Families scrambling to finish Thanksgiving preparations still have options if they need to make a last-minute grocery run or grab a quick meal out, with several major chains and local markets staying open Thursday across the Seattle area. While many retailers and restaurants have reduced hours or are closed entirely for the holiday, a mix of supermarkets, drugstores, and eateries are ready to serve customers who forgot an ingredient or prefer to skip the kitchen altogether.
Grocery stores and pharmacies
Several major grocery chains are keeping their doors open on Thanksgiving Day, though most are operating on shortened schedules. Fred Meyer locations will be open with reduced hours and plan to close at 4 p.m., while QFC stores are open until 6 p.m. Safeway is also open on Thanksgiving, typically with adjusted hours, and some 24-hour locations may remain open all day.
Whole Foods stores are welcoming shoppers from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., though specific hours can vary by location. Metropolitan Market is open as well, but with reduced hours, typically closing around 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. depending on the store. Amazon Fresh locations are scheduled to be open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for those needing to pick up fresh produce or pantry staples.
CVS pharmacies that normally operate 24 hours will continue to do so on Thanksgiving, while other locations have varying hours. Dollar General stores are open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s outdoor retailers are welcoming customers starting at 8 a.m.
Restaurants and fast food
For families looking to dine out or grab a quick bite instead of cooking at home, a number of national restaurant and fast-food chains are open on Thanksgiving, though hours can differ by location. Denny’s and IHOP are both serving customers, offering breakfast-style comfort food and traditional holiday meals throughout the day.
Fast-food options include McDonald’s, Burger King, Popeyes, and Subway, with most locations open but operating on modified schedules. Starbucks locations are largely open as well, providing coffee and quick snacks for those on the go, though individual store hours vary.
Sit-down chains staying open for the holiday include Applebee’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Buca di Beppo, offering sit-down meals and takeout options for families who want restaurant-quality food without the hassle of cleanup. Krispy Kreme is also open, giving customers a chance to pick up donuts and pastries for holiday gatherings.
What to know before heading out
With reduced hours and varying schedules across locations, officials and store representatives are urging customers to check their local listings or call ahead before making the trip. Some stores may close earlier than usual, and popular items could sell out quickly as the day goes on.
For Seattle-area residents who need to make a last-minute run or prefer to grab a prepared meal, the options are there, but planning ahead and confirming hours will help avoid a wasted trip on a day when most of the city slows down to celebrate.