While many Americans celebrate Thanksgiving by cooking a feast with their family and friends, sometimes the holiday requires a trip to a restaurant.

And for millions of Americans struggling with inflation, their budget could mean heading to a fast food restaurant over the holidays.

No matter your reason for eating fast food on Thanksgiving — finances, tradition, or a turkey accident — you want to know which restaurants are open.

Many stores and restaurants have closed to give their employees time with their families on Thanksgiving. However, many realize that customers will still be hungry during the holidays and may end up wanting some fast food rather than home cooking.

Burger King

Whether you’re craving a burger or a chicken sandwich, Burger King will remain open on Thanksgiving.

Each location’s hours of operation may vary depending on management. Therefore, be sure to check your specific restaurant’s hours at that location or online at the Burger King website.

Denny’s

Denny’s is proud to be open 24 hours a day, year-round.

In the past, Denny’s also offered turkey packages that you could purchase for pickup. However, you should check with your restaurant about Thanksgiving specials this year.

Dunkin’

Dunkin’s store hours also vary by location. However, to check if your local Coffee Fix store is open, you can check the store locator on the Dunkin’ website or the Dunkin’ Rewards app.

Starbucks

Starbucks store hours vary by location on Thanksgiving, but many are open to satisfy all your holiday caffeine cravings.

You can find the hours of operation for your specific store on the Starbucks website.

Subway

If you prefer a turkey sandwich to a full turkey with all the fixings on Thanksgiving Day, select Subway locations will be open.

However, since it depends on the specific franchise, you should call your local store to check their opening times.

Waffle House

Waffle House is another restaurant that works hard to serve guests 365 days a year, and that includes Thanksgiving.

So if you’re craving a breakfast of waffles, eggs, sandwiches and more, Waffle House has you covered this Thanksgiving.

Wendy’s

Wendy’s said it will be “open and ready to serve fans throughout the holiday season.” Frosty and burger fans should check with their local restaurant for specific opening hours.

White castle

White Castle restaurants will continue to serve guests until 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving this year.

That means if you want to stock up on the chain’s popular burger sliders before your feast later that evening, you should have plenty of time.

McDonald’s

Most McDonald’s locations will be open on Thanksgiving.

However, exact hours vary by location, so you should check the address of your specific restaurant on the McDonald’s website.

Cracker barrel

Cracker Barrel’s southern comfort food might be ideal for those looking to eat out on Thanksgiving.

Luckily, the chain is keeping certain locations open and also offering a special menu as well as takeout and delivery options.

For specific details, contact your local restaurant to see if your business will welcome customers on Thanksgiving.

Fast food is closed on Thanksgiving

Not all fast food restaurants are open on Thanksgiving. The day is relatively unpopular among employees who want to work, and many company leaders choose to let their employees enjoy the holiday at home with their families.

These fast food restaurants will remain closed on Thanksgiving 2024:

• Arby’s
• Chick-Fil-A
• Chipotle
• Hardees
• Moes
• Noodles & Company
• Taco Bell

While many families make it their tradition to eat at a restaurant on Thanksgiving, many are also closed on Thanksgiving. Therefore, you should check in advance whether your vacation plans include dining in a restaurant.

The following full-service restaurants will be closed on Thanksgiving:

• Chilies
• First watch
• Olive Garden
• Outback Steakhouse
• Red lobster
• Texas Roadhouse
• The Cheesecake Factory

Many grocery stores will also remain closed on Thanksgiving, including Aldi, Costco, Publix, Sam’s Club, Target, Trader Joe’s and Walmart.