Not up for attempting these Thanksgiving ideas for a fantastically festive dinner in 2021? You are not alone this year. While we’ve got Thanksgiving turkey recipes and Thanksgiving side dishes for days (and your favorite Thanksgiving desserts), whipping up the most massive meal of the year means endless hours in the kitchen spent cooking and cleaning. If you’d rather look elsewhere for a filling dinner — we totally get it!
Thankfully, there are several fast food restaurants will be open on Thanksgiving Day 2021.
While dining out rules may differ by state depending on coronavirus restrictions, the following establishments generally stay open (as do these restaurants), so you should be covered whether you want to order your fully cooked Thanksgiving dinner feast for delivery, pick-up or decide on options for dining out.
Peruse our list below and be sure to call the fast food location closest to you in order to confirm Thanksgiving hours before making your plans.
Don’t forget to check out GoodHousekeeping.com’s Thanksgiving ideas as a guide.
1. Boston Market
Boston Market is always open on Thanksgiving. Enjoy a Boneless Roasted Turkey Breast or a Half Rotisserie Chicken with two regular sides, a dinner roll and a slice of Apple or Pumpkin Pie.
2. Popeyes
Select restaurants will be open, just call your local Popeyes restaurant for more information. Pick up one of Popeyes’ delicious Cajun Style Turkeys that’s already pre-cooked, hand-rubbed and seasoned ahead of the holiday.
3. Starbucks
Starbucks stores are happy to welcome customers on Thanksgiving in select stores. Store hours vary by location — plus, stores may occasionally adjust their hours based on business and customer needs.
4. Subway
Each Subway restaurant is individually owned and operated so participation may vary as the owners determine holiday hours. Guests are advised to call ahead to their closet location.
5. White Castle
Craving a slider for Thanksgiving? Look to your local White Castle. The fast food restaurant has yet to confirm its Thanksgiving Day hours but stayed open for the holiday last year.
6. Paris Baguette
Locations across the country stayed open on Thanksgiving last year, offering specialty cakes for the holiday. Call your local Paris Baguette to confirm Thanksgiving hours and to place your sweet treat orders in advance.
7. Jack in the Box
Generally, all corporate stores remain open on Thanksgiving though select franchise locations may be closed.
8. Burger King
Burger King typically doesn’t close for the holidays, so you should be able to get your Whopper on Turkey Day. Just remember to call ahead because hours will be reduced.
9. Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel will be open for regular business hours on Thanksgiving Day and will even be serving up their traditional Thanksgiving Meal starting at 11 a.m.
10. McDonald’s
Most McDonald’s will be open, but because many are independently owned and operated, business hours will vary by location.
11. Domino’s
Prepare to feast on Turkey Day pizza a most Domino’s locations will be open on Thanksgiving Day.
12. Pizza Hut
Same goes for Pizza Hut, just make sure to check hours as they will likely be reduced.
13. Dunkin’
If you crave coffee, you’ll be so thankful on November 25. This is another situation where many locations are independently owned, so definitely call ahead before you head out.
14. IHOP
According to its website, IHOP will be open on Thanksgiving Day and is even offering a $5 coupon for a future visit with any purchase of a $25 gift card in-restaurant.
15. El Pollo Loco
Purchase seasonal specials like chicken tamale bowls on Thanksgiving because this restaurant will be open.
16. Steak ‘n’ Shake
You’ll be able to stop by Steak ‘n’ Shake on Thanksgiving Day. However, it will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
17. Wendy’s
Wendy’s will be open on Thanksgiving Day this year, and should be operating with normal business hours.
18. Hardee’s
Same here. Hardee’s has your back this Thanksgiving and will be operating with normal business hours.
19. Qdoba
While the hours may be reduced, this chain will be open on Turkey Day.