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The Ultimate List Of 25+ Fast Food Restaurants Open On Thanksgiving Day 2025

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Planning your Thanksgiving Day 2025 has never been easier, or tastier. Whether you're an early riser needing a coffee fix, a last-minute traveler looking for a quick meal on the road, or simply trying to avoid the kitchen entirely, knowing which fast food chains are open on November 27th is essential. While the vast majority of sit-down restaurants close their doors, a surprising number of major fast food and casual dining establishments keep the lights on, often offering limited hours or even special holiday menus to save your day.

The key trend for this year is that while many chains will be open, their operating hours are likely to be significantly reduced, making it crucial to plan your visit. From the perennial favorites like McDonald's and Burger King to regional heroes and chains offering full-blown holiday feasts, we’ve compiled the definitive list of where you can grab a bite on Turkey Day, ensuring your focus remains on family, football, and relaxation—not on frantic cooking.

The Essential List: Fast Food Chains Open on Thanksgiving 2025

The decision to open on Thanksgiving Day is often left to the discretion of individual franchise owners, which is why your local branch's hours may differ from the corporate standard. However, the following major fast food and quick-service restaurant (QSR) chains have a strong history of being open on November 27, 2025, providing a reliable option for millions.

  • McDonald's: A perennial favorite, most McDonald's locations are open, though hours can vary wildly. This is your most reliable stop for a quick burger or a pre-dawn coffee.
  • Burger King: Like its main competitor, a high percentage of Burger King locations will be open, offering their standard menu and a much-needed alternative to turkey leftovers.
  • Wendy's: Many Wendy's locations remain open, but they are one of the chains most likely to have reduced hours, often closing in the early evening.
  • Dunkin': The go-to for many on a holiday morning. Most Dunkin' locations are open, especially for the early morning rush, though expect shorter hours and long drive-thru lines.
  • Starbucks: Similar to Dunkin', most company-owned Starbucks stores will be open, serving their full menu and holiday-themed drinks.
  • Domino's: Need a pizza fix? Domino's is often open for delivery and carryout, though delivery areas may be restricted.
  • Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen: Open for business, and a key destination for one of the most famous holiday hacks (see below).
  • Taco Bell: Many locations will be open, but expect limited hours, making it an ideal choice for a late-night snack or an early lunch.
  • Arby's: Known for its variety of sandwiches, Arby's locations are frequently open, catering to those who want a break from poultry.
  • Subway: Given the high number of independently owned franchises, many Subway locations will be open, perfect for a quick, customizable lunch.
  • Whataburger: A regional favorite, many Whataburger locations are known to be open 24 hours, even on Thanksgiving, making it a reliable option in the South and Southwest.

Crucial Reminder: Always call ahead or check the restaurant's mobile app before driving to a location. Franchise owners make the final decision, and a quick call can save you a wasted trip.

The Thanksgiving Feast Alternatives: Holiday Menus and Special Offers

Some fast food and casual dining chains go above and beyond, offering special holiday-themed menu items or even full turkey dinners. These are the entities that truly embrace the spirit of providing a Thanksgiving meal without the hassle.

Popeyes' Legendary Cajun-Style Turkey

The most famous fast food Thanksgiving offering is undoubtedly the Popeyes Cajun-Style Turkey. This pre-cooked, hand-rubbed turkey is marinated with Louisiana seasonings, slow-roasted, and then flash-fried to create a crispy coating. It is sold frozen or fully cooked and ready to heat, serving as the ultimate holiday shortcut for a non-traditional feast. The turkey is available for pre-order starting in October or early November, and supplies are limited, making it a highly sought-after item every year.

Breakfast and Coffee Essentials

For those needing fuel before the big meal or the Black Friday planning, the coffee and breakfast chains are your best bet. Dunkin' and Starbucks will once again roll out their festive holiday menus, which typically include seasonal favorites like the Cookie Butter Cloud Latte, Gingerbread Muffins, and Peppermint Mocha drinks. These specialty items provide a warm, festive start to your Thanksgiving morning.

