If You Don’t Feel Like Cooking on Turkey Day, Check out These Fast-Food Options

With Thanksgiving 2022 right around the corner, Americans are rushing to buy turkeys and other staples for the holiday. But an IRI survey finds that 38% of consumers plan on spending more for Thanksgiving dinner this year in comparison to last year. With a turkey shortage and record-high grocery prices, – eggs are up 217% and pumpkin pie is up 147%, for example – you may be wondering how to save on your Thanksgiving Day dinner. One way to have a feast on Thanksgiving 2022 without breaking the bank is to visit a fast-casual franchise. 

Here is a list of fast-casual franchises that don’t take off for Turkey Day. 

El Pollo Loco

Many El Pollo Loco locations will remain open on Thanksgiving. Non-traditional options you can feast on include burritos, tostadas, bowls, chicken meals, and more (see cover photo). Holiday hours may vary by location. 

Bahama Breeze 

On Thanksgiving, Bahama Breeze allows you to bring home a $95 Thanksgiving Family Bundle, which includes four entrees and four slices of Pumpkin Praline Cheesecake. For those dining in, there is the Island Style Turkey Dinner, which is served with green beans, cornbread stuffing, cranberry-pineapple chutney and mashed potatoes or cinnamon mashed sweet potatoes. Participating locations will serve this dinner from noon until 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. 

Little Caesars 

Craving pizza instead of turkey on Thanksgiving? Go to Little Caesars. Check with your local restaurant as holiday hours may vary.

IHOP 

Who says you can’t have pancakes on Thanksgiving? Not IHOP! Hours may vary, so check your local restaurant for full details. 

Domino’s 

Looking for a quick meal that doesn’t require cleaning dishes? Domino’s has you covered on Turkey Day. Since Domino’s franchise locations are independently owned and operated, holiday hours vary. 

SONIC Drive-In

You can get burgers, ice cream, hot dogs, and more at many SONIC Drive-In locations on Turkey Day. Reduced holiday hours may vary by location. 

Wendy’s 

This Thanksgiving 2022, many Wendy’s franchise locations are open. The legacy fast-casual franchise typically stays open on holidays, but hours may vary. 

Buffalo Wild Wings 

If you’re more into chicken than turkey, check out Buffalo Wild Wings. This Thanksgiving 2022, many locations will remain open at reduced hours. 

Dunkin’

Even on Turkey Day, Americans can still run on Dunkin’. Many Dunkin’ locations will be open on Thanksgiving, but customers can check the Dunkin’ app or call their local restaurant to confirm.  

Popeyes

Many Popeyes locations are open on Thanksgiving 2022. Additionally, the chicken franchise is offering a Cajun-Style Turkey that can be delivered to your home. This deal began on Oct. 24. While it is sold out online, you can order the turkey at your local Popeyes location for pick-up. Check with your local location for hours as well as pricing and availability of the turkey. 

Jack in the Box

How about chicken nuggets on Thanksgiving? Select Jack in the Box franchise locations stay open on the holiday, allowing you to grab a quick meal. 

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit 

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is offering its Holiday Big Yellow Box. Feeding up to 12 people, this meal includes four pounds of sliced turkey, a baked potato casserole, green beans, cornbread dressing, 12 rolls, barbecue sauce, and turkey gravy. 

Papa John’s 

You can still make a pizza run to many Papa John’s locations this Thanksgiving 2022. For complete details, contact your local restaurant or the brand’s website. 

McDonald’s 

Many McDonald’s franchise locations remain open on Thanksgiving. Contact your local Golden Arches for more details on reduced hours. 

Applebee’s 

Select Applebee’s locations will be open on Turkey Day. Check with your local location for full details on reduced hours. 

Burger King 

Prefer a Whopper to turkey? Holiday hours at Burger King vary by location. Guests can confirm these hours at their local restaurant or online through the Burger King app.

Firehouse Subs

You can have your turkey surrounded by bread at Firehouse Subs this Thanksgiving. Hours may vary. The sub franchise will be open on Black Friday, November 25, as well.

Arby’s

Select Arby’s has “the meats” on Turkey Day. For further details on specific hours, contact the Arby’s nearest you or visit the fast-casual franchise’s website. 

Zaxby’s 

Most Zaxby’s locations are generally open on Thanksgiving. However, hours vary by location. Customers are advised to give their local Zaxby’s a call ahead to confirm the specific hours.

Paris Baguette Bakery Café

What’s Turkey Day without dessert? For Thanksgiving 2022, Paris Baguette Bakery Café will be open to serve desserts. To get full details about holiday hours, call your local bakery. 

Denny’s 

Many Denny’s franchise locations are open on Thanksgiving. Guests can enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with roasted, sliced turkey with gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce and two sides of their choice while supplies last. 

Biggby Coffee 

You can get your coffee fix at Biggby Coffee franchise locations this Thanksgiving 2022. Holiday hours are different depending on the location.

Golden Corral

On Thanksgiving 2022, Golden Corral locations will be open from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Their Thanksgiving Day Buffet features carved roasted turkey, holiday glazed ham, and holiday beef roast as well as stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potato casserole, and pumpkin pie. Prices, hours, and item availability may vary by location, so call your local restaurant for full details. 

Subway

You can still satisfy your sub craving on Turkey Day at Subway. Contact your local Subway for information about reduced holiday hours. 

Einstein Bros Bagels

To hold yourself over before dinner, you can go to Einstein Bros Bagels for breakfast on Thanksgiving Day. 

Tony Roma’s 

To satisfy your hunger on Thanksgiving, you can go to Tony Roma’s for a non-traditional feast of ribs, fries, shrimp, steak, and more. 

Huddle House 

Waffles for Thanksgiving? Check out the Huddle House franchise. Many of its locations are open on Thanksgiving Day. Depending on the location, hours may vary. 

Perkins 

At Perkins, you can enjoy a holiday turkey meal with a slice of pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. There’s also a kid’s version.