Is Panera Open on Thanksgiving 2025?
Many people search for Panera Thanksgiving hours when planning their holiday meals, especially for fresh soups, bread bowls and warm bakery items. Panera Bread follows a very clear holiday tradition, and Thanksgiving is one of the few days each year when almost all Panera cafes remain completely closed. The brand focuses on giving employees the entire day with their families, which is why customers rarely find open Panera locations on Thanksgiving.
This guide explains everything you need to know, including Thanksgiving status, city-specific expectations, predicted timings for the few travel-hub exceptions, expert tips, alternatives and how to quickly check Panera hours near you.
Is Panera Open on Thanksgiving 2025?
Panera Bread is expected to be fully closed on Thanksgiving Day 2025 across the United States.
Holiday hour listings from the past several years show the same pattern: full-day closure for nearly every location. Only a very small number of airport or travel-center cafes may operate for limited hours, and even these depend on staff availability and flight traffic.
To avoid uncertainty, it’s always best to confirm your exact Panera location before visiting.
Panera Thanksgiving Hours 2025 (Predicted)
Panera does not provide regular service on Thanksgiving. A few travel hubs may offer limited hours.
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving Day | Closed | Closed | Almost all locations closed; rare airport cafes operate 8 AM to 3 PM |
| Day Before Thanksgiving | Regular hours | Regular hours | Heavy day for bakery, catering and pickups |
| Black Friday | Regular hours | Regular hours | Cafes reopen normally |
What Thanksgiving Day Usually Looks Like at Panera
Panera keeps Thanksgiving simple: doors stay closed at nearly every cafe.
Only occasional airport or travel-focused cafes may open for a short period.
Here is the expected schedule for those rare open locations:
| Time Slot | Expected Schedule |
|---|---|
| Late Morning | Airport cafes may open around 8 AM |
| Midday | Limited service may continue between 11 AM and 2 PM |
| Afternoon | Some locations close by 3 PM |
| Evening | All locations closed for the remainder of the day |
Most standalone, corporate-owned and mall-based Panera cafes remain shut for the full holiday.
Panera Thanksgiving Hours in Major U.S. Cities
Here is what you can expect in major cities for 2025:
| City | Thanksgiving Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | Closed | Airport terminals may offer limited service |
| Los Angeles | Closed | Rare variations at travel hubs |
| Chicago | Closed | Malls and suburban areas stay shut |
| Houston | Closed | Possible airport exceptions |
| Phoenix | Closed | Local cafes remain closed |
| Philadelphia | Closed | Tourist zones closed all day |
| Dallas | Closed | Limited service only at airport areas |
| Miami | Closed | Airport cafes are most likely to operate |
| Atlanta | Closed | Travel centers may open briefly |
| Seattle | Closed | Cafes follow full public holiday closure |
You can also check our full Panera holiday hours guide to see the schedule for every major holiday.
Why Panera Has Different Thanksgiving Hours
Panera locations follow different schedules because every cafe operates in a unique setting.
Here are the major factors that affect Thanksgiving hours:
• Corporate policy encourages a full-day closure
• Mall and shopping center cafes remain shut because centers close
• Staffing availability varies by region
• Airport and travel hub cafes adjust based on passenger demand
• Franchise flexibility exists in very rare markets
Even with small variations, Panera is one of the most consistent chains when it comes to holiday closures.
Why You Don’t Need to Worry
Even if your nearby Panera cafe stays closed on Thanksgiving, you still have plenty of meal options.
• Major restaurants stay open throughout the holiday
• Food delivery apps show instantly which places are operating
• Airport dining stays active all day
• Panera fully reopens with normal hours the next morning
For more comparisons, you can also check our Sonic Thanksgiving Hours and Chipotle Thanksgiving Hours guides.
Best Alternatives If Panera Is Closed
If Panera isn’t open in your area, these restaurants generally stay open on Thanksgiving:
• McDonald’s
• Waffle House
• Denny’s
• Burger King
• IHOP
• Golden Corral
These options offer a wide range of warm meals, breakfast dishes and all-day service.
Expert Tips for Thanksgiving Planning
• Place bakery or soup orders one day before Thanksgiving
• Use the Panera store locator to confirm hours
• Check Google Maps for live updates
• Expect full closure unless you’re near an airport
• Pick up breakfast or lunch early on the day before the holiday
How to Check Panera Hours Near You
Here are the quickest ways to confirm Panera’s Thanksgiving schedule:
- Use the Panera Bread store locator
- Call your nearest cafe
- Check Google Maps for holiday-hour updates
- Look on delivery apps for availability
- Review recent customer posts for real-time changes
FAQs
Is Panera open on Thanksgiving 2025?
No, most Panera locations stay closed for the full day.
What time does Panera open on Thanksgiving Day?
Regular stores remain closed. Rare travel hubs may open around 8 AM.
What time does Panera close on Thanksgiving Day?
If any location opens, it usually closes by 2 PM or 3 PM.
Are mall Panera cafes open on Thanksgiving?
No, mall and shopping-center locations stay fully closed.
Does Panera offer delivery on Thanksgiving?
Delivery only works if a rare open airport cafe is available.
Are airport Panera cafes open on Thanksgiving?
Some airport cafes may open depending on flight schedules.
conclusion
If you’re simply trying to figure out whether Panera is open on Thanksgiving, the answer is almost always no. Most cafes close completely so employees can enjoy the holiday. Only a few travel-area cafés open for short hours, and even those aren’t guaranteed. That’s why checking your specific location first is always the smartest step. Once you know your café’s status, planning your Thanksgiving meal becomes much easier.
