Is Chick Fil A Open On Thanksgiving

You came here for one clear answer: are restaurant doors open on the holiday? The short response is direct: the chain is closed. All U.S. locations will be closed so team members can spend the day with family and friends.

That simple fact helps you plan. If you need food that day, order catering early or pick another spot that lists open thanksgiving hours. Checking apps and store locators lets you confirm hours and nearby locations in real time.

This piece will share the official company stance, quick steps to prepare, and fast alternatives if you need a last-minute meal. Use the tips here to avoid a wasted trip and to line up backups for breakfast, lunch, or an early dinner.

Keep this page handy as a single-source reference for holiday dining choices and to verify hours before you head out.

Is Chick Fil A Open On Thanksgiving

The company closes its restaurants nationwide for the holiday to give staff time off. All U.S. locations are closed thanksgiving, per the official site.

This means no dine-in or drive-thru service at any location. The chain posts the policy in advance so you can plan ahead.

If you still want the brand’s food, order catering before the holiday. Pickup and delivery options vary by store, so place orders early and confirm hours and item availability.

• All-store policy: locations closed thanksgiving in every state.
• Menus and inventory differ by location; confirm timing.
• Company message: time off for team members is the reason for closures.

When is Thanksgiving 2025?

Mark your calendar now: thanksgiving day in 2025 falls on Thursday, Nov. 27.

Knowing the exact date helps you set pickup and grocery runs. It also lets you check hours and confirm plans with the company or your chosen restaurants.

Use reminders a few days before the holiday. Many restaurants adjust schedules, so a quick check avoids surprises.

• Schedule catering pickups and place orders early to beat demand.
• Share the date with family to sync travel and mealtime plans.
• If you’ll travel, map stops and confirm each location’s holiday operation.
• Check delivery app coverage the morning of the holiday for updated windows.

Official word from the company on Chick-fil-A’s Thanksgiving policy

The company has published a straightforward policy for the holiday. All U.S. locations are closed thanksgiving so team members can spend time with family and friends.

The chain encourages guests to place Chick‑fil‑A Catering orders ahead of the date. Pickup windows and menus vary by restaurant, so confirm availability at your preferred store.

• The company confirms all locations are closed thanksgiving, giving clear expectations.
• This consistent policy reflects a focus on staff and family time rather than a spokesperson statement.
• Catering is a pre-holiday option: order early and check local menus.
• Pickup windows can book quickly as the holiday nears; plan now.

If you read a media note that said a spokesperson told usa today, it echoes the company posting. For quick plans, use the brand site or store locator to verify catering windows and local options.

Plan-ahead options if Chick-fil-A is closed on the holiday

Plan ahead now to secure warm trays or box lunches before the holiday arrives.

Order catering early: the company encourages customers to place orders ahead of time. Menus and item counts can vary by location, so check your local store menu and lead times before you finalize anything.

Order Chick-fil-A Catering before the holiday

Place pickup for the day before the holiday and refrigerate per instructions. Ask about reheating steps so nuggets and trays taste fresh when served.

Scheduling pickup or delivery and what varies by location

• Delivery windows depend on your exact location; confirm options early.
• Verify store hours the day before — hours vary and some stores may close early.
• Confirm order cutoffs, payment policies, and any item limits at your store.
• For large groups, split orders across nearby locations if one store is sold out.

For more holiday catering tips and to check local store options, see our guide on holiday catering tips.

How to check local store hours and locations on Thanksgiving Day

A brief check of nearby hours can prevent a wasted trip and calm last-minute stress. Use quick tools and a short call to confirm before you leave.

Using brand store locators and apps to verify holiday hours

Start with each chain’s official app or store locator for the most accurate holiday hours. The company recommends these sources because updates flow there first.

• Use the brand app or online locator to check local listings and specific holiday hours.
• Turn on app notifications so you get alerts about last-minute changes.
• If you travel, view hours in the app using your local time to avoid missed windows.

Why hours vary by location and why calling ahead helps

Store hours vary due to staffing, permits, and local demand. You may find shortened windows or limited services at some locations.

