Updated May 2026
Panera Bread Thanksgiving 2026
Hours, Catering Deadlines and Turkey Chili Return
Panera is closed on Thanksgiving Day. But the days around it are some of the busiest of the year for catering orders, soup tubs, and bakery runs. Here is the exact schedule so you do not get caught off guard, plus the catering deadlines you need to know if you are feeding a group. Also see our Family Feast guide for feeding groups.
Closed
Thanksgiving Day
Open
Nov 25 (Wed)
Open
Black Friday
48 hrs
Catering Lead
Thanksgiving Week 2026 Schedule
Mark your calendar. Wednesday is the last day to order.
Mon Nov 23
Normal Hours
6 AM to 9 PM
Tue-Wed Nov 24-25
Peak Catering
Order by Nov 23
Thu Nov 26
CLOSED
Thanksgiving Day
Fri Nov 27
Normal Hours
Black Friday
Top Picks
6 Best Orders for Thanksgiving Week
These are the items that families and offices order most during Thanksgiving week. Prices are for individual servings. Catering trays serve 10 plus people.
$10.79
Thanksgiving Vibe
Turkey Bravo Sandwich
520 cal
The closest thing to a Thanksgiving sandwich on the permanent menu. Smoked turkey, bacon, cheddar, and tomato with chipotle mayo. A customer favorite for fall office lunches.
$5.99
#1 Seller
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
360 cal
The most comforting soup on the menu. Perfect for a chilly November day. Order in a bread bowl for the full experience. Group tubs available for catering.
$5.49
Seasonal
Autumn Squash Soup
170 cal
Butternut squash, pumpkin, and apple blended with curry spice. Only available through fall and winter. Light and warming at just 170 calories per cup.
$29.99
Feed the Family
Family Feast
Serves 4-5
Two half sandwiches, one large salad, one family size side, and four cookies. Everything you need for a casual pre Thanksgiving dinner. Feeds 4 to 5 people.
$79.99
Office Party
Catering Sandwich Box
Serves 10
Ten assorted sandwiches with chips and cookies. The standard order for office Thanksgiving week lunches. Place your order 48 hours ahead for November 25th pickup.
$24.99
Warm & Hearty
Group Soup Tub
Serves 6-8
A full tub of Broccoli Cheddar or Creamy Tomato soup serving 6 to 8 people. Comes with a ladle and bread on the side. Great for warming up a cold November gathering.
Turkey Chili — The Star of Fall
Panera's Turkey Chili is the most requested seasonal soup. It typically returns in early October and stays through mid February. The 2025 return date was October 3rd. Expect a similar window for 2026. It is a hearty chili with ground turkey, beans, tomatoes, and a smoky spice blend.
$5.99
Cup
$7.29
Bowl
$7.98
Bread Bowl
310 cal per cup 22g protein Oct to Feb window
3 Tips for Ordering During Thanksgiving Week
Do not get caught off guard. Follow these rules.
1
Order Catering 48 Hours Ahead
November 25th is one of Panera's top 5 busiest days of the year. Catering slots fill up fast. Place your order by November 23rd at the latest. Same day catering is not guaranteed during Thanksgiving week.
2
Expect Longer Wait Times Wednesday
Even individual orders take longer on November 25th. Everyone is picking up food for road trips and pre Thanksgiving gatherings. Order through the app and choose Rapid Pick Up to skip the line.
3
Check Your Specific Location
While most corporate locations follow the schedule above, franchise locations especially in airports, travel plazas, and hospitals may have different hours. Use the app to verify your specific cafe's hours before driving.
Family Feast vs Catering: What to Order
Depends on your group size. Here is the breakdown.
| Option | Serves | Price | Best For | Order By |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family Feast | 4 to 5 people | $29.99 | Home dinner, small gathering | Same day OK |
| Family Feast Plus | 6 to 8 people | $39.99 | Extended family, game day | Same day OK |
| Soup Tub | 6 to 8 people | $24.99+ | Office lunch, side dish | 48 hours ahead |
| Sandwich Box | 10 people | $79.99+ | Office party, large group | 48 hours ahead |
Family Feast ($29.99)
Serves 4 to 5 people. Best for home dinner. Order same day.
