Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks, spending time with loved ones, and indulging in a delicious holiday feast. But not everyone has the time or desire to cook. If that sounds like your family, you may be wondering, “Do restaurants close on Thanksgiving?” Luckily, many restaurants across the country are open on Thanksgiving, offering a variety of dining options to suit every palate. Whether you're craving a traditional turkey dinner with all the fixings or something a little more unique, we created a list of restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day 2023 to help you celebrate the holiday season.
What Restaurants Are Open on Thanksgiving?
So, are restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day? Yes! Many restaurant chains stay open on Thanksgiving to serve customers on the holiday. We compiled a list of the major restaurant chains that are open on Thanksgiving 2023.
Food Open on Thanksgiving
If you're looking to dine out on Thanksgiving, be sure to call your restaurant of choice to check their hours, as hours and availability may vary by location. It is also a good idea to see if they require Thanksgiving reservations. Alternatively, you may want to inquire about their Thanksgiving day delivery options, as some may have delivery available even if their dining rooms are closed. Here is the list of restaurant chains open on Thanksgiving:
- Applebee's
- Black Angus Steakhouse
- Bob Evans
- Boston Market
- Buca di Beppo
- Capital Grille
- Chart House
- Cracker Barrel
- Denny's
- Fleming's Prime Steakhouse
- Fogo de Chao
- Golden Corral
- Hooters
- IHOP
- Legal Sea Foods
- Maggiano's
- Marie Callender's
- McCormick and Schmick's
- Morton's The Steakhouse
- P.F. Chang's
- Ponderosa
- Romano's Macaroni Grill
- Ruby Tuesday
- Ruth's Chris Steak House
- Sizzler
- Smith & Wollensky
- Ted's Montana Grill
- TGI Fridays
- Waffle House
Pizza Places Open on Thanksgiving
Discover the pizza chains open on Thanksgiving below:
- Domino's Pizza
- Little Caesars Pizza
- Papa John's Pizza
- MOD Pizza
- Pizza Hut
Fast Food Open on Thanksgiving
Some fast food chains are also open on Thanksgiving if you're just looking for a quick bite instead of a full meal:
- Burger King
- Dunkin'
- El Pollo Loco
- Hardee's
- Krispy Kreme
- McDonald's
- Panda Express
- Qdoba
- Sonic
- Starbucks
- Steak 'n Shake
- Wendy's
- White Castle
Many of these restaurants operate with special holiday hours and not all of their locations may be open, so be sure to check your local chain's website before you head out.
Restaurants with Thanksgiving Dinner
In addition to staying open on Thanksgiving Day, some restaurants and grocery store chains offer premade holiday meals so customers can eat with their families at home without stressing about cooking. Being able to purchase a prepared Thanksgiving dinner will save a lot of time. Here's a list of restaurants and grocery stores that sell take-out holiday meals:
- Albertson's
- Boston Market
- Bob Evans
- Buca di Beppo
- Cracker Barrel
- Marie Callender's
- Publix
- Safeway
- Sprouts
- Ted's Montana Grill
- The Fresh Market
- Wegmans
- Whole Foods
- Williams Sonoma
Fewer and fewer people are cooking for themselves on Thanksgiving and choosing to go out to eat instead. As a result, some restaurants are choosing to stay open. If you're looking for an alternative option for your Thanksgiving meal, use the list above to determine what chain restaurants are open on Thanksgiving in your area.
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Stuffing a Turkey: Is It Safe?
