Olive Garden to Close All 900 Locations for 24 Hours on Thanksgiving
Olive Garden, the famous Italian restaurant chain, has made a significant announcement regarding its holiday schedule. This year, all 900 Olive Garden locations across the United States will be temporarily closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The decision aims to prioritize the welfare of staff members, allowing them to celebrate these meaningful holidays with their families.
Reason for the Closure
Olive Garden’s closures reflect its long-standing commitment to treating both guests and employees as family. The restaurant chain wants to create a supportive work environment for its team members during these family-centered holidays. Consequently, those wishing to indulge in Olive Garden’s famous breadsticks, soup, and salad on November 27 or December 25 will need to seek alternative dining options.
Impact on Operations
While the majority of U.S. locations will close, specific Olive Garden restaurants in Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, and select international sites may have different operating hours. Patrons interested in visiting those locations should contact their local restaurant for accurate information regarding holiday hours.
Early Closure on Holiday Eves
Diners should also note that certain locations might have earlier closures on the evenings before each holiday, specifically November 26 and Christmas Eve. These decisions will depend on local customer traffic and will be determined by individual restaurant management.
Contrast with Other Chains
In contrast to Olive Garden’s decision, Cracker Barrel has announced that it will remain open on Thanksgiving Day. A recent update confirms that the restaurant will operate during its regular hours, providing diners with options for their holiday meals.
Other Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving
Several other restaurant chains have also opted to remain open on Thanksgiving, including:
- Capital Grille
- Eddie V’s
- Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse
- Fogo de Chao
- IHOP
- Maggiano’s Little Italy
- Romano’s Macaroni Grill
- Ruth’s Chris Steak House
- Seasons 52
- Waffle House
- Yard House
Closure of Retail Stores on Thanksgiving
Many retail stores will also close their doors on Thanksgiving this year. Notable retailers that will not operate on this holiday include:
- JCPenney
- Costco
- Kohl’s
- Aldi
- American Girl
- At Home
- Barnes and Noble
- Best Buy
- Home Depot
- Target
However, select retailers like Big Lots will have designated hours, running from 7 AM to midnight on Thanksgiving. This trend illustrates a broader reassessment among businesses about their operating schedules during the holiday season.
In summary, Olive Garden’s decision to close for Thanksgiving and Christmas underscores its commitment to family values, as the company encourages its employees to celebrate these special occasions with loved ones.
