Is Sonic Open on Thanksgiving? Full Holiday Hours Guide for 2026

Many people search for taco bell lunch hours, but when Thanksgiving rolls around, a different kind of worry starts to creep in. It’s the kind of holiday where your heart is full, your stomach is ready for turkey, and your family is scattered all over the living room. That’s when people ask, with a mix of hope and hesitation: Is Sonic open on Thanksgiving? It’s a question rooted in real life — in the tired sigh after cooking, in kids begging for fries, and in that craving for something comforting and familiar. 

Every year, Sonic Drive-In holds a special place in hearts because it serves the foods we love: juicy burgers, crispy hot dogs, creamy milkshakes, and familiar sides that make us feel safe and satisfied. Yet because Thanksgiving is a major holiday in the U.S., most Sonic locations choose to close their doors so staff can be with their families, which means a lot of hopeful customers are left wondering if this old-school drive-in can still be part of their holiday tradition.

Is Sonic Open on Thanksgiving in the U.S.?

Thanksgiving in the United States falls on the fourth Thursday of November. In 2026, Thanksgiving Day will take place on Thursday, November 26. On this day, many businesses reduce their hours or close completely.

So, is Sonic open on Thanksgiving in the U.S.? The most accurate answer is that many Sonic locations close on Thanksgiving Day, but some stores remain open with limited hours. Several public holiday listings show that Sonic restaurants often choose to give employees time off to spend with family.

However, busy urban areas sometimes keep select locations open. These stores may operate shorter shifts, such as morning to early afternoon hours. Some locations may open later in the evening after family dinners end.

Because policies change each year, you should never assume that every Sonic will follow the same schedule. Always confirm with your nearest branch before making plans.

Sonic Thanksgiving Hours & Location Details (USA)

Location Type	Thanksgiving Status	Opening Time	Closing Time	Details
Small Town Locations	Mostly Closed	Closed	Closed	Many rural and suburban Sonic stores close for the full day to allow staff family time.
Urban / High-Traffic Areas	Limited Open (Varies)	10:00 AM (Typical If Open)	4:00 PM – 6:00 PM	Some city locations may operate reduced hours based on demand.
Highway / Travel Areas	Limited Open (Rare)	9:00 AM – 11:00 AM	3:00 PM – 5:00 PM	A few travel-based stores may open briefly for travelers.
Mall-Based Locations	Usually Closed	Closed	Closed	Mall stores often follow mall holiday closures.
Regular Non-Holiday Hours	Open	6:00 AM – 7:00 AM	10:00 PM – Midnight	Normal daily hours vary by state and franchise owner.

 

• Most Sonic Drive-In locations close completely on Thanksgiving Day.
• Each store operates independently under franchise ownership.
• Reduced-hour openings are more common in busy metropolitan areas.
• Hours can change yearly depending on local management decisions.
• The safest way to confirm is by checking the official Sonic website or calling your nearest location.

Because Thanksgiving is a major U.S. holiday focused on family gatherings, Sonic commonly gives employees the day off. However, since policies vary by location, checking in advance ensures you avoid disappointment.

Sonic Thanksgiving Menu (If Open)

If a Sonic Drive-In location is open on Thanksgiving, the menu usually remains the same as on regular days. Sonic does not create a special Thanksgiving menu, so customers can order from the standard lineup of burgers, hot dogs, chicken, sides, drinks, and desserts. However, availability may vary depending on staffing and location. Below is a clear table showing popular Sonic menu categories and common items you can expect if the store is open.

Category	Popular Items	Description
Burgers	SONIC® Cheeseburger, SuperSONIC® Double Cheeseburger	Juicy beef patties with cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, and sauces.
Chicken	Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Chicken Slinger	Breaded or grilled chicken served on toasted buns.
Hot Dogs	All-American Dog, Chili Cheese Coney	Classic hot dogs with ketchup, mustard, chili, and cheese.
Breakfast (Morning Hours)	Breakfast Toaster, Breakfast Burrito	Eggs, cheese, bacon, or sausageare  served all day at many locations.
Sides	Tater Tots, French Fries, Mozzarella Sticks	Crispy sides that pair well with burgers and sandwiches.
Drinks	Cherry Limeade, Soft Drinks, Iced Tea	Refreshing beverages including Sonic’s famous flavored drinks.
Desserts	Hand-Mixed Shakes, Sonic Blasts®, Sundaes	Creamy ice cream treats and candy-mixed desserts.

Important Note

• Most Sonic locations close on Thanksgiving Day.
• If open, the menu is typically the regular full menu.
• Some specialty or limited-time items may not be available.
• Always confirm with your local Sonic before visiting.

Typical Sonic Holiday Hours Overview

Remember that actual hours may vary by city and state.

