Is Chick-fil-A open on Thanksgiving? This is one of the most common questions people ask as the holiday season approaches, especially for those who crave the chain’s famous chicken sandwiches, crispy waffle fries, and creamy milkshakes. Thanksgiving is a time for family gatherings, feasts, and sometimes last-minute runs for favorite foods—but when it comes to Chick-fil-A, knowing their holiday hours is essential to avoid disappointment. Whether you’re planning your Thanksgiving menu or just wondering if you can grab a quick bite before the big meal, this guide will cover everything you need to know about Chick-fil-A’s Thanksgiving hours and what to do if you’re craving their delicious offerings on the holiday.
Chick-fil-A’s Thanksgiving Policy: A Clear No—And Why
Let’s get straight to the point: No, Chick-fil-A is not open on Thanksgiving. This is a long-standing policy that aligns with the brand’s core values of putting family first. Unlike many other fast-food chains that stay open on major holidays to capitalize on customer demand, Chick-fil-A makes a conscious decision to close its doors on Thanksgiving Day to allow its employees to spend quality time with their loved ones. This commitment to employee well-being is a key part of Chick-fil-A’s identity, and it’s one of the reasons why the chain has such a loyal customer base and dedicated workforce.
Chick-fil-A’s closure on Thanksgiving isn’t a last-minute decision—it’s a deliberate choice that has been in place for years. The chain believes that Thanksgiving is a day for gratitude and connection, and forcing employees to work on this day would go against those principles. Instead, Chick-fil-A encourages its team members to take the day off, relax, and enjoy the holiday with their families, just like their customers do. This policy isn’t just about closing shops; it’s about honoring the spirit of Thanksgiving by prioritizing people over profits.
Chick-fil-A’s Holiday Hours Overview
While Chick-fil-A is closed on Thanksgiving, it’s important to note their hours for other holidays to plan your visits accordingly. For example, Chick-fil-A is also closed on Christmas Day, another major family-focused holiday. However, the chain typically remains open on most other holidays—like New Year’s Eve (with reduced hours), Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, and Independence Day—though hours may vary by location.
If you’re wondering about the days leading up to Thanksgiving, Chick-fil-A usually operates on its regular schedule. Most locations open around 6:30 AM and close around 10:00 PM, but it’s always best to confirm with your local Chick-fil-A to be sure. Some busy locations may extend their hours during the holiday season to accommodate increased customer traffic, but Thanksgiving Day itself is a universal closure for all Chick-fil-A restaurants across the country.
Alternatives If You Crave Chick-fil-A on Thanksgiving
So, what if you’re craving Chick-fil-A’s signature chicken sandwich or tangy sauce on Thanksgiving? Since the chain is closed, you have a few options to satisfy your craving:
Order Catering in Advance: Chick-fil-A offers a variety of catering options, including party trays of nuggets, sandwiches, and sides like mac and cheese or coleslaw. You can place your order a few days ahead and pick it up the day before Thanksgiving—perfect for adding a fan-favorite dish to your holiday spread without cooking it yourself.
Make Copycat Recipes at Home: Countless online recipes replicate Chick-fil-A’s iconic flavors. From crispy chicken sandwiches marinated in pickle juice to homemade waffle fries and signature sauce, making these dishes at home can be a fun family activity. You can customize them to your taste (add extra pickles, swap bread types, or adjust seasoning) and enjoy the flavors you love without leaving the house.
Visit on Black Friday: Chick-fil-A is open on Black Friday, so you can head to your local restaurant to satisfy your craving once the holiday is over. Just keep in mind that Black Friday can be busy, so go early to avoid long lines.
Why Chick-fil-A’s Closed Policy Matters
Chick-fil-A’s decision to close on Thanksgiving is more than a business choice—it’s a reflection of their core values. In an industry where many fast-food workers are forced to work long hours on holidays, Chick-fil-A stands out for prioritizing employee well-being. This policy shows that the chain cares about its team members as people, not just workers, and it builds strong loyalty among both employees and customers.
Customers often appreciate that Chick-fil-A values family time as much as they do. This alignment of values fosters trust and makes people feel good about supporting the brand. Moreover, the closure reinforces the meaning of Thanksgiving: it’s a day to step away from convenience and consumerism and focus on gratitude, connection, and family.
Common FAQs About Chick-fil-A’s Thanksgiving Hours
Let’s address some frequently asked questions to clear up any confusion:
Can I order Chick-fil-A catering for Thanksgiving?
Yes! Chick-fil-A’s catering services are available for pre-order. Pick up your order the day before Thanksgiving to enjoy your favorite items on the holiday.
Is Chick-fil-A open the day after Thanksgiving?
Yes, Chick-fil-A is open on Black Friday. Most locations operate on regular hours, but check your local restaurant for any adjustments.
What time does Chick-fil-A close before Thanksgiving?
Most locations close at their regular time (around 10:00 PM) the day before Thanksgiving, but some busy spots may stay open later. Confirm with your local restaurant to be sure.
Are there any Chick-fil-A locations open on Thanksgiving?
No—all Chick-fil-A locations are closed on Thanksgiving Day. This is a company-wide policy.
Can I get Chick-fil-A delivery on Thanksgiving?
No, since all locations are closed, delivery services like DoorDash or Uber Eats won’t have Chick-fil-A orders available on Thanksgiving.
Conclusion
Is Chick-fil-A open on Thanksgiving? The answer is no, but this decision is rooted in the chain’s commitment to its employees and their families. Chick-fil-A’s closed policy on Thanksgiving is a testament to their values, and it’s one of the reasons why the brand is so beloved.
If you’re craving Chick-fil-A on Thanksgiving, order catering in advance, make copycat recipes at home, or wait until Black Friday to visit. Whatever you choose, remember that Thanksgiving is a time to focus on family, gratitude, and joy.
Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy, and delicious Thanksgiving!