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Restaurants are offering Thanksgiving bundles to feed the family

Traditional and non-traditional dinners for dine-in and take-out

Updated:

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By:
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Mark Huffman
Reporter

Mark Huffman has covered consumer issues since 2004, with a special focus on protecting and empowering older adults. A former news correspondent for the Associated Press Radio Network, Westwood One, and ConsumerAffairs, Mark brings decades of journalistic experience to RetirementLiving.com. He is passionate about giving consumers a voice and helping them make informed decisions. Mark has also created educational content, including Senior Scam Alert, a video resource designed to help seniors recognize and avoid fraud. He holds a B.A. from the University of Kentucky and lives with his family in Richmond, Virginia.
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Photo by Megan Watson on Unsplash

Key Insights

  • Ruth’s Chris Steak House — “Thanksgiving at Your Table” bundle with Caesar or Steak House salad, Au Gratin potatoes, creamed spinach, sweet potato casserole, roasted Brussels sprouts, and sausage & herb stuffing.
  • Maggiano’s Little Italy — Three-course dine-in or carry-out bundle featuring salads, turkey, ham, or tilapia entrées, classic sides, pastas, and Pumpkin Praline Cheesecake.
    Dine-in: $36.95 adults, $17.95 kids; carry-out for 5 around $185.
    Carry-out orders begin Nov. 20; 24-hour notice required.
  • Cracker Barrel Old Country Store — Heat & Serve to-go bundles and dine-in turkey plates with dressing, gravy, cranberry relish, sides, and pies.
    Bundles for 4–6 ($104.99) or 8–10 ($154.99); individual plates ~$17–$20.
    Order early for pickup; some stores open Thanksgiving Day.

Thanksgiving is when extended families tend to show up at Mom and Dad’s place. But if you don’t have time to spend hours in the kitchen to feed the family, there are plenty of restaurants that can provide a sumptuous holiday spread.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House invites guests to bring home an elevated take on tradition with its Thanksgiving at Your Table bundle. The menu leans upscale, featuring sides like Au Gratin potatoes and creamed spinach, with medium and large packages designed for gatherings big or small. Availability and pricing vary, and pre-ordering is essential.

At Maggiano’s Little Italy, families can enjoy an Italian-American spin on Thanksgiving. The three-course meal — offered both in-restaurant and for takeout — blends classics like turkey breast and mashed potatoes with signature pastas and a seasonal Pumpkin Praline Cheesecake.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store continues its long-standing tradition of offering both dine-in turkey plates and Heat & Serve take-home meals. With bundles serving up to ten people and prices starting just over $100, it’s one of the most accessible options for hosts who prefer to skip cooking altogether.

From quick bites to buffet feasts

Not every Thanksgiving has to mean hours around the table. For those seeking flexibility or smaller-scale celebrations:

  • Perkins Restaurant & Bakery offers whole roasted turkey take-home packages and its seasonal Turkey Gobbler Sandwich — a portable twist on the holiday meal.
  • Arby’s joins the trend with its Deep Fried Turkey Gobbler and Club sandwiches, ideal for anyone craving Thanksgiving flavor on the go.
  • IHOP serves up a Homestyle Turkey & Stuffing Dinner alongside seasonal pancakes, making it a convenient option for early risers.

For buffet fans, Golden Corral provides a sprawling Thanksgiving spread with turkey, ham, sides, and dessert, available both for dine-in and take-home. Similarly, Bob Evans Farmhouse offers multiple heat-and-serve dinner bundles, starting around $82, perfect for hosts looking to simplify.

Traditional or not, planning is key

Several chains — including Boston Market, Olive Garden, and Golden Corral — plan to remain open on Thanksgiving Day, though hours may vary. Boston Market will feature its classic turkey meals both for dine-in and takeout, while Olive Garden will serve regular or holiday-inspired menus.

With rising demand for convenient holiday meals, early ordering is more important than ever. Many restaurants open pre-orders weeks in advance and often sell out before the holiday weekend. Whether you’re craving prime steak, pasta, or traditional turkey, this year’s restaurant offerings make it easier than ever to celebrate Thanksgiving your way — without turning on the oven.