Restaurants Open On Thanksgiving 2013: 12 National Chains Where You Can Eat On Turkey Day

Not in the mood to cook a turkey this year? Or maybe you can’t even be bothered to order in? Lucky for you, there are many restaurants open this Thanksgiving for the cooking-impaired.

This year, with more Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday bargain hunters expected to shop than ever before, a record number of eateries, mall cafeterias and diners will open to cater to hungry consumers.

The Consumerist noted that these options aren't just for hungry shoppers who ditch their Thanksgiving dinners to wait in line but also for mall and store workers who are on the job throughout the day. The site added that some malls require their cafeterias and eateries to be open when the stores are open, forcing some national chains to serve food on the holiday.

But at the end of the day, it’s all about the increase in sales. According to the National Restaurant Association, 38 million Americans will “dine and dash” to go shop more on Black Friday this year, up 6 million from the 32 million who chowed down in 2011 on Black Friday.

Auntie Anne’s, for example, said its highest sales during Black Friday week last year were from Thanksgiving night at 10 p.m. to midnight Black Friday.

"We saw that sales went up—volume on Black Friday was up 9.04 percent," Auntie Anne’s president and COO Bill Dunn told CNBC. "When I look at the analytics, I find that it's incremental growth."

Dunn also added that for opening its doors over the holiday, Auntie Anne’s will offer its employees higher wages and even meals at some locations for their hard work and sacrifice.

Similarly, Seattle’s Best Coffee will offer its own staff and Black Friday shoppers a free coffee, CNBC reported.

So, if you’re looking to grab a quick bite on Thanksgiving, or even overnight on Black Friday, here’s a list of national chain restaurants that will be open on Thursday and/or Friday. Be sure to double-check that your local store location will be open.

Auntie Anne’s: It’s not eaxctly a meal, but hungry shoppers can munch on the chain's signature soft pretzels [Store Locator]

Bob Evans: Locations will be open with a holiday menu, according to RestaurantNews.com. [Store Locator]

Boston Market: Some locations will offer Thanksgiving dinner options, too. [Store Locator]

Cracker Barrel: Some locations will also offer a special Thanksgiving menu for $9.99 for adults and $4.99 per child. [Store Locator]

Denny’s: Since it never closes, your local Denny’s will be open, some with a special menu. [Store Locator]

Golden Corral: Most locations will have a Thanksgiving Day buffet for just $12.99. [Store Locator]

IHOP: Most will be open on Thanksgiving, but the pancake house suggested calling your local store to be sure beforehand. [Store Locator]

Old Country Buffet and Hometown Buffet: The buffet chain will offer Thanksgiving favorites until 7 p.m. in most locations. [Store Locator and Store Locator]

Ruby Tuesday: Check here to see if your local restaurant will be open Thursday.

Seattle’s Best Coffee: If you’re working on Black Friday, you can snag a free coffee from this Starbucks-owned retailer. Be sure to check store hours beforehand, though. [Store Locator]

Sizzler: The famous buffet will have a Thanksgiving menu of “fresh, not frozen, roasted turkey with stuffing, green beans, mashed potatoes with gravy, sweet potatoes with maple topping and cranberry sauce.” [Store Locator]