Restaurants open on Thanksgiving 2026
Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 26, 2026. Here is which restaurant chains open, which close, and which leave it to each location, with the source for every answer. Tap a chain for its holiday hours.
Open on Thanksgiving
- Cracker Barrel Open
- Taco Cabana Open · 6 a.m.–1 p.m.
- El Pollo Loco Some locations open · 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Ruby Tuesday Some locations open · 11 a.m.–9 p.m. at most locations
- Sonic Some locations open
Varies by location
These chains leave Thanksgiving hours to each restaurant, so call yours before you go.
- Dairy Queen Varies by location · 2024 report
Closed on Thanksgiving
- In-N-Out Burger Closed
- Olive Garden Closed
- Outback Steakhouse Closed
- Panda Express Closed
- Raising Cane's Closed
- Red Lobster Closed
- Texas Roadhouse Closed
- Wingstop Closed
Every chain, with sources
| Chain | Thanksgiving | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Cracker Barrel | Open 2025 report | today.com |
| Taco Cabana | Open 6 a.m.–1 p.m. 2025 report | today.com |
| El Pollo Loco | Some locations open 10 a.m.–6 p.m. 2025 report | today.com |
| Ruby Tuesday | Some locations open 11 a.m.–9 p.m. at most locations 2025 report | yahoo.com · fox5dc.com |
| Sonic | Some locations open 2025 report | today.com |
| Dairy Queen | Varies by location 2024 report | yahoo.com |
| In-N-Out Burger | Closed 2025 report | foxla.com |
| Olive Garden | Closed 2025 report | timeout.com |
| Outback Steakhouse | Closed 2025 report | ca.news.yahoo.com |
| Panda Express | Closed 2025 report | foxla.com |
| Raising Cane's | Closed 2025 report | wndu.com |
| Red Lobster | Closed 2025 report | yahoo.com · foxbusiness.com |
| Texas Roadhouse | Closed 2025 report | ca.news.yahoo.com |
| Wingstop | Closed 2025 report | x.com |
Thanksgiving dinner to go
One chain we track sells whole Thanksgiving dinners you pre-order and pick up:
- Cracker Barrel Thanksgiving 2026: 2 dinners to go ($119.99–$189.99) plus pies, with how to pre-order and pickup dates.
Thanksgiving hours FAQ
What restaurants are open on Thanksgiving 2026?
Based on Thanksgiving 2025, the latest season we could confirm: Cracker Barrel and Taco Cabana were open, and some El Pollo Loco, Ruby Tuesday and Sonic locations were open. 2026 hours weren't announced when we checked. Hours can differ by restaurant, so call ahead.
What fast food is open on Thanksgiving 2026?
Fast food chains we track, based on Thanksgiving 2025, the latest season we could confirm: Taco Cabana was open, and some El Pollo Loco and Sonic locations were open. 2026 hours weren't announced when we checked.
Which restaurants are closed on Thanksgiving 2026?
Based on Thanksgiving 2025, the latest season we could confirm: In-N-Out Burger, Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, Panda Express, Raising Cane's, Red Lobster, Texas Roadhouse and Wingstop were closed. 2026 hours weren't announced when we checked.
Every answer comes from the chain's own website or a news report about that chain, and the label shows which season it was reported for. Holiday hours can differ by restaurant, so call ahead. Checked between November 1, 2026 and November 2, 2026. See how we check.
Restaurants open on Christmas → Restaurants open on New Year's Day → Regular restaurant hours → All menus →