For many of us, Thanksgiving — with its stomach-busting meal of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and a countless parade of pies and cakes — is just an afterthought. Our family will always be there, food will always be overflowing and when the last Thursday in November hits, we have a place to celebrate, surrounded by friends and family.
That isn’t the case for everyone. Hardships can happen to anyone at anytime. Lost jobs, bad investments, unforeseen tragedy — suddenly we can’t afford to make that giant Thanksgiving meal our parents made for us when we were young. Luckily, there are compassionate, selfless people all over the country who are more than happy to offer free meals this Thanksgiving. Scroll below to see a list of restaurants by state.
Alabama
Season’s Casual Dining
In Florence
Season’s Casual Dining is providing a free community Thanksgiving meal, including: turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, green beans, and other sides.
California
Franchettis’
In Santa Rosa
To celebrate Thanksgiving, Franchettis’ in Santa Rosa is offering a free, traditional thanksgiving buffet for victims of the wild fires, first responders, and their families from 11am-6pm. Reservations are recommended.
Florida
Genghis Khan Mediterranean Grill
In Tampa
Owner Ergin Tek is offering a free Thanksgiving meal to elderly, students, and anyone who needs a place to go for the holiday.
Golden Corral
In Orlando
This Golden Corral franchise has been offering free Thanksgiving meals for over twenty years. The same goes for this year, when it will join with the Salvation Army to offer a community Thanksgiving dinner.
Ilinois
Al’s Family Restaurant
In Morris
Al’s Family Restaurant will offer a free Thanksgiving meal from noon-1:30pm. They will also accept donations of used glasses and hearing aids
Indiana
Crazy Buffet
In Evansville
To show thanks to the community for its support, Crazy Buffet is offering a free Thanksgiving buffet from 11am-7pm.
Louisiana
Bailey’s Seafood & Grill
In Lafayatte
For more than twenty years, Bailey’s Seafood & Grill has offered a Thanksgiving meal for the community. They keep that tradition alive this year with the meal being served from 10:30am-2pm.
Maryland
The Greene Turtle
In West Ocean City
The bar and pub is offering a free carryout Thanksgiving platter for those in need from 11am-1pm.
Michigan
Aubree’s Pizzeria & Grill
In Marquette
The restaurant will offer a full Thanksgiving meal for the community from noon-4pm.
Big League Brews
In Taylor
Big League Brews is offering free Thanksgiving dinner from 3pm until the food runs out.
Leon’s Family Dining
In Dearborn
Leon’s is providing a free Thanksgiving dinner from 2pm-7pm.
Romulus House Restaurant
In Romulus
Stop by Romulus House between 4pm-8pm to get a free Thanksgiving dinner. They are also accepting donations to the local Goodfellows chapter.
New York
Bob’s Diner
In Brewster
Bob’s Diner’s annual free Thanksgiving dinner begins at 3:30pm. All dishes are donated by the community and it is open to everyone.
North Carolina
Skyland Restaurant
In Charlotte
The restaurant will offer a free take-out Thanksgiving dinner to everyone in need in the community.
Ohio
Irie Island Jamaican Restaurant
In Canton
From 2pm-6pm, homeless and less fortunate community members can enjoy a free Thanksgiving dinner.
PizzaFire
In Cleveland
The downtown Cleveland PizzaFire location will offer free pizzas for the less fortunate on Thanksgiving from 11am-1pm.
Oklahoma
Runt’s Ba-B-Q & Grill
In Muskogee
Anyone who stops by Runt’s today can get a free Thanksgiving meal. Deliveries are available for shut-in residents and those unable to make it into the restaurant.
Rhode Island
Missy’s Family Restaurant
In Woonsocket
Stop by Missy’s in Woonsocket to get a free Thanksgiving meal. They will also be delivering meals to those who can’t make it in and will also be giving out coats, hats, and gloves to community members in need.
Tennessee
Five Bar Knoxville
In Knoxville
Five Bar is offering a free, first come, first serve Thanksgiving meal from 11am-4pm. They will also be accepting donations for The Love Kitchen.
Texas
Curb Side Bistro 2014
In Odessa
From 11am-2pm, Curb Side Bistro will offer a free Thanksgiving meal consisting of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, various casseroles, and even desserts.
Lucy’s Big Burgers
In Abilene
Stop by Lucy’s Burgers from 11am-2pm and get a free Thanksgiving meal.
Mockingbird Diner
In Dallas
From 11am-3pm, the doors will be open at the Mockingbird Diner for a free Thanksgiving meal including turkey, green bean casserole, broccoli, rice, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy.
Norma’s Café
In Dallas
Norma’s Café will be providing free Thanksgiving meals from 11am-1pm. This includes their famous mile-high pie.
The Slow Bone
In Dallas
Stop by the Slow Bone from noon-4pm to get a free Thanksgiving meal.
Wisconsin
The Blind Horse Restaurant and Winery
In Kohler
The Blind Horse will offer a free Thanksgiving meal to those in need from 11am-3pm. You do need to call ahead and get a reservation though. The number is 920-400-0402.
