Longhorn Steakhouse diners will have to make other plans this holiday season, as the chain confirmed a complete 24-hour shutdown across all 600 locations on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
The move mirrors that of its sister chain, Olive Garden, with both brands under the Darden Restaurants group announcing identical closures to allow employees to spend quality time with their families and friends.
According to a recent update on Longhorn Steakhouse’s website, all restaurants will reopen the day after Thanksgiving, while Christmas Eve hours will be shortened – with most locations finishing service by 8 p.m.
In an official statement, the company explained, “We are closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day to allow our team members to spend time with their family and friends.”
Olive Garden Follows the Same Policy
Olive Garden also confirmed similar holiday closures, adding that management teams will have the discretion to close early on the day before Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, depending on how busy the restaurant is.
The chain stated, “Depending on the amount of business on the day before these holidays, the restaurants may close early. Please contact the restaurant directly for the scheduled closing time.”
Both brands emphasized that Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, and international locations may operate on different holiday schedules based on local needs.
Other Major Retailers Closing for Thanksgiving
The restaurant closures are part of a broader industry trend, as more businesses are choosing to close doors on Thanksgiving to give employees time off.
Several major retailers – including TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Sierra, and Homesense – will also shut their stores for the day.
A TJX spokesperson (the parent company of those stores) told The Sun, “We consider ourselves an associate-friendly company. We are pleased to give our associates the time to enjoy Thanksgiving with family and friends.”
Hobby Lobby followed suit, announcing that all 1,000 stores will remain closed on both Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Complete List of Stores Closed for Thanksgiving
Here’s a look at all the major retailers that will remain closed this Thanksgiving:
- JCPenney
- Costco
- Kohl’s
- Aldi
- American Girl
- At Home
- Barnes & Noble
- Belk
- Best Buy
- BJ’s Wholesale Club
- Burlington Coat Factory
- The Home Depot
- HomeGoods
- Ikea
- Lidl
- Lowe’s
- Marshalls
- Mattress Firm
- Nordstrom & Nordstrom Rack
- Paragon Sports
- Patagonia
- P.C. Richard & Son
- Petco
- PetSmart
- REI
- Sam’s Club
- Sephora
- Simply Mac
- Spring Mobile
- Staples
- Sur La Table
- Target
- ThinkGeek
- TJ Maxx
- Trader Joe’s
- Ulta
- Walmart
This growing list highlights a major shift in U.S. retail culture – prioritizing employee well-being and family time over holiday profits.
In summary, Longhorn Steakhouse’s decision to close all its locations on Thanksgiving and Christmas reflects a broader movement toward employee appreciation and rest during the holidays. Diners can plan to visit the restaurant chain after Thanksgiving, with normal business hours resuming the following day.
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