Americans have come to expect that everything is available 24/7, especially on holidays.
But one major chain is bucking that trend.
And Chick-fil-A just shut the door on Thanksgiving in a way that left fast food competitors scrambling.
Chick-fil-A stands firm on closing Thanksgiving while competitors stay open
While most fast food chains scramble to stay open on Thanksgiving Day 2025, Chick-fil-A is taking a very different approach.
The chicken chain announced all locations will be closed on Thursday, November 27.
No Triple Dippers at Chili's either — they're shutting down too.
But McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Popeyes and dozens of other chains will keep their doors open while families gather around the dinner table.¹
Chick-fil-A's decision shouldn't surprise anyone who knows the company's history.
The chain has been closed on Sundays since founder Truett Cathy opened his first restaurant in 1946.
Now they're extending that same philosophy to one of America's biggest family holidays.
Chick-fil-A's founder S. Truett Cathy made the decision to close on Sundays in 1946 when he opened his first restaurant. He knew what it was like to work seven days a week in restaurants, so he saw the importance of letting his employees set aside one day to rest and worship if they choose.²
The company applies that same reasoning to Thanksgiving.
The company is applying that same reasoning to Thanksgiving.
Most McDonald's locations will be serving Big Macs on Turkey Day, though customers are advised to double-check their nearest location.¹
Burger King hours vary by location, so fans will need to call ahead or use their online store locator.¹
Wendy's has confirmed many locations will be open, making Frosty's available alongside the rest of their menu on Thanksgiving.¹
Popeyes is going all-in on the holiday — whether customers want fried chicken or their frozen Cajun-style turkey, the chicken spot will be open for business.¹
The business case for staying closed while competitors chase holiday dollars
Here's what the bean counters at other chains don't want to admit: Chick-fil-A is crushing them financially while staying closed one day a week.
The chicken chain generates more revenue per restaurant than any other fast food operation in America — and they do it in six days what competitors can't do in seven.
Chick-fil-A's average location brings in $9.4 million in annual sales.³
Compare that to McDonald's, which averages around $4 million per location despite being open 24/7 in many cases.³
The gap is staggering.
Competitors like Krispy Kreme are opening until 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving, Dave & Buster's is starting service at 4 p.m., and White Castle will stay open until 3 p.m.¹
They're all chasing those holiday dollars while their employees miss time with family.
But Chick-fil-A has proven you don't need to be open every day to dominate your industry.
The chain's commitment to giving employees time off for major holidays and Sundays has created incredible employee loyalty.
That translates to better customer service, lower turnover costs, and a brand reputation that money can't buy.
Cracker Barrel is taking a middle path — they'll serve Thanksgiving food starting at 11 a.m. on November 27, and fans can even join an online wait list to score a timely seat.¹
IHOP will be flipping flapjacks with hours that vary by location.¹
The question these chains should be asking themselves is simple: Are the Thanksgiving Day sales worth the cost to employee morale and family time?
Chick-fil-A already knows the answer, and their industry-leading sales numbers prove them right.
¹ Sabrina Weiss, "Fast-Food and Chain Restaurants Open Thanksgiving Day 2025: What to Expect for Your Holiday Meal," PEOPLE Magazine, November 17, 2025.
² Chick-fil-A, "About: It's Our Pleasure To Serve You," Chick-fil-A.com, June 5, 2025.
³ Restaurant Business, "Chick-fil-A's unit volumes at stand-alone restaurants hit $9M last year," April 4, 2024.
