2016 Thanksgiving Hours: What Stores And Restaurants Are Open On Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Day 2016 is almost immediately here for everyone and there will be those who forgot to get one more pumpkin pie or simply don’t want to cook this year. With that, you need to know where you can to get any last-minute groceries, do some early Black Friday shopping, or grab a bite to eat while you’re out. Sure, many people feel as if all stores should be closed, but that won’t be happening for all locations.

Now, there are a lot of locations that are franchised out and choose to make their own hours, so they may choose to be closed when the majority of others are open. If you see that a restaurant is open, be sure to call ahead first and make sure your local spot is indeed operating and what hours they will be open.

A lot of stores are going to be closed on Thanksgiving Day in 2016 and that number is increasing every single year. Consumerist points out that there are still going to be as many as three dozen nationwide retailers open on Turkey Day, but will you have anywhere to eat if you’re doing some holiday shopping?

Even if you’re not out shopping, there are those who simply don’t want to make a huge Thanksgiving dinner or don’t need that much food. Doing some research could help you find out which restaurants are open on Thursday, but here is a list of many of them

Please note that you will need to call ahead to make sure of the hours for your local dining destinations. Even if the McDonald’s around the corner is open, it doesn’t mean one near the mall is open too. Go Banking Rates figured out some others that should be open so here you go.

Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving Day 2016

• Applebee’s
• Black Angus
• Bob Evans
• Bojangles’ Famous Chicken ‘n Biscuits
• Bonefish Grill
• Boston Market
• Buca di Beppo
• Chick-Fil-A
• Checkers/Rally’s
• Cracker Barrel
• Denny’s
• Firehouse Subs
• Golden Corral
• IHOP
• Jimmy John’s
• Maggiano’s Little Italy
• Marie Callender’s Restaurant
• McDonald’s
• Panda Express
• Popeyes
• Qdoba Mexican Grill
• Quiznos
• Romano’s Macaroni Grill
• Ruby Tuesday
• Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
• Shoney’s Waffle House
• Sonic Drive-In
• T.G.I. Friday’s
• Tilted Kilt
• Waffle House

While you can always call to be sure, don’t look for any of these restaurants to be open on Thanksgiving Day 2016:

• Bahama Breeze
• California Pizza Kitchen
• Carabba’s
• The Cheesecake Factory
• Hooters
• Houston’s Restaurant
• Olive Garden
• Outback Steakhouse
• R+D Kitchen
• Red Robin

Grocery Stores

This is a big thing that many people wonder about for Thanksgiving and it is if they are open to pick up last-minute items. Most local groceries such as Albertson’s, Kroger, Publix, and others will have their doors closing early on Wednesday night and staying closed through Thursday. You may not want to brave Walmart or Super Target crowds for grocery items, but you may have no choice.

Now, the most controversial subject of all is the stores and retailers that will be open for early Black Friday shopping on Thanksgiving Day 2016. Many stores have decided to keep their doors closed and let their employees celebrate the holiday with their friends and family.

As The Black Friday pointed out, though, many other retailers are willing to open their doors, stay open, and offer huge discounts. If you’re willing to leave the family on Thanksgiving Day/Night and brave the huge crowds, then here is where you can go.

Store Hours on Thanksgiving Day 2016

• Apple Stores – Almost all locations closed, but call to check
• Best Buy – 5 p.m. – 1 a.m. Friday
• Big Lots – 7 a.m. – 12 a.m. Friday
• Dollar General – 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• JCPenney – 3 p.m. into Black Friday
• KMart – 7 p.m. into Black Friday
• Kohl’s – 6 p.m. into Black Friday
• Macy’s – 5 p.m. into Black Friday
• Meijer – 24 hours
• Michaels – 6 p.m. – 2 a.m. Friday
• Old Navy – 4 p.m. – Black Friday
• Rite Aid – Most locations closed, but a few may be open
• Sears – 6 p.m. – 2 a.m. on Friday
• Sports Authority – 6 p.m. – 2 a.m. Friday
• Target – 6 p.m. into Black Friday
• Toys R’ Us – 5 p.m. into Black Friday
• Ulta – 6 p.m. – 2 a.m. Friday
• Walmart – 24 hours, but Black Friday deals begin at 6 p.m.

Some of these stores are located in your local malls, but not all will be open. If you’re in Minnesota, the Mall of America will actually be completely closed on Thanksgiving Day and not opening whatsoever.

For those that are looking to go out shopping, you may not see your favorite store listed above and that is for good reason – they’re going to be closed. Numerous retailers are following along with others in waiting for the actual Friday to start Black Friday sales and that’s why they won’t be open on Nov. 24, 2016.

Stores Closed on Thanksgiving Day 2016

• AAFES
• American Girl
• AT&T – Retail and Customer Service
• Babies R’ Us
• Barnes & Noble
• Bed Bath & Beyond
• BJ’s Wholesale Club
• Burlington Coat Factory
• Cabela’s
• Costco
• Crate and Barrel
• DSW
• Dillard’s
• Fred’s
• Fred Meyer
• Fry’s Electronics
• GameStop
• Guitar Center
• H&M
• HHGregg
• Half Price Books
• Harbor Freight Tools
• H-E-B
• Hobby Lobby
• Home Depot
• HomeGoods
• JoAnn Fabrics
• Lowe’s
• Marshall’s
• Menards
• Neiman Marcus
• Nordstrom
• Nordstrom Rack
• Patagonia
• P.C. Richard & Son
• Pep Boys
• PetCo
• Petsmart
• Pier 1 Imports
• REI
• Saks Fifth Avenue
• Sam’s Club
• Sportsman’s Warehouse
• Staples
• The Container Store
• T.J. Maxx
• Tractor Supply
• True Value

This is about as complete of a list as you’re going to get for the big Thanksgiving Day 2016 holiday for which stores and restaurants are open. Again, make sure to check with your local stores to see if they are following along with what most of the rest of the country is doing and to know their hours. This list will help you shop, keep your Thanksgiving table full of food, and grab a bite to eat while out doing early Black Friday shopping.

[Featured Image by Mitch Hrdlicka/Getty Images]