Hunger doesn't take a holiday. You might have a turkey in the oven that’s taking forever, or maybe you’re just not a "stuffing and cranberry sauce" person. Honestly, sometimes you just want a spicy chicken sandwich while everyone else is arguing about football.
Finding fast food open on Thanksgiving is a bit of a gamble. Some big names lock their doors tight to give staff a break. Others stay open because they know thousands of hungry travelers are hitting the road.
If you’re looking for a quick bite on Thursday, November 27, 2025, or planning ahead for 2026, you've gotta know that "open" usually means "it depends on who owns the place." Most of these spots are franchises. That means the guy who owns the McDonald's down the street gets to decide if he wants to flip burgers or stay home.
The Big Names: Who’s Usually Open?
Basically, the heavy hitters in the fast-food world tend to stay operational, but with a massive asterisk. Expect "modified hours." This usually means they open a little later—think 6:00 AM or 7:00 AM—and shut down by 4:00 PM or 8:00 PM so the crew can get home for dinner.
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McDonald's
The Golden Arches are your best bet. Most McDonald's stay open on Thanksgiving. However, because they are 95% franchise-owned, some locations in smaller towns might choose to close. If you’re in a major city like New York or Chicago, or near a major highway, you’re almost guaranteed to find those fries.
Starbucks
You need caffeine to survive family time. Luckily, Starbucks is famously open on Thanksgiving. Many locations operate on a reduced schedule, often closing by 4:00 PM. Check the app before you drive over; it’s usually the most accurate way to see if your local barista is actually behind the counter.
Dunkin'
Most Dunkin' spots are open early. They know people need those boxes of Munchkins for the morning parade-watching. Expect many locations to close by 2:00 PM. If your Dunkin' is inside a gas station, it has a much higher chance of staying open later.
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Burger King and Wendy's
Both of these burger giants generally have participating locations open. Wendy's, in particular, often keeps its doors open for those last-minute Frosty cravings. Burger King hours are much more hit-or-miss depending on the specific franchise owner.
The "Check Your App" Crowd
Then there are the places where it’s a total coin flip.
- Popeyes: This one is weirdly debated every year. In 2025, many Popeyes locations are staying open, especially since they’ve started selling those pre-cooked Cajun Turkeys. But don't bank on it without checking the app first.
- Taco Bell: Most corporate-owned stores close, but plenty of franchises stay open. If you’re craving a Crunchwrap, look for locations attached to truck stops or travel hubs.
- Subway: Since these are almost all individually owned, it’s chaos. Some will be open 24/7; others won't open at all.
- Pizza Hut and Domino's: Pizza on Thanksgiving is a growing trend. Many Domino's locations stay open for delivery, though they might stop taking orders earlier than usual.
Who is Definitely Closed?
Some brands are very vocal about giving their employees the day off. Do not bother driving to these places; the lights will be off.
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- Chick-fil-A: They are closed every Sunday and every major holiday. No original chicken sandwiches today.
- Chipotle: They almost always close nationwide for Thanksgiving.
- Panera Bread: Usually closed to allow staff to spend time with family.
- Panda Express: Most standalone locations take the day off.
Why are some locations closed while others stay open?
It really comes down to the business model. Corporate-owned stores (which are rarer in fast food) usually follow a strict national policy. If corporate says "close," they close.
But most fast food is open on Thanksgiving because a local franchisee decided the demand was high enough to justify the labor costs. Locations in airports, toll plazas on the turnpike, and hospitals are almost always open because those are "essential" service areas. If you're stuck, head toward the nearest interstate.
Pro Tips for the Holiday Hunger
Don't just wing it. If you’re out and about, here’s how to avoid a "Closed" sign heartbreak:
- Trust the App, Not Google: Google Maps is great, but sometimes holiday hours don't update in time. The brand’s official app (like the McDonald's or Starbucks app) is linked to their Point of Sale system. If the app says you can't order, the store is closed.
- Go Early: If a place is open, they’ll likely close by the afternoon. Aim for a "Thanksgiving Lunch" rather than a late-night snack.
- Be Nice: Seriously. The people working on Thanksgiving are giving up their holiday. A little kindness—and maybe a tip if the place allows it—goes a long way.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're planning to skip the cooking this year, take two minutes right now to download the app for your favorite chain. Check the "Store Locator" feature on Wednesday evening; most brands push their holiday hours live about 24 hours in advance. If you're traveling, stick to the major travel plazas along the highway, as these are the most reliable spots for a hot meal on Turkey Day.