Thanksgiving Day is today, and families across the U.S. will be sitting down for a traditional dinner. But if you’re planning an alternative dinner this year, or just feel like having a burger or pizza over a turkey dinner, there are plenty of fast-food restaurants open over the holidays.
The stores listed below are generally open on Thanksgiving, but as many are franchises and each restaurant is independently owned, some may choose to close or operate with modified hours, so check with your local restaurant before heading out.
Additionally, fast food restaurants may be affected by state-wide restrictions and closures amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, restaurants in certain states or cities may only be operating with outdoor dining, limited capacity, or take out and delivery.
Make sure to understand the restrictions and guidelines in your local area and check ahead with your local restaurant before heading out.
Which fast-food restaurants are open on Thanksgiving?
- Boston Market
- Burger King
- Denny’s
- Domino’s
- Dunkin’
- Hardee’s
- Jack-in-the-Box
- Popeyes
- McDonald’s
- Subway
- Sonic Drive-In
- Waffle House
- Wendy’s
- Whataburger
The McDonald’s logo is seen outside one of its stores on November 13, 2020, in Staffordshire, England. McDonald’s restaurants are generally open across the U.S. on Thanksgiving, though hours vary by location. Nathan Stirk/Getty
Boston Market
Boston Market will be open on Thanksgiving—roasted turkey is on the menu for an alternative holiday lunch or dinner.
Burger King
Burger King will be open on Thanksgiving, though holiday hours may vary by restaurant.
Denny’s
Denny’s is open all year round, including on Thanksgiving—why not treat yourself to a holiday breakfast?
Domino’s
Domino’s restaurants will likely be open on Thanksgiving but contact your local franchise to double-check.
Dunkin’
Dunkin’ will be open on the holiday—perfect if you need a caffeine hit ahead of a day of festivities.
Hardee’s
Hardee’s is open almost all year round, including on Thanksgiving Day.
Jack-in-the-Box
Jack-in-the-Box will generally be open over the holidays, but again, check with your local restaurant.
Popeyes
Popeyes will be open if you’re looking to switch out a turkey dinner for a chicken sandwich.
McDonald’s
You should be able to enjoy a McDonald’s on Thanksgiving, though it’s worth checking with your local restaurant as they may operate with modified hours.
Subway
Subway stores will generally be open so you can get your hands on a turkey sandwich—but individual stores may close or operate with modified hours.
Sonic Drive-In
Sonic Drive-Ins holiday hours vary be restaurant though they will generally be open.
Waffle House
Waffle House is open 365 days a year—so you can treat yourself to some holiday waffles.
Wendy’s
Wendy’s is likely to be open on Thanksgiving but hours may vary by location.
Whataburger
Whataburger will be open on Thanksgiving, as the only day it closes is Christmas Day.
Despite selling the KFC holiday buckets since November 24, KFC will be closed on the day itself. Other fast-food restaurants that are generally closed on Thanksgiving include Arby’s, Blimpie, California Pizza Kitchen, Carl’s Jr., Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Church’s Chicken, Dairy Queen, Jimmy John’s, Panda Express, Panera, Red Robin, Taco Bell, and Tim Hortons.