There are numerous factors to consider when preparing your Thanksgiving turkey, from safe stuffing practices to proper carving techniques. Cooking stuffing inside a roasted turkey is a long-standing tradition at many Thanksgiving feasts. However, it's essential to be aware that this practice can pose a cross-contamination risk if the stuffing is not cooked properly. We'll go over how to correctly and safely cook stuffing inside your turkey by maintaining the correct temperature control. Is It Safe to Cook Stuffing Inside of the Turkey? Although cooking stuffing in a baking dish is the most straightforward method to achieve thorough cooking, it is possible to safely cook stuffing inside the turkey by following the appropriate steps. For thoroughly cooked stuffing inside your turkey, it is essential to use cooked ingredients and ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the most effective method to guarantee proper cooking. When you place stuffing inside a turkey, it comes into contact with raw meat and juices that may contain harmful bacteria such as salmonella. For optimal food safety, the stuffing must reach a minimum temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill any bacteria present. It is easy to overlook checking the temperature of the stuffing, but this is a crucial step in preventing foodborne illnesses. How to Cook a Stuffed Turkey There is a safe way to cook stuffing inside a turkey if you plan on preparing your Thanksgiving feast the traditional way. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends following the steps below to properly and safely cook a stuffed turkey. Cook raw ingredients before stuffing the turkey: Raw meat, oysters, or sausage used as ingredients in the stuffing should be cooked before mixing the stuffing ingredients. Avoid mixing your wet and dry ingredients until just before stuffing the turkey to preserve a moist environment, which will help to destroy bacteria faster. Pack the stuffing inside the turkey just before putting it in the oven: Pack the stuffing loosely inside the cavity. It’s best to use 3/4 cup of stuffing for every pound of turkey. Check the temperature of the turkey as well as the stuffing: When checking the temperature, insert the thermometer into the thigh of the turkey and the center of the stuffing. Both the turkey and stuffing must reach a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before it's served. A stuffed turkey will need to be cooked for approximately an hour longer than the time listed for an unstuffed turkey. Let the meat rest under foil for at least 20 minutes: Once the turkey and stuffing have reached a safe temperature and are fully cooked, remove them from the oven and let them sit for at least 20 minutes. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours after they’ve been removed from the oven: In general, your stuffing should be safe to eat for 3 to 4 days after it’s been cooked. However, when you reheat your leftovers, be sure to heat them to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Can You Stuff a Turkey the Night Before? No, stuffing a turkey the night before gives bacteria more time to soak into your stuffing, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. To prevent this, add the prepared stuffing to the turkey just before cooking. Tips for Cooking Stuffing If you've reviewed the safety information and still want to move forward with stuffing your turkey, we have some additional tips. Follow our guidelines to ensure your stuffing is safe to eat and the quality of your turkey isn't compromised in the process. Cooking Stuffing in a Turkey Try these tips for cooking stuffing inside your turkey: Once the turkey has reached 165 degrees, carve off the white meat and let it rest. Then, put the remaining turkey and stuffing back in the oven until the stuffing reaches 165 degrees. White meat dries out faster than dark meat, so taking it off ensures that you can cook your stuffing safely without drying out the meat. When your turkey is 2/3 of the way done cooking, create an aluminum foil tent over it. The aluminum foil will help keep heat in and raise your stuffing to a safe temperature faster. Stuff your turkey right before it goes into the oven. Avoid over-stuffing or packing the stuffing too tightly, as it can cause uneven cooking. Do not use fast-cooking methods like grilling or deep-frying since this will cause the turkey to be done before the stuffing. Cooking Stuffing Outside the Turkey If you cook your stuffing and turkey separately, you can still present your customers with a beautiful display of a perfectly cooked turkey that is overflowing with stuffing. Follow our tips for cooking stuffing separately: Stuff your turkey with cooked stuffing once it has finished cooking and is resting. A benefit of cooking the stuffing separately is that you can make larger quantities of it for your customers. If you make it separately, you can give your stuffing a crispy texture that is an excellent complement to the savory and juicy turkey and creamy mashed potatoes. Leave the stuffing out and try deep frying your turkey for crispy skin and a juicy interior. Turkey Stuffing FAQs We answer some common questions about turkey stuffing below: What Is Stuffing? Stuffing is a side dish consisting of dried bread, such as cornbread, croutons, or breadcrumbs, mixed with meat, onions, celery, and sage. The mixture is then inserted into the cavity of the turkey and roasted. There are many versions of this holiday side dish and it can easily be customized to your signature turkey recipe. What's the Difference between Stuffing and Dressing? The difference between stuffing and dressing depends on how it’s prepared and regional traditions. Dressing is a name for stuffing cooked separately from poultry, meat, or vegetables, and it is served alongside the turkey rather than inside it. In the American South, many people use the term “dressing” to refer to both stuffing and dressing, but in most states, people refer to both as stuffing. Whether sticking to a classic turkey recipe or experimenting with bold flavors like a spicy maple glaze, stuffing remains a beloved side dish welcomed at any gathering. While the safest way to cook stuffing is outside the turkey, there are steps you can take to prepare stuffing inside a turkey safely. When Thanksgiving rolls around this year, make sure that you pay attention to the tips above to create a safe holiday meal.