Calling the store is fast and reliable: a quick phone check can confirm menu items and whether the drive-thru or dining room is open. When plans depend on warm food, call before you go.

What restaurants are open on Thanksgiving Day

If you need a meal that day, several chains will be ready to serve with adjusted hours. Use this quick guide to find breakfast, midday, or early-dinner options near you.

Cracker Barrel

Service starts at 11 a.m.; an online wait list helps cut wait times for classic comfort food.

Krispy Kreme

Shops stay open until 2 p.m. local time for doughnuts and coffee.

McDonald’s, Wendy’s, IHOP, Starbucks, Dunkin’

Most McDonald’s and many Wendy’s locations serve with hours that vary by store. IHOP, Starbucks, and Dunkin’ also operate in many areas; check apps or locators for exact windows.

Golden Corral, Dave & Buster’s, White Castle, Popeyes, Whataburger

Golden Corral typically runs 11 a.m.–4 p.m., with extended hours in some markets. Dave & Buster’s opens around 4 p.m. White Castle closes near 3 p.m. in many places. Popeyes and Whataburger offer take-home and in-store options, including special items in select markets.

• If you need breakfast or a midday bite, these restaurants open thanksgiving with limited menus.
• Confirm local hours in apps to avoid surprises.

Restaurants closed on Thanksgiving

Several popular chains pause service for the holiday; here’s a quick rundown so you can plan ahead.

Chick‑fil‑A

All U.S. locations closed. The company confirms this policy so team members can spend time with family. If you want their menu, order catering before the day arrives.

Other national closures

• Chipotle and Panera: closed thanksgiving at most locations.
• Pizza Hut: majority of stores report locations closed for the holiday.
• Taco Bell, Raising Cane’s, Shake Shack: closed thanksgiving day across many markets.
• Freddy’s and First Watch: closed for the holiday.
• Cheesecake Factory: closed, with two exceptions — Arundel Mills (Hanover, MD) and The Forum Shops (Las Vegas).

These closures come from company statements and spokesperson comments told usa today and other outlets. If your go‑to spot is listed, check brand locators to find open options nearby or to plan pickups the day before.

Holiday hours that vary by location

Before you go, confirm hours at your exact store—national chains often run different schedules. A quick check saves you a wasted trip and keeps plans on track.

Burger King

The company says holiday hours vary by location. Some restaurants keep normal windows; others close early or limit service.

Subway

Most Subway locations close for the holiday, but many are franchised. That means hours can vary location to location—call or check the app.

Starbucks and Dunkin’

Both chains post store hours in their apps. Hours vary across regions, so view the listing in your local time before placing a mobile order.

McDonald’s and Wendy’s

Many McDonald’s and Wendy’s stores serve customers, but times differ by market. Verify in-app to match your local time zone and avoid surprises.

• Store hours vary because of staffing and local demand.
• Save favorite stores in apps for one-tap access to today’s times.
• If you cross time zones, double-check the local time setting in the locator.
• Drive-thru and delivery icons in the app show what service is available.
• When unsure, call the restaurant directly for final confirmation.

Open versus closed: Quick brand-by-brand snapshot

This quick guide shows who is serving guests and who is taking the day off across major chains. Use it to pick a backup or schedule a pickup before the holiday.

Open highlights and typical time frames

• Cracker Barrel: from 11 a.m.
• Krispy Kreme: until 2 p.m.
• Golden Corral: 11 a.m.–4 p.m. (extended in some markets)
• McDonald’s, Wendy’s, IHOP, Starbucks, Dunkin’, Whataburger: many locations open with adjusted hours.
• White Castle: most locations serve before 3 p.m.; Dave & Buster’s begins later in the day (from 4 p.m.).

Closed highlights and confirmed chains

• Chick‑fil‑A: locations closed thanksgiving per company policy.
• Other confirmed closures: Chipotle, Panera, Taco Bell, Raising Cane’s, Shake Shack, Freddy’s, First Watch, and many Pizza Hut outlets.
• Cheesecake Factory: closed at most sites; exceptions at Arundel Mills (MD) and The Forum Shops (Las Vegas).

