Franklin’s Thanksgiving Day meals made easy for visitors

Taking a family holiday vacation often means the potential for a complicated meal on the big day. Well, not in Franklin.

Even though the Franklin restaurant scene is pretty special (for a small mountain town, our restaurants offer an international cuisine to delight everyone’s tastebuds), like many businesses, many restaurants will close on Thanksgiving Day.

So, what should visitors do if they want a family dinner away from home? Easy…check out these options from some of our favorite restaurants specifically offering turkey day meals.

A Takeout Traditional Thanksgiving Feast

Cherish an amazing Thanksgiving meal without the effort. J.R. Chophouse has everything you need to make that home-made feast easy. The restaurant’s Thanksgiving to-go meal serves 4-6 people and includes all of the traditional favorites. Pecan Roasted Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Pecan-Cornbread Stuffing, Baked Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans, Turkey Gravy and Cranberry Relish, and last but not least, a Pumpkin Pie! 

Pick up your family dinner hot and ready on Thanksgiving Day, or the day before, oven ready with warming instructions.  


A Southern Barbecue Thanksgiving Twist

Franklin loves its southern food traditions. So, it’s no surprise our Smoky Mountain town has some of the best barbeque you’ll ever taste! Want a meal, ready-to-go on Thanksgiving? Try the Haywood Smokehouse

Simply choose your meat by the pound like a traditional whole turkey breast, sliced brisket or chopped pork. Then, pick your sides: green beans and mac & cheese are obvious favorites. Throw in Nana’s Creamy Cole Slaw or some Burnt-End Baked Beans. Finally, don’t forget dessert! A fan favorite is the Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie. 

Easy as can be: pick up the day before Thanksgiving and warm it to perfection.


Friendsgiving Community Potluck With Brews

Normally, Lazy Hiker Brewing Company is all about kicking back, relaxing with friends, and enjoying great craft beer. But for Thanksgiving Day, it comes as no surprise that they’ll continue a typically Hiker tradition for turkey day. 

From 12 Noon – 5 PM, this Main St. favorite invites the community to the Hiker’s “Friendsgiving”. Guests are encouraged to bring a dish to share, but it’s not required. Come as you are, grab a brew, and enjoy a Thanksgiving Potluck with family, old friends, new friends, and the Lazy Hiker crew! The hiker is both kid and dog friendly…


South of the Border

Want to branch out from the traditional? Like Lazy Hiker, local favorite Las Margaritas, just off Main St., also is open on Thanksgiving Day and it offers all of the traditional Mexican favorites you know and crave. Everything on their menu is made with fresh, authentic ingredients.

Combined with a full bar, you can relax with their amazing Margaritas by the glass or by the pitcher! This is the perfect Thanksgiving option for anyone who wants to go out, enjoy something different, and let someone else serve you!


This Thanksgiving, Franklin has everything you need to make your holiday gathering special. And when you’re done eating, check out these 5 Top Franklin Things To Do in November.

Thanks for thinking of us, and hope to see you around town.

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