The Rise of Ordering Thanksgiving Meals from Restaurants
As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us find ourselves knee-deep in plans for the perfect dinner. However, a significant shift is occurring in how Americans are approaching this beloved holiday tradition. According to a recent report, approximately 58% of people will order at least some of their Thanksgiving meal from restaurants this year. This trend reflects a growing preference for convenience over the labor-intensive process of home cooking.
Key Findings from the Report
This year, 53% of Americans plan to take advantage of takeout or delivery services for their Thanksgiving dinners—an increase from 37% in 2024 and 32% in 2023. Interestingly, an additional 5% of participants intend to dine in restaurants for their meals, which is consistent with last year’s figures and significantly lower than the peak of 17% in 2023.
Why Are Americans Turning to Restaurants?
Several factors contribute to this growing trend of ordering meals from restaurants:
- Convenience: About 63% of respondents indicated a desire to enjoy Christmas and avoid the stress of cooking.
- Cost-Effectiveness: 40% feel that ordering might be cheaper or comparable to the total cost of home-cooked meals.
- Less Hassle: 35% of people expressed that they prefer to avoid the hassle of preparing and cooking everything themselves.
- Quality Preference: 26% admitted they would rather enjoy professionally cooked meals.
- Time Constraints: 19% are simply too busy to prepare an elaborate Thanksgiving meal.
In a world where our schedules are busier than ever, it’s no surprise that more people are seeking out restaurant-prepared meals for their Thanksgiving celebrations. It’s a practical solution for enjoying the holiday without the usual stress.
The Impact of this Trend
This shift towards ordering from restaurants not only changes how families celebrate but also impacts local businesses that provide these services. Restaurants get a significant boost during this holiday season, thanks to the increased demand for ready-to-eat meals. Furthermore, the convenience of such options allows for a more enjoyable holiday atmosphere where families can focus on spending quality time together.
As you prepare for this Thanksgiving, consider the benefits of ordering some or all of your meal. After all, cooking doesn’t have to be synonymous with Thanksgiving. Embracing the help of local restaurants might just be the best way to ensure you have more time to relax and enjoy the festivities.
Conclusion
The trend showing that 58% of people will order at least some of their Thanksgiving meal from restaurants proves that convenience is becoming increasingly important during the holidays. It allows families to celebrate in a more relaxed atmosphere, permitting everyone to focus on what truly matters: gratitude and togetherness.
Related Reading
- How to Prepare a Stress-Free Thanksgiving Dinner
- Top Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas to Impress Your Guests
- Benefits of Eating Out for Special Occasions