Sweet Potato Gratin Recipe
Sweet potatoes - we love them baked, cut into sweet potato fries, or topped with marshmallows in a classic casserole. There are so many ways to enjoy this delicious tuber, but you haven't tried everything yet! This sweet potato gratin recipe combines the Hasselback slicing method with a cheesy, garlicky topping to create a new twist on potatoes au gratin. It's a comforting dish that will look beautiful on your holiday table or any time of the year you crave sweet potatoes! Jump to Recipe What Are Hasselback Potatoes? Hasselback potatoes are prepared with a unique slicing method that creates a fan-like shape. It makes an attractive presentation, and it allows the thinly sliced potato to cook up evenly and absorb ingredients. To make Hasselback potatoes, start with a freshly washed potato and make deep slices about 1/8" to 1/4" wide. The key is to stop slicing before you cut all the way through and leave the bottom of the potato uncut. Once all the slices are made, the potato will fan out. Top the potato with seasonings, butter, or cheese and bake it in the oven just like a regular baked potato. Or try our Hasselback sweet potato gratin recipe below! Why Is it Called a Hasselback Potato? Hasselback potatoes get their name from a Swedish restaurant called Hasselbacken. The first Hasselback potatoes were introduced at Hasselbacken in the 1940s. What Does Au Gratin Mean? When you see au gratin on a menu, it usually means the dish is topped with cheese and bread crumbs, then broiled until it's golden brown. Potatoes au gratin is a popular dish that's made with thinly sliced potatoes, a butter and cream mixture, and a cheesy topping. Our gratin potato recipe is made with sweet potatoes and Manchego cheese for an elevated take on a traditional potatoes au gratin. What Is Manchego Cheese? Manchego cheese is a Spanish cheese made from sheep's milk. If you can't locate Manchego, you can subsitute with gouda or mild cheddar cheese. Make it Vegan You can make this dish completely vegan with a few substitutions. Use a plant-based butter like Earth Balance instead of the butter. In place of the heavy cream, use unsweetened coconut milk from a can. Skip the cheese topping entirely, or use your favorite melting vegan cheese. Sweet Potato Gratin Whether you call them sweet potatoes or yams, you can impress your guests with this unique Hasselback sweet potato dish. Use the Hasselback method to slice sweet potatoes into thin sections that will become crispy as they bake but remain tender on the inside. Try this recipe with a different type of potato like the Japanese sweet potato for a new twist on old traditions. Recipe by: Ronne Day, WebstaurantStore Food Stylist Total Time: 120 minutes Ingredients 3 1/2 pounds (about 10 medium or 7 large) sweet potatoes, peeled 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature 1 cup heavy cream 2 Tablespoons garlic, minced 1 Tablespoons mustard seed, toasted 1 Tablespoon prepared horseradish 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground 1 lemon, juiced 1/2 cup (about 1 ounce) Manchego cheese, finely grated 2 Tablespoons scallions, thinly sliced Directions Heat oven to 375°F and position a rack in the center. Coat 3-quart baking dish with butter. In medium bowl, combine cream, garlic, mustard seed, horseradish, salt, and pepper. Cut tapered ends off sweet potatoes and discard. To create a Hasselback cut, thinly slice potatoes crosswise into 1/8" slices, but don't cut all the way through. Leave the bottom of each slice intact. When you are finished slicing, the potato will have a fan-like shape. Place Hasselback sweet potatoes in baking dish. You can place them side-by-side until the pan is full, or arrange them in a circular pattern (see our image). Sprinkle potatoes with fresh lemon juice. Evenly pour cream mixture over potatoes and top with Manchego cheese. Place baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet and transfer to oven. Bake until golden brown and bubbling, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Top with scallions and serve. This recipe serves about 6 to 8 guests. If you're catering for a large holiday party or high-volume kitchen, try our recipe resizer tool.
