Is Chick-Fil-A Open On Thanksgiving 2021?

Thanksgiving in the U.S. always falls on a Thursday, so it's reasonable to wonder if Chick-fil-A will be open for the upcoming holiday — even if turkey isn't on the menu. After all, the fried chicken chain's standard-issue readerboard sign says "Closed Sunday," not "Closed Sunday and the fourth Thursday in November."

Closing Sunday is a rarity in the fast food business, if only because restaurant owners would miss out on one day's worth of profits every week. But Chick-fil-A's leaders will tell you that profits take a back seat to higher priorities on Sunday. The Chicken Wire explains that ever since Chick-fil-A's founding, its restaurants have closed on Sunday to give employees the opportunity "to rest and to worship if they choose." (Since Muslims typically head to mosque for midday prayer on Fridays, and Jews go to synagogue on Saturdays, this day off likely benefits Chick-fil-A's Christian employees the most.) As new CEO Andrew Cathy told The Wall Street Journal in a recent interview, "We continued that philosophy of keeping our stores closed on Sundays so that people can go to church if they want to, if they need some time with family."

Thursdays in general and Thanksgiving in particular aren't big church days, but Chick-fil-A takes Thanksgiving off, too, so people can properly express the meaning of the holiday. "We're taking time this day to reflect on what we're grateful for — our family, friends, team members, and guests– and to enjoy our second favorite bird," Chick-fil-A announced on The Chicken Wire.

If for some reason you simply must feast on Chick-fil-A this Thanksgiving, then you can order through the chain's catering service for pickup or delivery the day before the holiday. Chick-fil-A helpfully suggests you order the reheatable nugget tray, or a batch of chocolate fudge brownies or chocolate chip cookies.

If you are intent on eating a freshly fried chicken sandwich this turkey day, then you have options outside of Chick-fil-A. Popeyes will be open on Thanksgiving Day, according to Fast Food Menu Prices. Now that a lot of popular fast food chains have jumped on the fried chicken sandwich bandwagon, you can also get your fix at Burger King, Wendy's, or McDonald's on the holiday.