Family Feast Plus ($39.99)
Serves 6 to 8 people. Best for extended family. Order same day.
Soup Tub ($24.99+)
Serves 6 to 8 people. Best for office lunch. Order 48 hours ahead.
Sandwich Box ($79.99+)
Serves 10 people. Best for large groups. Order 48 hours ahead.
See our Family Feast guide and Catering Prices guide for full details.
Written by Marcus Cole
Holiday hours verified against Panera's corporate announcements
Thanksgiving hours are based on Panera's historical holiday schedules and will be updated with 2026 specifics once officially announced. Catering deadlines are consistent year over year. Updated May 2026. For more holiday guides, see Christmas Day hours and New Year guide.
More Holiday Guides
December
Christmas Day 2026
Is Panera open on Christmas? Hours and the heat and serve hack.
January
New Year 2026
New Year's Day hours, January specials, and family feast deals.
Menu
Soups Menu 2026
All 8 soups ranked including Turkey Chili when in season.
Value
Family Feast Meals
Feed 4 to 6 people with Family Feast options and current prices.
Catering
Catering Prices 2026
Full catering menu with sandwich trays, soup tubs, and salad bowls.
Hours
Store Locator
Find your nearest Panera location and check holiday hours.
Thanksgiving Questions Answered
Common questions about Panera hours and ordering during Thanksgiving week.
Is Panera Bread open on Thanksgiving Day 2026?
No. Almost every Panera location closes on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 26, 2026). The company gives associates the day off. Airport and travel plaza franchises may stay open, but corporate cafes are closed. Always verify through the app's store locator before driving.
What are Panera's hours the day before Thanksgiving?
Most cafes operate regular hours on Wednesday, November 25th (6 AM to 9 PM). Some locations close 1 to 2 hours early. The kitchen is fully operational and all menu items are available. This is one of the busiest catering pickup days of the year.
Does Panera do Thanksgiving catering?
Panera does not offer a full Thanksgiving dinner menu with turkey, stuffing, or gravy. However, their standard catering works well for pre Thanksgiving gatherings like sandwich trays, soup tubs, salad bowls, and bakery boxes. Many offices order Panera catering for their Thanksgiving week lunch. See our full catering guide.
When does Panera Turkey Chili come back?
Panera's seasonal Turkey Chili typically appears in early October and stays on the menu through mid February. In 2025, it arrived October 3rd. Expect a similar timeline for 2026. It is one of the most requested seasonal items and usually sells well into January.
When does Panera reopen after Thanksgiving?
Most locations reopen on Black Friday (November 27, 2026) with regular hours. Some mall based cafes may open earlier for Black Friday shopping traffic. By Saturday, every location runs normal hours.
Can I order Panera for Thanksgiving Eve pickup?
Yes. Place a catering or Rapid Pick Up order for November 25th through the app. For catering orders, place them at least 48 hours in advance by November 23rd. Individual orders can be placed same day. Expect longer wait times because Thanksgiving Eve is one of Panera's top 5 busiest days.
Does Panera have any Thanksgiving specific menu items?
No dedicated Thanksgiving menu. But the fall seasonal lineup including Turkey Chili, Autumn Squash Soup, and seasonal cookies is available through November. The Turkey Bravo sandwich is the closest thing to a Thanksgiving themed entree on the permanent menu.
Is Panera open on the Friday after Thanksgiving?
Yes. Black Friday is a normal operating day. Most cafes open at 6 AM or 7 AM and close at 9 PM. Some mall locations adjust hours based on the shopping center's Black Friday schedule. The breakfast rush may be lighter than usual since many people have leftovers at home.
Plan Your Thanksgiving Week
Order catering by November 23rd. Check hours before you drive.
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