Is Dairy Queen Open on Thanksgiving Day? The Definitive Guide

The short answer is: It depends. While there’s no nationwide, blanket policy for Dairy Queen franchises regarding Thanksgiving Day operations, many Dairy Queen locations are CLOSED on Thanksgiving Day. However, some franchises do opt to remain open, often with limited hours. Your best bet is always to check with your local Dairy Queen directly to confirm their holiday hours.

Dairy Queen on Thanksgiving: A Franchise-Based Decision

Dairy Queen operates under a franchise model. This means that each individual Dairy Queen restaurant is owned and operated by an independent franchisee. Because of this structure, decisions regarding holiday hours, including whether to be open on Thanksgiving Day, are left to the discretion of the individual owner. This leads to significant variations across different locations. While some owners may choose to close to allow their employees to spend the holiday with family, others might see an opportunity to serve customers who are traveling or looking for a quick dessert after their Thanksgiving meal.

Why the Uncertainty?

The decentralized nature of Dairy Queen’s business model is the primary reason for the inconsistency in holiday hours. Unlike corporate-owned chains that have a standardized approach, Dairy Queen grants considerable autonomy to its franchisees. Factors influencing a franchisee’s decision to remain open on Thanksgiving might include:

• Local demand: Is there a historical pattern of strong customer traffic on Thanksgiving in their area?
• Staffing availability: Can they secure enough employees willing to work on the holiday?
• Operating costs: Do the potential sales outweigh the higher labor costs associated with holiday pay?
• Community considerations: Do they believe opening would serve a need in their community, such as providing a dessert option for travelers?

How to Find Out if Your Dairy Queen is Open

Given the lack of a universal answer, you have several reliable ways to determine if your local Dairy Queen will be serving Blizzards on Thanksgiving:

• Call your local Dairy Queen directly: This is the most accurate and immediate way to get an answer. Find the phone number for your specific location through the Dairy Queen website or a search engine.
• Check the Dairy Queen website or app: Many franchises update their holiday hours on their official website or through the Dairy Queen app. Look for a “holiday hours” section or a notification about Thanksgiving closures.
• Visit their social media pages: Local Dairy Queen franchises often use social media (Facebook, Instagram, etc.) to announce holiday hours and special promotions. Check their pages for any updates.
• Drive by the location: If possible, drive by the Dairy Queen a day or two before Thanksgiving. Many restaurants will post their holiday hours on the front door or window.

Planning Ahead: A Thanksgiving Survival Strategy for Dairy Queen Fans

If you’re craving a Blizzard or a Dilly Bar on Thanksgiving, it’s crucial to plan ahead. Don’t wait until Thanksgiving Day to discover your local Dairy Queen is closed. Start your investigation several days in advance to avoid disappointment.

Alternatives if Your Dairy Queen is Closed

If your local Dairy Queen is indeed closed on Thanksgiving, don’t despair! Here are a few alternative options to satisfy your sweet tooth:

• Prepare your own ice cream treat: Get creative and make your own sundae or milkshake at home.
• Visit a grocery store: Stock up on your favorite ice cream brands from the grocery store before Thanksgiving.
• Consider other dessert options: Explore alternative desserts like pie, cookies, or cake.
• Look for other restaurants that are open: Some other fast-food chains or local restaurants might be open on Thanksgiving Day. Do some research in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Dairy Queen and Thanksgiving Day:

1. Does Dairy Queen have a corporate policy on Thanksgiving Day hours?

No, Dairy Queen does not have a corporate-wide policy mandating whether franchises should be open or closed on Thanksgiving Day. The decision is left to the individual franchisee.

2. Are all Dairy Queen locations closed on Thanksgiving?

No, not all Dairy Queen locations are closed on Thanksgiving. Some franchises choose to remain open, often with limited hours.

3. How can I find out if my local Dairy Queen is open on Thanksgiving?

The best way to find out is to call your local Dairy Queen directly, check their website or app, or visit their social media pages.

4. What time do Dairy Queens typically open on Thanksgiving if they are open?

If a Dairy Queen is open on Thanksgiving, they typically operate on limited hours, often opening later than usual (e.g., noon or 1 PM).

5. What time do Dairy Queens typically close on Thanksgiving if they are open?

Similarly, if a Dairy Queen is open on Thanksgiving, they typically close earlier than usual, often around 6 PM or 8 PM.

6. Do Dairy Queen employees get holiday pay on Thanksgiving?

Whether Dairy Queen employees receive holiday pay on Thanksgiving depends on the individual franchise’s policies. It’s not a guaranteed benefit across all locations.

7. Will Dairy Queen be offering any special promotions on Thanksgiving Day?

It is uncommon for Dairy Queen to offer special promotions specifically for Thanksgiving Day. However, it’s always worth checking with your local franchise to confirm.

8. Can I order a Dairy Queen cake for Thanksgiving?

Yes, you can generally order a Dairy Queen cake for Thanksgiving, but you need to place your order well in advance to ensure it’s ready in time. Keep in mind that some locations might have limited cake-making capabilities on or around Thanksgiving.

9. What are some popular Dairy Queen menu items for Thanksgiving?

While any Dairy Queen treat can be enjoyed on Thanksgiving, popular choices include Blizzards, ice cream cakes, Dilly Bars, and sundaes.

10. Is it more likely for a Dairy Queen in a rural area or a city to be open on Thanksgiving?

There’s no definitive answer to this question. The decision depends more on the individual franchisee’s assessment of local demand and staffing availability, rather than the location’s urban or rural setting.

11. If a Dairy Queen is closed on Thanksgiving, will it be open the day after (Black Friday)?

Typically, if a Dairy Queen is closed on Thanksgiving, it will resume normal business hours on Black Friday. However, it’s always prudent to double-check with your local franchise to confirm.

12. What if I have a bad experience at a Dairy Queen that is open on Thanksgiving?

If you have a negative experience at a Dairy Queen on Thanksgiving, you should contact the franchise owner or Dairy Queen customer service to report the issue. Be sure to provide specific details about your experience.

Final Thoughts

While the availability of Dairy Queen on Thanksgiving Day isn’t guaranteed, armed with the information above, you can increase your chances of securing your favorite DQ treat. Remember to plan ahead, contact your local franchise, and have a backup plan in case your Blizzard dreams are temporarily dashed. Happy Thanksgiving!