What Restaurants Are Open on Thanksgiving 2018? IHOP, Olive Garden, Denny's, Red Lobster and Others

Thanksgiving is the time for friends and family to gather for turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie—but maybe you don't fancy cooking it all yourself.

Research released by the National Restaurant Association this month suggested the upcoming national holiday—November 22, of course—will see some U.S. consumers supplementing their traditional meals with restaurant-prepared foods. It suggested that almost one in 10 (roughly 9 percent) of adults were currently planning to eat their Thanksgiving meal at a restaurant.

So if you are in that percentage, you may need to know where you can actually visit. Many venues are open as usual, while others will have special menus. Some may give staff the day off. Newsweek scoured the internet to find out which restaurants are planning to be open this Thanksgiving.

• Denny's—Open 24/7 nationwide | Store Locator

"As America's Diner, we pride ourselves on bringing family and friends together over a delicious meal all throughout the year," said John Dillon, chief marketing officer for Denny's back in October. "During the holidays, we aim to deliver on that promise and so much more. Whether it is in one of our booths, around a family dining table or even on opposite sides of the country, our guests can enjoy a warm, hearty meal wherever their holiday travel takes them."

• Olive Garden—Closed

Olive Garden says it closes for Thanksgiving Day to allow its team members time to spend time with their family and friends—and it may impact other day's opening hours.

It states online: "Depending on the amount of business on the day before...the restaurants may close early. We leave this decision to the discretion of the management team. Please contact the restaurant directly for the scheduled closing time the day before Thanksgiving."

• TGI Friday's—Most restaurants open | Store Locator

• Red Lobster—Closed (All Canada locations open)

• Applebee's—Most restaurants open | Store Locator

Your local Applebee's should be open this year, the business says online. However, according to offers.com, some locations may be closing early, so it is advisable to check individually.

• Waffle House—Most restaurants open 24 hours | Store Locator

• Cracker Barrel—Open | Store Locator

Online, Cracker Barrel says that while every store is open, operating hours may vary.

It states: "Breakfast is served all day. Starting at 11 a.m., enjoy a Homestyle Turkey n' Dressing Meal complete with Gravy, a sampling of Sugar Cured Ham, Sweet Potato Casserole with pecans, Cranberry Relish, your choice of a country side, a refillable beverage, made from scratch Buttermilk Biscuits or Corn Muffins, and Pumpkin Pie." It also does meals-to-go.

• IHOP—Individual opening hours | Store Locator

IHOP says online that 99 percent of its locations are independent franchisees. As such, most will set their own opening hours. It is advised to use the locator tool and check individually.

• Buffalo Wild Wings—Closed or adjusted hours | Store Locator

• Boston Market—Open | Store Locator

Boston Market is open for traditional plated meals, it says on its website. There is also family meal plans, whole pies and hot side dies. The restaurant also offers a new custom menu.

• Bob Evans—Open | Store Locator

Bob Evans is open on Thanksgiving Day 2018 with a full menu.

It said in a release: "For those who don't want to do any cooking or cleaning whatsoever, Bob Evans restaurant locations will be open until 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day and offer delicious, holiday-inspired entrees. Customers can place orders for the Thanksgiving Farmhouse Feast by calling, ordering online or in restaurant at any location with pickups available."

Wherever you decide to eat—Happy Thanksgiving!