Here’s where you can dine in the Valley on Thanksgiving

Ed. Note: This story was updated to better reflect which dogs destroyed the dinner.

FARMERSBURG, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — You might remember the scene from A Christmas Story when a pack of dogs tear through the Parker family kitchen, destroying Ralphie and his family’s dinner, including their turkey. That’s when the family heads to a Chinese restaurant and is serenaded with Christmas music and a meal.

Whether your dog destroys dinner, your Aunt accidentally burns the Thanksgiving turkey, or you don’t feel like cooking, there is no need to fret, several restaurants will be open on Thanksgiving.

We’ve compiled a list of some of those establishments. We recommended double-checking store hours before you go as they are subject to change and vary by location.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and may be updated as we learn of more openings.

Wabash Valley Restaurants open on Thanksgiving:

• Bob Evans – Terre Haute
  • 8:00 a.m. – 7 p.m.
    • Bob Evans is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every Thanksgiving. This year, they’ll offer breakfast or a special homestyle Thanksgiving holiday meal.
• Cracker Barrel – Terre Haute
  • 7:00 a.m. – 10 p.m.
    • Cracker Barrel will serve a traditional Thanksgiving meal that includes turkey, dressing, gravy, cranberry relish, sweet potato casserole, and pumpkin pie. For those who prefer to celebrate at home, Cracker Barrel offers “Heat n’ Serve” meals, which can be pre-ordered and picked up before Thanksgiving.
• Denny’s – Terre Haute
  • 6:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m
    • Denny’s in Terre Haute confirmed they’ll be open their usual hours. They will serve their regular menu as well as special Thanksgiving meals, including the Turkey & Dressing Dinner. They will have traditional Thanksgiving sides and desserts to choose from. In addition, they will offer a turkey sandwich served on artisan bread.
• Dunkin’ – Terre Haute
  • 6:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
    • Dunkin of Terre Haute confirmed they’d be open with their regular menu.
• Golden Corral
  • The website shows they’ll be open regular hours, but check your store before you go.
    • In addition to regular buffet items, Golden Corral will also offer a special Thanksgiving buffet; including roasted turkey and holiday-glazed ham, plus traditional sides and desserts.
• IHOP – Terre Haute
  • Open 24-hours
    • IHOP of Terre Haute confirmed they will have their regular menu on Thanksgiving 2024.
• McDonald’s
  • McDonald’s restaurants are independently operated, meaning hours vary depending on the franchise owner.
    • WTWO checked with five Terre Haute locations that confirmed their stores would be open overnight on Wednesday and close at 11:00 a.m. Thanksgiving Day.
    • The Sullivan, Linton, and Brazil locations all confirmed they will be closed on Thanksgiving.
• Metro Diner – Terre Haute
  • 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
    • Regular menu available
• Starbucks
  • We called around to three Starbucks locations in Terre Haute all stated they’d be open on Thanksgiving
    • The Southpointe Location at 4900 S. U.S. HWY 41 will be open from 6:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
    • 2500 Wabash Ave. will be open 6:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
    • 3017 S. U.S. HWY 41 will be open 4:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.