Thanksgiving Day: Your Guide to What’s Open & Closed – Olive Garden and Beyond

As the aroma of turkey and pumpkin pie fills the air, planning your Thanksgiving Day can be a delightful, yet sometimes tricky, endeavor. With many establishments adjusting their schedules for the holiday, knowing what’s open and closed is crucial for a smooth celebration. From last-minute grocery runs to finding a restaurant for a stress-free meal, we’ve got you covered.

Olive Garden Says “Buon Natale” to Family Time: Closed for Thanksgiving

For fans of unlimited breadsticks and classic Italian-American fare, there’s an important announcement: Olive Garden will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. The popular chain has chosen to close its doors, allowing employees to celebrate the federal holiday with their families. While this might mean adjusting your dining plans, it underscores a growing trend among businesses prioritizing employee well-being during major holidays.

Dining Out? Restaurants Serving Up Thanksgiving Feasts

While some major chains like Olive Garden are taking a break, many other restaurants understand the desire for a delicious, home-cooked meal without the actual cooking. If you’re looking to dine out this Thanksgiving, here’s what you need to know:

Cracker Barrel: Good news for those craving homestyle cooking! Cracker Barrel has confirmed it will be open for business on Thanksgiving Day, maintaining its normal opening hours. Traditional meals will be available from 11 AM, just as usual.

Key Restaurant Closures to Note

Beyond Olive Garden, several other prominent restaurant chains have also announced their Thanksgiving closures, giving their teams time off:

Outback Steakhouse
Red Robin
Chuy’s
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Bonefish Grill
The Cheesecake Factory
Texas Roadhouse

Always a good idea to check with your local branch directly before heading out, as regional policies can sometimes vary.

Banking on a Break: What to Know About Financial Services

Thanksgiving is a major federal holiday, which means most banks will be closed. This includes major institutions like Capital One, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America, as they typically observe the Standard Federal Reserve Bank Holiday Schedule. If you have urgent banking needs, plan to complete them before the holiday.

However, fear not! While physical branches will be closed, you can still access your accounts through:

Bank websites and mobile apps (for online banking and transfers)
ATMs (for cash withdrawals and deposits)

Retail & Grocery Runs: Who’s Open for Last-Minute Essentials?

Forgot the cranberries? Need an extra ingredient for your stuffing? Here’s the rundown on retailers and grocery stores:

Stores Taking a Break

Many retailers opt to close entirely on Thanksgiving to allow their staff to celebrate:

Barnes & Noble
Big Lots (though some locations may have special hours, check locally)
Publix
Nordstrom

Retailers with Special Thanksgiving Hours

Some stores will be open, often with adjusted hours. For example, some Big Lots locations might open from 7 AM to midnight, significantly extending their usual hours. Other general retailers typically open include:

CVS
Walgreens
Dollar General
Kmart

It’s always wise to use the respective store locator online or call your local branch to confirm their specific holiday hours.

Grocery Stores to the Rescue

For those last-minute culinary emergencies, several grocery chains often remain open:

Whole Foods Market
Kroger
Ralph’s
H-E-B
Sprouts Farmers Market

Again, verifying with your local store is highly recommended, as hours can vary by location.

Plan Ahead for a Stress-Free Holiday

Thanksgiving Day is a time for gratitude, family, and good food. By checking these essential holiday hours in advance, you can avoid any last-minute surprises and ensure your celebration goes off without a hitch. Whether you’re dining out, cooking at home, or just need a quick run to the store, a little planning goes a long way!