, Denny's will be open and is known for offering a traditional turkey and dressing meal deal on the holiday.
  • Einstein Bros. Bagels: Select locations may be open for an early morning bagel run.

The Holiday Feast Alternatives: Fast Food That Tastes Like Dinner

For those completely skipping the traditional home-cooked meal, several fast-food and fast-casual restaurants offer special holiday bundles or menu items that serve as a perfect, low-stress alternative. These are often the most popular options for travelers or small gatherings.

Southern & Global Flavors

  • Popeyes: The fried chicken giant is a strong contender for your holiday table. They are expected to bring back their famous Cajun Style Turkey, which can be pre-ordered and picked up for a full, festive meal. Their regular menu will also be available at many locations.
  • Whataburger: A regional favorite, Whataburger is known for staying open on major holidays, especially in Texas and the South. Expect their classic burgers and spicy ketchup to be available.
  • Bojangles: Many locations of this Southern chicken and biscuit chain will be open, offering a great option for a hearty breakfast or lunch.
  • Del Taco: For a quick Mexican food fix, many Del Taco locations are expected to be open, particularly on the West Coast.
  • Domino's: While not fast-food, Domino's is a quick-service lifeline. Many locations will be open for delivery and carryout, making pizza a surprisingly popular Thanksgiving non-turkey option.

Beyond Fast Food: Casual Chains With Thanksgiving Meals

If you're looking for a sit-down experience that still offers the convenience of a chain, these casual dining spots are reliably open and often feature a full, traditional Thanksgiving plate. These are excellent alternatives to cooking a turkey yourself.

  • Cracker Barrel: A holiday institution. Cracker Barrel is expected to be open for its normal hours and will offer its popular Heat n' Serve Holiday Family Meal To-Go, which feeds up to 10 people.
  • Golden Corral: Famous for its buffet, Golden Corral is typically open on Thanksgiving and offers a massive spread of holiday favorites, including turkey, ham, and all the sides.
  • Bob Evans: Many locations will be open and offer both in-restaurant dining and farm-fresh holiday meals to take home.
  • Maggiano's Little Italy: A more upscale option, Maggiano's often offers a special four-course Thanksgiving meal.
  • Romano's Macaroni Grill: Select locations will be open, often featuring a special Thanksgiving menu for dine-in guests.

Crucial LSI Keywords & Chains That Are Reliably CLOSED

Knowing which chains are closed is just as important as knowing which are open, especially when planning your day. These chains prioritize giving their employees the holiday off, so don't waste time driving to their locations.

  • Chick-fil-A: The most famous chain to close on the holiday. Chick-fil-A is reliably closed on Thanksgiving Day, as they are every Sunday.
  • Taco Bell: Taco Bell has confirmed that all of its US locations will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.
  • Chipotle: Most Chipotle locations are closed on Thanksgiving.

The key takeaway for Thanksgiving 2025 is planning. While the vast majority of fast-food restaurants will be closed, the major national and regional chains that *do* stay open are prepared for the holiday rush. If a quick meal is part of your travel or family plans, stick to the classics like McDonald's, Burger King, Waffle House, and the chains offering special holiday bundles like Popeyes and Arby's. Always call your local restaurant or check their official app for the most accurate operating hours before you leave home.

The Ultimate 2025 List: 25+ Fast Food Chains Open on Thanksgiving Day (And the Must-Try Holiday Deals)
fast food open thanksgiving
fast food open thanksgiving

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