Blackout Wednesday Marketing
While restaurants capitalize on catering Thanksgiving events and special menus to attract people on Thanksgiving day, bars make their profits the night before Thanksgiving, now infamously dubbed Blackout Wednesday. Also known as Drinksgiving, Blackout Wednesday is the cultural phenomenon of people gathering to enjoy a fun night out at the bar with friends the evening before Thanksgiving. It's driven by college students and young adults returning to their hometowns for the holidays. While this should be a time of comradery and catching up, Blackout Wednesday has a dark reputation, unfortunately. Bars and restaurants see a large increase in alcohol sales on this day, raising safety concerns. Despite its reputation, bar owners have the opportunity to create a redemptive experience for the notorious culture of Drinksgiving. We walk you through Blackout Wednesday bar marketing strategies that draw customers in and create a safe environment for them both while they’re at your business and after they leave it. Skip to the Blackout Wednesday marketing idea that most interests you: Fall Beer Flight Reunion Theme Angel Shots Give to Charity Turkey Costume Contest Transportation Services Speciality Mocktails Pumpkin Kegs Team Spirit Theme To-Go Packages Drinksgiving Promotions Drinksgiving has become a popular tradition for many young adults to gather with friends and kick off the holiday season with a night of revelry. For businesses in the food and beverage industry, Blackout Wednesday presents a unique marketing opportunity. Here are some tips to help you make the most of the occasion and help keep customers safe while they cut loose. 1. Offer a Fall Beer Flight Offer a flight of fall beers to attract guests to your bar the night before Thanksgiving. This allows customers to sample a variety of craft beers that capture the essence of the season. Craft beers have gained immense popularity in recent years, and their special appeal makes them a perfect choice for a fall beer flight. Even large breweries offer selections of fall-flavored beer to choose from. From pumpkin ales to Oktoberfest lagers, breweries have embraced the flavors and aromas associated with fall. These beers often incorporate seasonal ingredients like pumpkin, spices, and even apple cider, creating a sensory experience that captures the essence of autumn. By offering a flight of fall beers, you can provide your customers with a unique and memorable drinking experience, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zone and try something new. 2. Create a Reunion-Themed Event Since Blackout Wednesday is driven by groups of college students and young adults reuniting over the Thanksgiving holiday, embrace this reality and host a “Reunion” themed night at your bar for Drinksgiving. This theme is a great way to attract customers who are looking to reconnect with old friends and classmates while enjoying a night out. To create a successful reunion-themed bar event, consider incorporating elements that will evoke a sense of nostalgia. Start by promoting the event on social media platforms and through targeted email marketing campaigns to reach your target audience of college students and young adults. Decorations: Decorate your bar with memorabilia from the past, such as old yearbooks, sports jerseys, and vintage posters. This will create a nostalgic atmosphere and encourage guests to reminisce about their shared past. Photo Booths: Set up photo booths with props that represent different eras, allowing guests to capture memories with their friends. Drink Specials: To further enhance the reunion theme, offer drink specials that pay homage to popular drinks from the past with a fun twist like our 90s-inspired frozen espresso martini recipe. Music: Incorporate live music or hire a DJ to play popular songs from the attendees’ high school years. This will set the mood and create a lively and energetic atmosphere that will keep guests engaged throughout the night. 3. Protect Patrons with Angel Shots While Drinksgiving celebrations should be a time for fellowship, it's important to address the darker aspects that can arise from excessive alcohol consumption. One such concern is the potential for sexual harassment and violence that can occur. As a business owner or manager, it is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of your patrons. One effective way to do this is by implementing angel shots. Angel shots are a discreet way for customers to signal to bar staff that they are in an uncomfortable or potentially dangerous situation. By ordering an angel shot, patrons can discreetly communicate their need for assistance without drawing attention to themselves. Angel shots have gained popularity in recent years as a means of preventing sexual harassment and violence in bars. When patrons feel safe and valued in your establishment, they are more likely to return and recommend your business to others. Word-of-mouth marketing is a powerful tool, and by actively promoting the use of angel shots, you can enhance your reputation as a responsible and customer-centric establishment. 4. Give a Percentage of Sales to Charity Embrace the spirit of giving back and gratitude during the holidays and donate a percentage of sales to charity. By allocating a portion of the proceeds from Blackout Wednesday to charitable organizations, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility while also engaging customers in a meaningful way. To maximize the impact of the donation, communicate your charitable initiative through marketing channels such as social media, email newsletters, and on-premise signage. By sharing the story behind the donation and highlighting the positive outcomes it will bring, businesses can inspire customers to participate and spread the word. When deciding on the percentage of sales to donate, consider your financial capabilities and the impact you hope to achieve. While there is no fixed rule, a common practice is to donate around 5% to 10% of the total sales generated. This percentage strikes a balance between making a substantial contribution and ensuring your business’ financial viability. This strategy not only generates goodwill among consumers but also creates a sense of purpose and connection with the brand. Moreover, businesses can enhance the effectiveness of their charity initiatives by selecting causes that resonate with their target audience. For example, a sports bar might support a local sports team and an LGBTIQA+ bar might donate to alliance organizations. 