Holiday	Typical Sonic Status	Notes
New Year’s Day	Open	Regular or reduced hours
Easter Sunday	Open	Limited hours at some locations
Independence Day	Open	Normal hours
Labor Day	Open	Regular hours
Thanksgiving Day	Often Closed	Some locations open with reduced hours
Christmas Day	Mostly Closed	Few exceptions

Sonic Drive-In and Holiday Policies

Sonic Drive-In operates as one of the largest fast-food chains in the United States. The brand started in 1953 and built its reputation around drive-in service and friendly carhops. Customers enjoy burgers, corn dogs, slushes, and breakfast items served all day.

Most Sonic locations operate under a franchise system. This means independent owners manage daily operations. The corporate headquarters provides branding, marketing, and menu direction. However, local franchise owners decide certain details, including holiday hours.

Because of this structure, there is no single nationwide rule that forces every Sonic location to close or open on Thanksgiving. Instead, each owner decides what works best for their community and staff. This flexibility explains why the answer to Is Sonic open on Thanksgiving may vary by location.

Why Some Sonic Locations Close on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving remains a family-centered holiday in the United States. Many restaurants allow employees to celebrate at home. Franchise owners often close stores to support staff and show appreciation.

Operating a restaurant on Thanksgiving requires extra labor pay and scheduling adjustments. Some owners decide that low customer traffic does not justify full-day operations. Closing for one day may also reduce operational costs like utilities and food waste.

At the same time, some communities rely on fast food options during holidays. Travelers, essential workers, and people without large family gatherings may look for quick meals. In those areas, franchise owners may open their stores to serve local demand.

This difference in community needs explains why the question Is Sonic open on Thanksgiving does not have one simple answer nationwide.

How to Check Sonic Thanksgiving Hours

Instead of guessing, you should verify your local store hours directly. The fastest way involves visiting the official Sonic Drive-In website. Use the store locator tool and enter your ZIP code or city name. The system displays updated hours for that specific branch.

You can also call the restaurant directly. Employees often confirm holiday hours quickly over the phone. This method works well one or two days before Thanksgiving.

Mobile apps also show real-time store information. If you use the Sonic app, you can view whether online ordering remains available. If ordering appears disabled, the location may be closed.

Taking these steps ensures you receive accurate and current information. This simple check helps you avoid disappointment during a busy holiday evening.

What to Expect If Sonic Is Open On Thanksgiving

If your local store remains open, expect reduced hours rather than a full-day schedule. Many holiday openings run from late morning to early afternoon. Some locations may close by 4 PM or 5 PM.

Staff levels may also be smaller. Drive-thru service often remains faster than dine-in service during holidays. You should plan for possible wait times because fewer employees handle orders.

Menu items usually remain the same. However, limited staffing may affect specialty items or custom orders. Ordering simple combo meals often speeds up service during holiday shifts.

If you plan ahead and call first, you can enjoy your favorite burger or slush without stress.

Thanksgiving Planning Tips

Planning ahead makes holidays smoother. If you think you may want Sonic on Thanksgiving, call your local store early in the week. Confirm their hours and ask about expected closing times.

Keep alternative food options in mind if the location closes. Grocery stores, convenience stores, and other restaurants may operate with limited service.

If Sonic remains open in your area, consider ordering earlier in the day. Evening demand sometimes increases when family dinners end.

Simple preparation helps you avoid last-minute frustration.

Who Owns Sonic Drive-In?

Sonic Drive-In is not run by a single owner in the traditional sense but instead is part of a larger food-service family. The brand began in 1953 when Troy N. Smith Sr. opened the first drive-in restaurant in Oklahoma, growing into one of America’s most recognized fast-food chains with over 3,400 locations across the United States. 

Today, Sonic is owned by Inspire Brands, a major restaurant company that also includes well-known chains like Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Baskin-Robbins, and Dunkin’. Most Sonic restaurants are operated by independent franchise owners, meaning local entrepreneurs buy the rights to open and run their own Sonic stores under a franchise agreement, following the company’s training, standards, and branding. 

Franchisees pay an initial fee and ongoing royalties, handle daily operations, and benefit from corporate support while keeping most of the profits from their individual locations. This structure lets communities enjoy consistent Sonic experiences while allowing passionate local business owners to build and grow their own restaurants. 

Final Thoughts

So, is Sonic open on Thanksgiving? The answer depends on your specific location. Many Sonic Drive-In restaurants close on Thanksgiving Day to allow employees to spend time with their families. However, some locations remain open with reduced hours, especially in high-traffic areas.

You should always confirm with your local branch using the official website, mobile app, or a direct phone call. Holiday schedules can change each year based on franchise decisions and community needs.

Thanksgiving brings warmth, gratitude, and family memories. At the same time, life does not always follow perfect plans. Knowing your dining options gives peace of mind during a busy holiday.

Whether you enjoy a traditional feast or grab a quick burger on the go, the most important part of Thanksgiving remains connection and gratitude. Planning ahead ensures that your day feels smooth and stress-free, no matter where you choose to eat.