Quick tip: check listed hours before you go and keep two options in mind in case your first choice changes service or has a long line.

Thanksgiving Day timeline: Where to grab food at different times

Map your eating timeline so you know where to grab coffee, a plate, or a late snack that day. This helps you avoid closed doors and long lines.

Morning coffee and breakfast options

Start the day at Starbucks or Dunkin’ for quick caffeine; hours vary by store. Krispy Kreme stays open until 2 p.m., making it a great morning stop for doughnuts and coffee.

IHOP serves breakfast in many locations with differing windows. Call or check the app to confirm your nearest store’s hours before you leave.

Midday meals and early dinners

Cracker Barrel typically opens service at 11 a.m., ideal for a full, no‑cook meal. Golden Corral runs 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in most markets and may extend hours in some locations.

If you need a hot, sit-down option, aim for the 11 a.m. start to beat peak crowds and long waits.

Afternoon treats and last-call closing times

White Castle serves sliders earlier and usually close p.m. by 3 p.m., so plan that stop before mid-afternoon. Dave & Buster’s often begins service at 4 p.m., pairing food with games for later gatherings.

Customers should check listed hours, use mobile ordering where available, and have a backup nearby location in the app. Last-call times can come earlier than posted closing hours, so order early when schedules are tight.

Travel day considerations: Store access and local time

Travel days can turn a simple snack run into a time-zone puzzle. When you cross zones, match meal plans to local time so you don’t miss narrow service windows.

Use official store locators and brand apps: they usually auto-adjust to your position and show real-time hours. If you drive or fly, refresh listings after you arrive.

• Hours can vary location to location along travel corridors — check local listings for each stop.
• Save the apps you use most so you can see which locations are open and which services are available.
• Confirm payment methods and mobile order availability at the store you plan to visit.
• Build extra time for parking, lines, and traffic delays so you don’t miss a narrow window.
• Keep two or three nearby options ready and share a locator link when meeting others to ensure everyone has the same address and time.

Using store locators effectively to confirm holiday hours

Use store tools to confirm live hours, services, and any last-minute changes at nearby stores. This keeps small tasks from becoming big headaches.

Start with the brand’s official store locator to view holiday hours, service types, and posted notices. The company recommends official tools over third-party maps because they update first during holidays.

• Use filters in the locator to show only locations that are open now or offer the service you need (dine‑in, drive‑thru, pickup).
• Tap the store detail page for phone numbers so you can call and confirm today’s status quickly.
• Save favorite stores to your account for one‑tap access to current hours and mobile ordering.
• Compare nearby store hours to avoid crowds and pick the earliest pickup window.
• If listings conflict, call the store and ask staff to confirm the day’s open and close; then screenshot the listing so you have it offline.
• Always check local app updates right before you leave, since hours can shift fast on holidays.

Krispy Kreme, Starbucks, Dunkin’: Caffeine and sweets on Thanksgiving Day

Krispy Kreme shops are a popular morning stop and run until 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day for doughnuts and coffee. If you want the best variety, go early before bakery items sell out.

Starbucks and Dunkin’ operate in many markets, but their store hours vary by location. Use each brand’s app or store locator to confirm exact times and mobile order windows.

• Place mobile orders early to skip the busiest rush.
• Check flavor availability for seasonal drinks — stock differs by shop.
• If one location is crowded, scan nearby locations in the app to find the next closest store that has short pickup times.

Customers should note that staffing influences hours. A spokesperson has confirmed companies share updates with media; for a quick overview of chains and who’s serving that day, see this round-up from national coverage.

Comfort meals open on the holiday: Cracker Barrel, IHOP, Golden Corral

Looking for a hearty meal? Several comfort‑food chains serve guests through midday and early afternoon.

Cracker Barrel begins service at 11 a.m. on Nov. 27. Join the online wait list to shorten your table time at this classic cracker barrel spot. The chain usually fills up fast around noon.

IHOP keeps many locations open with hours that vary by store. Call or check the app to confirm breakfast and lunch windows near you. Some restaurants shift menus or seating times for the holiday crowd.

