Complete list of fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day 2024

While many Americans celebrate Thanksgiving by throwing a feast with their family and friends, sometimes the holiday calls for a trip to a restaurant.

And for millions of Americans struggling with inflation, their budget may lead them to a fast food restaurant on the holidays.

Regardless of the reason you end up eating fast food on Thanksgiving—economics, tradition, or a turkey accident—you’ll want to know which restaurants are open.

Many stores and restaurants close by to give their employees time with their families on Thanksgiving. However, many are aware that customers will still be hungry on holiday and may end up wanting some cozy fast food rather than home-cooked food.

Burger King

Whether you’re craving a burger or chicken sandwich, Burger King will remain open on Thanksgiving.

Each location’s hours may vary, depending on management, so ask for your specific restaurant’s hours at that location or online at the Burger King website.

Denny’s

Denny’s is proud to be open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Historically, Denny’s also offered turkey packages that you could buy for pickup, but you should check with your specific restaurant about any Thanksgiving specials this year.

Dunkin’

Dunkin’ store hours also vary by location, but to check if your local coffee shop is open, check the Dunkin’ website store or the Dunkin’ Rewards app.

Starbucks

Starbucks store hours vary by location on Thanksgiving, but many will be open to satisfy all your holiday caffeine cravings.

The opening hours for your specific store can be found on the Starbucks website.

Subway

If you prefer a turkey sandwich to a full turkey with all the trimmings on Thanksgiving Day, select Subway stores will be open.

However, it depends on the specific franchise, so you should call your local store to get clarity on the hours.

Waffle House

Waffle House is another restaurant that works hard to serve guests 365 days a year, and that includes Thanksgiving.

So if you’re craving a breakfast of waffles, eggs, sandwiches and more, Waffle House will be there to meet your needs this Thanksgiving.

Wendy’s

Wendy’s said it will be “open and ready to serve fans throughout the holiday season.” For specific times, Frosty and burger fans should check with their local restaurant.

White Castle

White Castle restaurants will continue to serve guests until 3pm on Thanksgiving this year.

That means if you want to fill up on the chain’s popular burger sliders before the party later in the evening, you’ll need plenty of time.

McDonald’s

Most of the McDonald’s locations will be open on Thanksgiving.

However, specific opening hours vary from location to location, so you should look up your specific restaurant address on the McDonald’s website.

Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel’s Southern comfort food can be ideal for those looking to eat out on Thanksgiving.

Fortunately, the chain is keeping certain locations open and also offers a special menu and takeout and delivery.

For specific details, contact your local restaurant to see if your store welcomes customers on Thanksgiving.

Fast food closed on Thanksgiving

Not all fast food restaurants stay open on Thanksgiving. The day is relatively unpopular for employees to want to work, and many business leaders choose to let their employees enjoy the holiday at home with their families.

These fast food restaurants will be closed for Thanksgiving 2024:

• Arby’s
• Chick-Fil-A
• Chipotle
• Hardee’s
• Moes
• Noodles & Company
• Taco Bell

While many families make it their tradition to eat at a sit-down restaurant for Thanksgiving, many will also be closed for Thanksgiving, so you should check in advance if your holiday plans involved eating out.

The following full service restaurants will be closed on Thanksgiving:

• Chillies
• First shift
• Olive garden
• Outback Steakhouse
• Red lobster
• Texas Roadhouse
• The Cheesecake Factory

Many grocery stores will also be closed for Thanksgiving, including Aldi, Costco, Publix, Sam’s Club, Target, Trader Joe’s and Walmart.