Restaurants are ready to come the rescue of folks who want the intimacy of Thanksgiving dinner at home without hours of preparation and cooking
Many chains offer take-home feasts to feed four to 10 or more people, sometimes for less than $100.
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Most feasts include turkey, ham or other proteins; potatoes, dressing or both; bread and sides. Many include cranberries as well.
Some but not all feasts include desserts such as pumpkin or apple pie.
Many of these bundles are heat-and-serve, meaning hot items will take two or three hours to reheat once you get them home. Some bundles are ready to go, meaning you’ll have to get them home and serve them before they cool off. Make sure you know which you’re ordering.
Nearly all Thanksgiving feasts have to be ordered in advance. Some chains have deadlines a few days before the holiday, which falls on Thursday, Nov. 27 this year.
Windows for pickup are usually limited. Many restaurants will be closed on the holiday. Others may have limited hours.
Here are some Thanksgiving feasts that have been announced on websites, social media or in press releases. Prices are derived from websites but are approximate and may vary by location.
Buca di Beppo: This Italian chain offers feasts with traditional sliced turkey, spicy Italian stuffing, and pumpkin pie. The cost is $105 for three to four people and $160 for five to six. Pickup is Nov. 17-27; hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Thanksgiving. dineatbuca.com
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Feasts that serve 10-12 people run about $125-$160 depending on the metal. Choices include smoked turkey, Cajun fried turkey, spiral-cut ham and prime rib. dickeys.com
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: Thanksgiving turkey bundles for six people cost about $260. The dessert is carrot cake. There are also roast beef tenderloin bundles around $420. Pickup is available Nov. 21-30. flemingssteakhouse.com
The Honey Baked Ham Co.: Turkey and ham meals in a variety of sizes cost about $110-$180. honeybaked.com
Marie Callender’s Restaurant & Bakery: Feasts with turkey, ham or both cost $174.99-$239.99 with choice of pumpkin or apple pie. They serve four to six or six to eight people. A wide range of pies are available for pre-order. Orders will be available to pick up Nov. 24-27. Customers can order takeout on those days, but dining rooms will be closed. Dining in will resume Friday, Nov. 28. Marie Callender’s website has a PDF page that explains it all. mariecallenders.com
Popeyes: The fast food chain will be selling Cajun-style turkey again this year. It’s precooked but requires thawing and heating. Order it online for around $69.99. popeyes.com
Tender Greens: A variety of take-home meals are sold hot and serve four people for about $58.95-$71.95. tendergreens.com
Urban Plates: Heat-and-serve turkey feasts cost $184.95 and serve six to eight people. Pre-order deadline is Nov. 23, and pickup is Nov. 25-26. urbanplates.com