The Definitive Answer: Is Chili's Closed On Thanksgiving Day 2025? (Plus 7 Open Alternatives)
Planning your Thanksgiving meal and hoping to grab a quick Presidente Margarita or some sizzling fajitas at Chili's? As of the latest information for the upcoming holiday season, the definitive answer to the question "Is Chili's closed on Thanksgiving Day?" is yes—Chili's Grill & Bar locations across the United States are traditionally closed on Thanksgiving Day. This long-standing policy ensures that the company’s dedicated team members can enjoy the holiday with their families, a commitment that has remained consistent for many years.
This comprehensive guide will break down the exact holiday schedule for Chili's, including their hours on Thanksgiving Eve, and provide you with a full list of over a dozen other popular restaurant chains that *will* be open on Thursday, November 27, 2025, so your holiday dining plans remain stress-free. Understanding the specific operating hours for national chains on major holidays like Thanksgiving is crucial for avoiding disappointment, especially if you're traveling or simply looking for a break from cooking a massive turkey dinner.
Chili's Grill & Bar Holiday Operating Policy: A Closer Look
Chili's, owned by Brinker International, maintains a very clear and consistent policy regarding major national holidays. Unlike some competitors that opt for limited hours or a select number of open franchised locations, Chili’s chooses to close virtually all corporate and franchised restaurants on Thanksgiving Day.
This decision is primarily employee-focused, recognizing the importance of family time during one of the most celebrated holidays of the year. The company's closure on Thanksgiving is one of only two days of the year that all locations are typically shut down, the other being Christmas Day.
Chili's Thanksgiving Day Hours 2025
- Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 27, 2025): All Chili's locations are CLOSED.
- Reason: To allow all staff members to spend the holiday with their families.
- What to Expect: No dine-in, no takeout, and no delivery options will be available from Chili's on this day.
While some sources suggest that a rare, independently operated franchise location *might* choose to open, this is highly uncommon and should not be relied upon. The safest assumption for anyone planning a meal on Thanksgiving Day is that their local Chili's will be completely closed.
Thanksgiving Eve and Black Friday Hours
If you need your fix of Triple Dippers or a classic Oldtimer with Cheese, your best bet is to visit the day before or the day after Thanksgiving. The holiday impact often extends beyond just the main day, so it’s important to note the hours for Thanksgiving Eve as well.
- Thanksgiving Eve (Wednesday, November 26, 2025): Chili's will generally be OPEN, but often with reduced hours. Many locations close two hours earlier than their standard schedule, typically around 9:00 PM instead of 11:00 PM.
- Black Friday (Friday, November 28, 2025): All Chili's locations are expected to resume REGULAR HOURS. This is one of the busiest shopping days of the year, and restaurants are typically fully operational to serve shoppers and travelers.
To ensure accuracy, especially on Thanksgiving Eve, always call your specific local Chili's location or check their official website or app before heading out, as local management retains some flexibility over closing times.
Why Do Some Restaurants Close While Others Stay Open? (Topical Authority)
The decision for a major chain like Chili's to close on Thanksgiving is a strategic one that balances public demand with employee morale and operational costs. This is a key differentiator in the casual dining landscape.
The Employee-First Approach
For chains like Chili's, Olive Garden, and Chick-fil-A (which are also typically closed), the priority is often an employee-first culture. Closing on a major holiday is a significant benefit to staff, helping to attract and retain quality team members in a competitive industry. It sends a clear message that the company values its employees' personal time.
The Operational Cost Factor
While the demand for dining out on Thanksgiving is high, the cost of labor is also elevated. Many states require "holiday pay" (time and a half) for employees working on national holidays. For a full-service, casual dining restaurant, the increased labor costs may outweigh the potential revenue, especially considering the limited menu and operational complexity required to serve a holiday crowd. This is less of an issue for quick-service restaurants that operate with smaller crews.
The Holiday Menu Challenge
Thanksgiving diners are usually looking for a traditional turkey dinner or a holiday buffet. Restaurants that stay open, like Cracker Barrel or Bob Evans, often offer a dedicated holiday menu, which requires significant changes to their supply chain and kitchen operations. Chains like Chili's, which specialize in Tex-Mex and American classics, would need to completely overhaul their menu to meet holiday expectations, a logistical hurdle they choose to avoid.
7 Popular Restaurant Chains That Will Be Open on Thanksgiving 2025
Since Chili's is off the table for your Thanksgiving meal, you have plenty of other options. Whether you’re looking for a traditional turkey dinner, a breakfast feast, or just a non-traditional holiday meal, these chains are reliably open on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025. Always remember to check with your local branch for specific hours and to make a reservation, as tables fill up fast!
- Cracker Barrel: A classic choice for Thanksgiving. They typically offer a traditional "Homestyle Turkey n' Dressing Meal" for dine-in or a full "Heat n' Serve" family meal for takeout.
- Denny's: Famous for being open 24/7, 365 days a year, Denny's is a reliable option. They usually offer a special holiday menu alongside their regular diner fare.
- IHOP (International House of Pancakes): Most locations are open, providing a great option for an early holiday breakfast or brunch before the main festivities.
- Waffle House: Like Denny's, Waffle House is known for being open around the clock, even during major holidays, making it a perfect spot for late-night or early-morning travelers.
- Applebee's: While not all locations are guaranteed to be open, many Applebee's franchises choose to operate on Thanksgiving with limited hours, sometimes offering a special holiday plate.
- Bob Evans: A popular choice for a traditional holiday meal, Bob Evans is widely known for its "Farmhouse Feast" for takeout and holiday-themed dine-in specials.
- TGI Fridays: Many TGI Fridays locations will be open, often with reduced hours, providing a casual option for those looking for a non-traditional meal like burgers or ribs.
Other Chains Typically Closed on Thanksgiving
To help you save time on your holiday planning, here are a few other major casual dining and fast-casual chains that follow a policy similar to Chili's and are generally closed on Thanksgiving Day:
- Olive Garden
- Chick-fil-A
- Chipotle
- Panda Express
- Panera Bread
- Texas Roadhouse
The Bottom Line for Your Holiday Plans
In summary, if your heart was set on Chili’s for your Thanksgiving meal on Thursday, November 27, 2025, you’ll need to make a different plan. The restaurant chain’s commitment to its employees means all locations will be closed. Your best options are to visit Chili's on Wednesday, November 26, but be aware of the early closing time, or choose one of the many other restaurants that have chosen to stay open for the holiday. By planning ahead and making a quick call to confirm hours or a reservation, you can ensure your Thanksgiving dining experience is a success.
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