The Full Dinner Experience (Casual Dining & QSR)

While not strictly "fast food," several quick-service and casual dining chains are open and offer traditional Thanksgiving meals, providing excellent topical authority for anyone searching for a holiday meal:

  • Cracker Barrel: Known for its "Homestyle Turkey n' Dressing Meal," Cracker Barrel is a top choice. They typically open around 11 AM and offer both dine-in and heat-and-serve options for a full feast.
  • Denny's: A 24-hour staple, Denny's usually offers a classic turkey and dressing dinner, often called the "Turkey & Dressing Dinner," available all day.
  • Boston Market: Specializing in rotisserie chicken and holiday meal kits, Boston Market is a go-to for those looking to pick up sides or a whole turkey meal.
  • IHOP: Open all day, IHOP is the perfect spot for a hearty Thanksgiving breakfast or a late-night pancake craving.
  • Waffle House: The reliable 24/7 chain is always open, even on Thanksgiving, serving up scattered, smothered, and covered hash browns to holiday travelers.

Navigating Holiday Hours: What to Expect on November 27th

Understanding the common trends in holiday operating hours is the most practical piece of advice for Thanksgiving Day. The biggest difference between a regular Thursday and Thanksgiving is the early closure trend across most fast food and QSR locations.

The "Varying Hours" Disclaimer

The most important entity to remember is the local franchise owner. Since most fast food chains are franchised, the owner makes the final decision on whether to open and what hours to maintain. This means two McDonald's locations just miles apart could have completely different schedules.

  • Typical Reduced Hours: For chains like Wendy's, Taco Bell, and Burger King, expect them to open around their normal time but potentially close as early as 2 PM or 4 PM.
  • Breakfast and Coffee: Chains like Dunkin' and Starbucks are most likely to maintain close-to-normal morning hours to capture the high demand for holiday coffee, but their afternoon hours are often shortened.
  • 24-Hour Exceptions: Chains that are normally 24/7, such as Whataburger and Waffle House, are the most reliable for late-night or all-day service, though even they may see a temporary reduction in staff or drive-thru-only service.

The Essential Prep Checklist

To ensure a smooth fast food run on Thanksgiving Day, follow this simple checklist:

  1. Check the App/Website: Use the official mobile app or website for the specific location you plan to visit.
  2. Call Ahead: A 30-second phone call to the restaurant is the most reliable way to confirm their exact hours.
  3. Be Patient: Remember that the employees working on Thanksgiving are giving up their holiday. Expect longer wait times and be extra kind.
  4. Plan for Drive-Thru: Some locations may opt for drive-thru only service to allow fewer staff members to operate the restaurant.

More Open Entities: Regional Favorites and Convenience Stores

Topical authority is enhanced by including a wider range of open entities, especially regional chains that cater to specific geographic areas. These spots often fill the gap when national chains are closed.

  • Convenience Stores/Gas Stations: Many convenience stores with QSR components are reliably open. Look for Wawa (famous for its Gobbler sandwich), Sheetz, and 7-Eleven, which often have hot food counters.
  • Regional Burger Chains: Chains like In-N-Out Burger are typically closed, but others like White Castle are often open all day, serving their classic sliders.
  • Pizza Chains: In addition to Domino's, expect Pizza Hut and Papa John's to have many locations open for delivery and carryout.
  • Other QSRs: Keep an eye out for Del Taco, Jack in the Box, and Sonic Drive-In, which frequently have open locations, especially in areas with high travel traffic.
  • Closed Chains (The Exceptions): It is important to know who is reliably closed. Chick-fil-A is famously closed on Sundays and major holidays, including Thanksgiving, and Chipotle is also generally closed.

Whether you're grabbing a quick breakfast sandwich, a full turkey dinner alternative, or a late-night burger, the fast food landscape on Thanksgiving 2025 is full of options. Just remember the golden rule: verify local hours before you go, and enjoy the holiday!

The Ultimate List of 25+ Fast Food Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving Day 2025
fast food open on thanksgiving
fast food open on thanksgiving

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