All of the Fast-Food Restaurants You Didn't Know Were Open on Thanksgiving
A variety of reasons can keep you from eating at home for Thanksgiving: work, burning the turkey, or just needing a moment away from your family. Or maybe you're eating at home and just forgot the mashed potatoes. Whatever the case, there may be a restaurant to help you in the quest for last-minute food on Thanksgiving day.
Whether you're hoping to score a last-second side dish or you just want a pumpkin spice latte ahead of your Thanksgiving dinner, these fast-food restaurants are here to help. Here's a list of 17 restaurants that will be open on Thanksgiving and serving your favorite foods.
McDonald's
Some McDonald's stores will be open on Thanksgiving, whether you want a Big Mac or one of the chain's signature apple pies. Because McDonald's stores are franchised, holiday openings are the decision of franchise owners. You can check Google listings or the McDonald's app to see if your local restaurant will be open on the holiday.
Popeyes
A number of Popeyes restaurants will be open on Thanksgiving. Contact your local Popeyes for more information on whether you'll be able to enjoy the chain's delicious fried chicken for the holiday.
And if you're spending Thanksgiving at home, you can pick up one of Popeyes' delicious Cajun Style Turkeys ahead of the holiday to serve at your gathering. Pre-cooked and infused with zesty Louisiana seasonings, this turkey is ready to be heated and served.
Burger King
Select Burger King restaurants will be open on Thanksgiving for when you need to satisfy your Whopper cravings. Contact your local restaurant to check if they will be open for the holiday.
Starbucks
Starbucks stores are a gathering place for the entire community, and customers use the stores to connect over coffee in different ways every day. Store hours vary by location, and stores may occasionally adjust their hours based on business and customer needs. Specific store hours can be found by visiting Starbucks' website.
Dunkin'
Dunkin' store hours depend on the location. While many Dunkin' locations will be open on Thanksgiving, you'll want to check with the Dunkin' app or website to confirm that your local store is open.
KFC
Some KFC restaurants will be open on Thanksgiving. If you don't have time to make a Thanksgiving side dish from scratch, you can always supplement your turkey with some mashed potatoes or mac and cheese from the chain.
Taco Bell
Some Taco Bell restaurants will be open on Thanksgiving. But, again, most Taco Bell locations are franchises, so it's worth double-checking with your local restaurant ahead of time.
Five Guys
Some Five Guys will be open for the holiday, but most stores will be closing early on Thanksgiving. The stores will be posting the holiday hours on the front doors of each restaurant in early November, so guests will be able to check there.
Subway
Subway restaurants are individually owned and operated, so Thanksgiving participation may vary. If you're hoping to grab a meatball sub and one of the chain's legendary cookies on Thanksgiving, you should contact your local restaurant for hours and availability.
Wendy's
Some Wendy's stores might be open on Thanksgiving, depending on local franchises. Contact your local restaurant to find out if you can grab those spicy nuggets and a Frosty, even on Thanksgiving Day.
Domino's
Domino's may have limited Thanksgiving hours, so it's best to check with your local restaurant. (But really, is Domino's what you want to eat on Thanksgiving?)
Arby's
Some Arby's stores will be open on Thanksgiving. The chain's signature roast beef isn't exactly a traditional Thanksgiving meal, but that's not a bad thing.
Pret-a-Manger
Pret-a-Manger will have some locations open on Thanksgiving. Customers can check the Pret app or their local Google listing, which will include holiday hours.
Carl's Jr./Hardee's
Carl's Jr. and Hardee's are both open for Thanksgiving, but you should still check with your local restaurant to find out specific holiday hours.
Sonic
Sonic's locations are, for the most part, franchised, so Thanksgiving hours can vary. But at least some Sonic locations will be open on Thanksgiving.
Panda Express
Many Panda Express locations will be open on Thanksgiving, but it's worth checking specific hours with your local restaurant.
Del Taco
While many Del Taco locations will stay open for Thanksgiving, you should still check with your local restaurant for holiday hours and schedules.
When in doubt, give your local restaurant a call for Thanksgiving hours. And if you're able to plan ahead for the meal, you could always supplement a homemade dinner with store-bought sides or desserts. Whatever you eat on Thanksgiving, we hope it tastes delicious.