Golden Corral typically runs 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with extended service in select markets. Arrive early to beat lines and ask staff about last seating times; some places stop seating before posted close p.m. to finish service.

• Use each brand’s app to verify hours and menu notes before you go.
• Consider takeout or curbside if dining rooms are full.
• Have one person check in while others park to save time.

Burgers and quick bites: McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Burger King, White Castle

When you need fast food during the holiday, a quick check of hours saves time and avoids a wasted stop.

McDonald’s: most locations are mcdonald open, but hours vary by store. Verify your nearest location in the app before you go.

Wendy’s: many stores are wendy open and some still serve breakfast early. Use the locator to confirm menu and start times.

• Burger King: hours vary; call if the app listing seems unclear.
• White Castle: serves early sliders and sides, typically closing by 3 p.m. in many markets.
• Travel tip: search for locations along your route and sort by currently open to save time.
• Expect limited staffing and possible menu adjustments; keep orders simple for faster service.
• Use drive‑thru and mobile pay for quicker pickups, and watch for push alerts from the company about sudden hour changes.

Chains confirmed closed: Taco Bell, Chipotle, Panera, Raising Cane’s

Expect fewer chain options: a group of national restaurants announced closures for the holiday.

Company spokespeople confirmed that taco bell locations across the U.S. will be closed thanksgiving. Chipotle, Panera, and Raising Cane’s also confirmed they will be closed thanksgiving, according to statements told USA TODAY and other outlets.

• Taco Bell is closed thanksgiving, so plan an alternative if you usually grab tacos that day.
• Most bell locations and other listed chains will not operate; delivery apps may show “unavailable.”
• If you crave similar flavors, pick grocery prepared meals or open restaurants before you travel.
• Check again on Black Friday for normal hours and adjust travel routes now to include open stops.

Travelers: share this closure info with your group and keep a cooler or snacks in the car. That saves time when nearby options are limited.

Exceptions and nuances: Cheesecake Factory locations with special status

A few Cheesecake Factory restaurants make an exception to the nationwide closure. Most locations will be closed thanksgiving, but two sites plan to serve guests with limited service.

The exceptions are Arundel Mills (Hanover, MD) and The Forum Shops (Las Vegas). A company spokesperson confirmed this list, which was also noted in coverage told USA TODAY. If you are near either mall, verify exact hours before you go.

Expect shortened menus, special seating rules, and longer lines at those two spots. Join a wait list or pick an off‑peak time to reduce delays. Keep the brand app open for last‑minute updates and pinch these locations in your map if you travel through Maryland or Las Vegas.

• Most locations closed; two exceptions at Arundel Mills and The Forum Shops.
• Spokesperson confirmed exceptions; media reports echoed the company statement.
• Verify hours, expect limited menus, and have a backup plan if capacity fills.

Editor’s note on verification and “hours vary by location” reporting

We prioritize official brand sources when reporting store hours. When hours vary location to location, the brand’s store locator or app is the fastest way to confirm today’s store hours.

Many national announcements came from company sites or a spokesperson who told USA TODAY and other outlets. We match each claim to those sources where possible so you get reliable guidance according company statements.

Remember: restaurants may change service because of staffing, weather, or demand. Refresh the official listing shortly before you leave.

• Use the official app or store locator as your primary source for live hours.
• If web listings conflict with posted door signs, call the store — local managers set the final timing.
• A spokesperson’s comment or a company post cited in national coverage is noted here to add clarity.
• Keep a Plan B ready in case your first choice adjusts service or closes earlier than expected.

Plan your Thanksgiving dining with confidence

A little prep now saves you time and stress when holiday meals come up. You know Nov. 27, 2025 is the date and the company will be closed nationwide, so plan alternatives early. This guide shows which chains are open thanksgiving and which pause service.

.

Before you head out, check local apps and store locators to confirm hours and menu notes. Order catering if you want favorites at home. Build extra travel time and keep a backup list of restaurants open nearby.

With these steps you can lock in meals, find locations open thanksgiving, and enjoy the day without last‑minute runs. Share chosen store pages with family so everyone has the same address and time.