No. Most Panera Bread locations close on Thanksgiving Day. But the days around it are some of the busiest for catering, soup tubs, and bakery orders. Here is the full holiday week schedule and everything you need to plan ahead.
Quick Answer
Panera is CLOSED on Thanksgiving Day
Almost every Panera Bread location closes on Thursday, November 26, 2026 (Thanksgiving Day). The company gives all associates the day off. Airport and travel plaza franchises may stay open with limited hours, but every standard corporate cafe will be closed. The last day to pick up food before Thanksgiving is Wednesday, November 25th. Most cafes reopen on Black Friday at regular hours.
Here is the exact hour-by-hour breakdown for the entire Thanksgiving week so you can plan every meal and catering pickup.
Not every Panera is the same. Here is what to expect based on your location type.
All company-operated locations close on Thanksgiving. This is the majority of Panera cafes across the US.
Some franchise operators choose to stay open with limited hours. Call ahead to check your specific franchise cafe.
Airport locations frequently stay open on holidays due to travel demand. Expect limited menu options and adjusted hours.
Mall-based Panera cafes close on Thanksgiving since most shopping centers close for the holiday. They reopen for Black Friday.
Panera's Turkey Chili is the most requested seasonal soup and the perfect way to get into the Thanksgiving mood early. It is a hearty chili made with ground turkey, beans, tomatoes, and smoky spices. It returns in early October and stays through mid February. In 2025, it arrived on October 3rd. Expect a similar timeline for 2026.
Choose the right option based on your group size. All catering requires 48-hour advance ordering during Thanksgiving week.
| Option | Serves | Price | Best For | Order By |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family Feast | 4 to 5 people | $29.99 | Small family dinner | Same day OK |
| Family Feast Plus | 6 to 8 people | $39.99 | Extended family, game day | Same day OK |
| Group Soup Tub | 6 to 8 people | $24.99+ | Office lunch, side dish | Nov 23 (48 hrs) |
| Sandwich Box | 10 to 12 people | $79.99+ | Office party, large group | Nov 23 (48 hrs) |
| Salad Bowl | 6 to 8 people | $49.99+ | Healthy group option | Nov 23 (48 hrs) |
| Bakery Box (Dozen) | 12 servings | $16.99+ | Dessert, office treat | Same day OK |
See the full catering prices guide for complete menu details and pricing.
Follow these steps to make sure your order is ready when you need it on Wednesday, November 25th.
People make these mistakes every year. Do not be one of them.
Panera is closed. Every year people drive to their local cafe and find locked doors. Check the app before leaving home. The only exceptions are some airport locations.
Catering requires 48-hour lead time during Thanksgiving week. If you try to order a sandwich box or soup tub for same-day pickup on November 25th, it will likely be rejected.
Wednesday afternoon between 11:30 AM and 2 PM is the absolute worst time to visit. Everyone is grabbing food before traveling. Go before 10 AM or after 4 PM for shorter waits.
The walk-in line on Thanksgiving Eve can be 20 to 30 minutes. Rapid Pick-Up through the app lets you skip the entire line. Order ahead and walk straight to the pickup shelf.
Franchise locations, airport cafes, and hospital cafes may have different hours than corporate stores. Always verify your specific location's schedule through the app or by calling ahead.
Turkey Chili is only available October through February. If you want it for your Thanksgiving week meal, make sure it is still on the menu. It usually is, but check the seasonal soup rotation.
Panera reopens on Black Friday with full hours. Here is what to expect when the doors open again.
Most cafes open at their standard time (6 AM or 7 AM) and close at 9 PM. Mall locations may open earlier for Black Friday shopping traffic. Full menu available.
Black Friday mornings at Panera are actually quieter than usual. Most people have Thanksgiving leftovers at home. Great time to grab a quiet breakfast before the shopping chaos.
Panera sometimes runs exclusive app deals on Black Friday. Check the Panera app Rewards section for any limited-time offers or bonus points promotions on the day after Thanksgiving.
Your Unlimited Sip Club subscription is active on Black Friday. Get your free drink while shopping or taking a break from the crowds.
Turkey Chili, Autumn Squash Soup, and seasonal baked goods are all still on the menu after Thanksgiving. The fall seasonal lineup runs through late December or early January.
Every Black Friday purchase earns MyPanera rewards points. Use the holiday spending to bank rewards for free items in December and January.
Panera Bread only closes on 3 holidays per year. Here is the full list so you can plan ahead.
For details, see our Christmas Day hours and New Year guide.
Smart strategies to save time, money, and stress when ordering from Panera during the holiday rush.
Place catering orders by November 23rd (Sunday) for Wednesday pickup. Slots fill up on Monday and Tuesday. Early orders get the best pickup time windows.
If you have MyPanera rewards saved up, use them on your Thanksgiving order. Points expire, so a big holiday order is the perfect time to redeem them.
The morning window on November 25th is the calmest. By noon the cafe is slammed with catering pickups and walk-in orders. Early pickup means shorter waits.
The Family Feast at $29.99 feeds 4 to 5 people and can be ordered same day. No 48-hour lead time needed. Best value for small gatherings.
A soup tub ($24.99, serves 6 to 8) plus a dozen bagels or cookies makes an easy, affordable pre-Thanksgiving meal for groups. No need to cook.
Panera often runs fall promo codes in the app. Check the Rewards tab before placing your order. Even a small discount adds up on large catering orders. See current promo codes.
Is Panera open on Christmas? Full holiday schedule and ordering tips.
Holiday seasonal items, festive cookies, and limited-time winter soups.
New Year hours, January specials, and resolution-friendly menu picks.
Feed 4 to 6 people with Family Feast options starting at $29.99.
Full catering menu with sandwich trays, soup tubs, and salad bowls.
All soups ranked with prices, calories, and bread bowl pairings.
Common questions about Panera Bread hours, ordering, and catering during the Thanksgiving holiday week.
Order catering by November 23rd. Check hours before you drive. Download the app for fastest pickup.
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