5. Host a Turkey Costume Contest One creative and fun way to draw a crowd is by hosting a turkey costume contest during your Blackout Wednesday event. By inviting participants to dress up as turkeys, you create a lively and engaging atmosphere that encourages social interaction. Set up a designated area for participants to showcase their costumes and encourage them to interact with the audience. Consider having a panel of judges to evaluate the costumes and determine the winners. This not only attracts customers but also encourages them to stay longer, increasing sales and revenue for your bar. Use these tips to host and promote your turkey costume contest Promote the Contest: To attract college students, market it on TikTok to create buzz and generate interest. Design Eye-Catching Graphics: Make your Instagram posts stand out with aesthetically alluring graphics that showcase the fun and excitement of the contest. Partner with Local Influencers: Social media personalities can help spread the word about your contest to a wider audience. Offer Prizes: Discounts and prizes incentivize participation in the turkey costume contest. Back to Top 6. Offer Transportation Services To keep customers safe and promote responsible drinking, consider offering transportation services. Partnering with taxis or rideshare companies can provide a convenient and safe option for those who aren’t fit to drive. This can be a win-win situation, as the transportation service gains exposure and potential new customers, while your establishment benefits from increased patronage. Negotiate rates or discounts that are favorable for both your business and your customers. Promoting your transportation services is essential to ensure that your customers are aware of this added convenience. Use mobile marketing tactics to inform customers. Highlight the importance of responsible drinking and emphasize your commitment to their safety and well-being. Offering discounted or free rides can make your establishment stand out from the competition and attract more customers who appreciate the extra care and consideration you provide. 7. Promote Speciality Mocktails By including mocktails on your Drinksgiving menu, you can help prevent drunk driving incidents and promote responsible drinking. Mocktails offer a refreshing and enjoyable alternative for those who choose not to consume alcohol, whether due to personal preference, health reasons, or for those who are designated drivers. With the increasing focus on sober nightlife and the sober curious movement, there has been a shift towards offering exciting mocktails on bar menus. When creating a mocktail menu, incorporate a variety of flavors and ingredients to appeal to different tastes. Use fresh fruits, herbs, and unique flavor combinations to create enticing mocktails that stand out like our blackberry mocktail mule recipe. Lean into the Thanksgiving theme and offer cocktails with classic fall flavors that showcase your bartenders' creativity. In addition to the flavor profiles, presentation is key. Garnish with edible flowers, dried fruit peels, and luster dust. 8. Use Pumpkin Kegs One creative way to attract customers to your bar on the night before Thanksgiving is by making pumpkin kegs. A pumpkin keg is exactly what it sounds like, a pumpkin that has been hollowed out and turned into a keg. This innovative idea adds a touch of seasonal flair to your bar and can create buzz on social media. Spread the word and attract customers by promoting images of the pumpkin kegs. Consider creating a dedicated hashtag for your pumpkin keg promotion and encourage customers to share their pictures and experiences using the hashtag. This not only helps to generate buzz and excitement around your bar but also allows you to track the reach and engagement of your holiday marketing efforts. 9. Celebrate Team Spirit Football is an essential part of Thanksgiving for many, so a creative way to make your bar stand out on Blackout Wednesday is to create a sports-themed event. This marries the excitement of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday with the community's passion for local sports teams. To make this event truly special, consider featuring the mascot of the local team. The mascot represents the spirit and pride of the community and incorporating it into the event can evoke a sense of nostalgia and camaraderie among attendees. Consider setting up a designated area where guests can take photos with the mascot or team-related props. Follow these tips to market a sports theme: Sports Decor: Incorporate team colors, banners, and memorabilia throughout your business. Drink Specials: Create themed cocktails or mocktails that pay homage to the local team. Activities: Organize sports-themed games or trivia contests that allow attendees to showcase their knowledge and passion for the local team. Collaborate with Local Businesses: Partnering with local businesses like sports apparel stores or local sports bars creates cross-promotional opportunities. This can help generate buzz and attract a larger crowd to your Blackout Wednesday event. 10. Promote To-Go Packages Some people prefer to celebrate Blackout Wednesday at home with a smaller group of friends as opposed to at a crowded bar. You can still capitalize on the day by putting together to-go packages that help your customers elevate their experience and enjoy professional-quality drinks and gourmet snacks from the comfort of their own homes. Check out Blackout Wednesday takeaway package ideas below: Pumpkin Spice Hard Seltzer: Create your own pumpkin-flavored housemade hard seltzer for the package. Fall Beers: Create a bundle of fall beers for patrons to enjoy at home with friends on Drinksgiving. Hard Cider: Hard cider is a delicious fall beverage that's perfect for gluten-free patrons and those who don't like the taste of beer. Cocktail Kits: Make it easy for your customers to create their favorite cocktails at home by offering cocktail kits. These kits can include all the necessary ingredients, such as spirits, mixers, garnishes, and even recipe cards. Appetizers: Sell to-go appetizer packs that pair with your beers and cocktails. These can be classic bar bites or creative Thanksgiving-inspired foods like baked brie smothered in cranberry sauce, smoked turkey wings, and loaded sweet potato skins. Back to Top Drinksgiving presents a unique opportunity for bars and restaurants to capitalize on the increased foot traffic. By implementing creative marketing strategies such as themes and menu specials, establishments can maximize their sales and create a memorable experience for their customers. Keeping customers' safety at the forefront of your Blackout Wednesday through rideshare discounts and angel shots builds brand loyalty and leads to repeat customers.