is Olive Garden open on Thanksgiving?
Many people search for Olive Garden Thanksgiving hours each year because they want to know if the restaurant stays open for pasta, soup, salad and family meals. If you want the direct answer to is Olive Garden open on Thanksgiving, here it is early. Most Olive Garden locations close on Thanksgiving Day.
This guide gives clear and updated details. You will see the exact status, Thanksgiving Eve hours, Black Friday hours, city expectations, and how to check your local Olive Garden in seconds.
Quick Answer
Olive Garden is closed on Thanksgiving Day in most locations. Restaurants stay closed the entire day.
Olive Garden Thanksgiving Hours 2025
Here is a clear table for Thanksgiving week.
| Day | Status | Typical Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving Day | Closed | No service |
| Thanksgiving Eve | Open | Regular hours or early close |
| Black Friday | Open | Normal hours |
These hours follow the company’s holiday schedule.
Is Olive Garden Open on Thanksgiving
Most customers ask is Olive Garden open on Thanksgiving because they want a warm holiday meal. Olive Garden closes on Thanksgiving so employees can spend the day with family. This has been the standard policy for years.
Some rare franchise locations may adjust hours, but the rule remains the same. The Thanksgiving Day schedule is closed.
Why Olive Garden Stays Closed on Thanksgiving
Olive Garden keeps Thanksgiving Day closed for a few reasons. The brand believes the holiday is important for staff and families. Many restaurants also see low customer traffic on this day, so closing is the standard practice.
Olive Garden Thanksgiving Eve Hours
Olive Garden is open on Thanksgiving Eve. Most stores follow regular hours. Some locations close a little early at night. That depends on staffing and city traffic. If you want dinner or take-out, it is better to visit earlier in the evening.
Olive Garden Black Friday Hours
Olive Garden returns to normal hours on Black Friday. Most stores open around 11 am and close at their regular time. Lunch hours are very busy because many people go out after shopping.
Olive Garden Hours in Major Cities
Thanksgiving closures are the same in most cities, but Thanksgiving Eve and Black Friday hours vary. Here is a simple overview.
| City | Thanksgiving Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | Closed | Eve hours may shorten |
| Chicago | Closed | Traffic affects dinner hours |
| Houston | Closed | Eve hours stay normal |
| Phoenix | Closed | Early dinner is common |
| Miami | Closed | High demand on Black Friday |
| Atlanta | Closed | Eve hours vary by location |
| Seattle | Closed | Some stores close early on Eve |
Use this as a general guide for planning.
What to Expect Instead of Dine-In
Olive Garden does not offer Thanksgiving dine-in service. Some locations prepare holiday catering meals before Thanksgiving Day. These meals must be ordered early because stock sells out quickly. If you want pasta or a classic Italian meal, Thanksgiving Eve is the best day to visit.
How to Check Olive Garden Thanksgiving Hours Near You
You can confirm exact hours in a few seconds.
- Open the Olive Garden website and use the store locator.
- Check Google Maps for holiday hour updates.
- Call the restaurant directly for the latest timing.
- Use the Olive Garden app for live store information.
These steps help you confirm local changes before you visit.
If you want to see how another family-style chain manages its holiday schedule, you can read my full Bob Evans Thanksgiving Hours guide for complete timing details.
You can also check my Sonic Thanksgiving Hours update to learn which drive-in locations stay open on Thanksgiving Day.
Other Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving
Many people also search for restaurants that stay open on Thanksgiving. Here is a helpful table of popular chains that usually open with limited hours.
| Restaurant | Thanksgiving Status | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| McDonald’s | Many open | Breakfast and lunch in most busy cities |
| Starbucks | Many open | Airport and travel areas stay open |
| Dunkin’ | Most open | Early morning coffee and donuts |
| Wendy’s | Many open | Reduced hours in suburbs |
| Whataburger | Usually open | Many 24 hour stores adjust slightly |
| Popeyes | Many open | Hours depend on franchise owners |
| Golden Corral | Many open | Holiday buffet at select locations |
| Cracker Barrel | Open | Special Thanksgiving meals |
| IHOP | Most open | Breakfast all day |
| Denny’s | Open | One of the most reliable Thanksgiving options |
This list helps you compare food choices in your area.
FAQs
Is Olive Garden open on Thanksgiving Day
No. Most locations close for the full day.
What time does Olive Garden open on Thanksgiving
Olive Garden remains closed on Thanksgiving.
Is Olive Garden open on Thanksgiving Eve
Yes. Hours may stay normal or close earlier.
Does Olive Garden open on Black Friday
Yes. Most stores open at regular time.
Does Olive Garden offer Thanksgiving meals
Some stores offer holiday catering before Thanksgiving.
Are Olive Garden hours the same in every city
No. Eve hours and Black Friday hours can vary.
Can I order Olive Garden take-out on Thanksgiving
No. Thanksgiving Day remains closed.
Do Olive Garden franchise stores follow the same policy
Most follow the same rule. Some rare exceptions exist.
Conclusion
Most Olive Garden locations close on Thanksgiving Day. Stores open the day before and return to normal hours on Black Friday. Always confirm your local hours through the store locator or Google Maps so you can plan your holiday meal without confusion.
