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Is Wingstop Closed on Thanksgiving? Your Holiday Wing-Craving Guide

Yes, in the vast majority of cases, Wingstop restaurants are closed on Thanksgiving Day. While policies can vary slightly by franchise location, you should expect most Wingstop locations to be shuttered on Thanksgiving so their employees can enjoy the holiday with their families.

Let’s dive deeper into the specifics and answer all your burning questions about your favorite wing spot during the Thanksgiving season.

Thanksgiving & Wingstop: A Feathery Dilemma

Thanksgiving is a time for turkey, stuffing, and family gatherings. But what if you’re craving something a little different? What if that undeniable urge for crispy, saucy wings hits you right in the middle of the holiday feast prep? That’s where Wingstop comes into the picture… or doesn’t, depending on the day.

The truth is, Wingstop, while a champion of flavor, generally takes a backseat on Thanksgiving. This aligns with many restaurants that prioritize giving their staff a well-deserved break during this family-centric holiday. This isn’t a hard and fast rule across the board, and there may be exceptions, so diligent planning is essential for those who can’t resist the siren call of atomic-flavored wings.

The Exceptions to the Rule: Franchise Freedom

While the general trend leans towards closure, it’s crucial to remember the world of franchising. Wingstop operates on a franchise model, meaning that individual store owners have a degree of autonomy in making decisions. This includes holiday hours.

This means that some Wingstop locations might choose to remain open on Thanksgiving, albeit with potentially reduced hours. Perhaps a specific store in a bustling metropolitan area anticipates enough demand to warrant staying open, or maybe the owner decides it’s a good business opportunity.

However, these instances are rare. Don’t bet on it!

How to Confirm Your Local Wingstop’s Thanksgiving Hours

Here are your battle-tested strategies to confirm whether your local Wingstop will be open or closed:

Call Ahead: This is the most direct and reliable method. Look up the phone number of your nearest Wingstop and give them a ring. A quick phone call will eliminate any uncertainty.
Check the Wingstop Website or App: Many Wingstop locations update their holiday hours on their official website or app. Look for a section specifically addressing holiday closures or special hours.
Social Media Sleuthing: Check Wingstop’s local social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram). Often, restaurants will announce their holiday hours on their social media platforms.
Third-Party Delivery Apps: If you typically order through a third-party delivery app (Grubhub, Uber Eats, DoorDash), check the app on Thanksgiving Day to see if your local Wingstop is listed as open. However, be aware that information on these apps might not always be entirely accurate, so cross-reference with another method.

Plan Ahead: Your Thanksgiving Wing Strategy

Assuming your local Wingstop is closed (the likely scenario), what’s a wing enthusiast to do? Fear not, for I, your seasoned wing expert, have a plan!

Pre-Thanksgiving Wing Feast: Satisfy your craving by enjoying a Wingstop meal the day before Thanksgiving. Consider it a pre-holiday indulgence!
Homemade Wings: Dust off those culinary skills and create your own wing masterpiece. There are countless wing recipes available online, allowing you to customize your flavors to your liking.
Explore Alternatives: If Wingstop is a no-go, consider other restaurants that might be open on Thanksgiving. Check local listings for fast-food chains or restaurants that traditionally stay open on holidays.

FAQs: All Your Wingstop Thanksgiving Questions Answered

Here are 12 frequently asked questions to further illuminate the Wingstop-Thanksgiving dynamic:

Does Wingstop typically announce holiday closures in advance?
While not always guaranteed, many Wingstop locations will announce their holiday hours on their website, app, or social media pages in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. Keep an eye out for these announcements.
If a Wingstop is open on Thanksgiving, will the menu be the same?
Generally, if a Wingstop location is open on Thanksgiving, the menu will remain the same. However, it’s always wise to confirm with the specific location, as they might have limited menu options due to staffing or supply constraints.
Are Wingstop delivery services available on Thanksgiving?
If a Wingstop location is open, delivery services (either through Wingstop directly or third-party apps) will likely be available. However, expect potential delays due to increased demand and limited staffing.
What are the typical hours of operation for Wingstop on the day before Thanksgiving?
The day before Thanksgiving, Wingstop locations typically operate under their regular hours. This is an excellent opportunity to grab your wing fix before the holiday closure.
Can I order Wingstop online for pickup on Thanksgiving if they’re open?
If a Wingstop is open on Thanksgiving, online ordering for pickup should be available. This can be a convenient option to avoid waiting in line.
Does Wingstop offer catering services for Thanksgiving parties?

While Wingstop offers catering services in general, it’s unlikely they will be fulfilling large catering orders on Thanksgiving Day. However, you could consider ordering catering for a pre-Thanksgiving gathering.
Are there any Wingstop promotions or deals specifically for Thanksgiving?
Wingstop doesn’t typically offer promotions or deals specifically for Thanksgiving. However, they regularly have ongoing deals and promotions that you can take advantage of in the days leading up to the holiday.
If my local Wingstop is closed, are there any similar restaurants open on Thanksgiving?
Many fast-food chains and casual dining restaurants remain open on Thanksgiving. Check local listings and online directories for options near you.
What’s the best way to find out the specific hours of operation for a Wingstop location?
The best way to find out the specific hours of operation is to call the location directly. You can also check their website or social media pages.
If a Wingstop location decides to close on Thanksgiving, when does it typically reopen?
Most Wingstop locations that close on Thanksgiving will reopen the following day, Black Friday, with their regular hours.
Is it possible to pre-order wings for Thanksgiving pickup, assuming the location is open?
While possible, it’s highly recommended to confirm with the specific Wingstop location if they will accept pre-orders for Thanksgiving Day pickup. This will depend on their individual policies and staffing levels.
What is the best alternative to Wingstop wings if they are closed on Thanksgiving?
Besides homemade wings, consider alternatives like fried chicken from other fast-food chains, rotisserie chicken from grocery stores, or even exploring Asian-inspired chicken dishes like General Tso’s chicken from local restaurants that might be open.

The Bottom Line: Prepare for Wingstop Closure (Mostly)

While the possibility of a Wingstop open on Thanksgiving exists, it’s prudent to operate under the assumption that your local store will be closed. By planning ahead and utilizing the strategies outlined above, you can ensure your Thanksgiving remains wing-craving-free, or at least you have some tasty alternatives lined up. Happy Thanksgiving, and may your holiday be filled with flavor, even if it doesn’t come from Wingstop!