Soaring Grocery Bills Open Doors for Restaurants to Serve Thanksgiving Magic

Prices are still high as we approach one of the biggest food-shopping events of the year: Thanksgiving. Households are feeling the financial pinch as grocery costs have climbed nearly 4% since last year, according to the Consumer Price Index – adding to the significant 10% jump from 2022.

With the cost of preparing a big meal at home now edging closer to the price of dining out, restaurants have an opportunity this Thanksgiving to invite guests to leave the shopping, cooking, and cleanup to the professionals.

Buffets offer the most bang for their buck, but diners are open to other dining options: A supper club service delivers unforgettable meals with thoughtfully curated preset sharing menus. Or maybe it’s time to leave the turkey behind for mouth-watering steak, fresh seafood, or cultural fare that transports taste buds to a different country altogether.

Not sure where to start? Three simple service styles can capture the attention of guests who are sick of paying hundreds of dollars for Thanksgiving staples only to spend even more in the time and effort it takes to cook them.

Each service type below offers guests a different but equally inviting reason to celebrate at their favorite local spot – or try a brand new experience – on Thanksgiving Day.

1. The Buffet: A Relaxed, Never-Ending Feast

Buffets offer guests the freedom to choose and savor their favorites without the usual constraints of a set menu. By extending service hours, perhaps from mid-morning into early evening, restaurants can cater to guests at various times, from late breakfast through dinner.

Offering brunch items, like smoked salmon, waffles, and seasonal fruit, alongside traditional Thanksgiving foods, such as roast turkey and stuffing, brings extra appeal for families or large groups with varied tastes. Set up carving stations with chef-led turkey, ham, or prime rib presentations. Side stations could feature everything from rustic mashed potatoes to a fresh salad bar with seasonal toppings. Dessert stations can provide individual pies, bread pudding, or even a DIY donut bar.

Setting up the buffet with ample space between tables and spreading out seating times will allow guests to enjoy this special meal without feeling cramped or rushed, creating an ideal relaxing environment for the holiday.

2. The Supper Club: Elegant Family-Style Dining

A supper club meal can strike the perfect note for restaurant operators who want to create a cozy yet high-end Thanksgiving experience. Guests seeking a traditional holiday atmosphere will appreciate the social ambiance of a supper club, with upscale table settings, dedicated waitstaff, and dishes served family-style.

Menus could feature a curated, multi-course meal that includes all the quintessential Thanksgiving elements: an appetizer, a robust turkey or ham main course, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and a rich dessert to finish. Additions like warm rolls with seasonal butter flavors (think rosemary, sage, etc.) or a seasonal soup course can elevate the experience. Just don’t forget the relish tray!

Supper club-style services should incorporate a pre-dinner cocktail hour with festive drinks to give parties the opportunity to mingle with each other before settling in for their meal.

With a fixed-price menu and timed seatings, this service style helps restaurants manage food costs and kitchen flow. Having a set menu also allows the culinary team to focus on quality and presentation, ensuring each dish lives up to the holiday’s expectations.

3. The Culinary Exception: A Break From Tradition

Some guests may be looking for a Thanksgiving celebration that’s outside the mold, making it the perfect chance for restaurants to showcase unique, high-end interpretations of the holiday. For establishments known for their inventive or globally inspired cuisine, this is the prime time to offer a Thanksgiving with a twist.

French Restaurants might offer roasted duck with a cranberry glaze or a pumpkin soufflé, while an Italian eatery could feature dishes like turkey risotto or truffle-infused mashed potatoes. For Japanese-fusion restaurants, think in terms of tempura vegetables, turkey ramen, or a unique take on stuffing with vegetables commonly found in Japanese dishes.

By highlighting their strengths and reinterpreting the norm, restaurants can deliver Thanksgiving flavors in a format that’s exciting and exclusive to the brand. Restaurants can also use this opportunity to showcase ingredients that are not typically associated with Thanksgiving, giving diners an excuse to try new flavors. This “fusion feast” concept brings something fresh to the table each year.

Regardless of the restaurant’s style, Thanksgiving presents an exciting opportunity for guests to dine out in style. As grocery bills climb and holiday stress rises, offering a professionally prepared holiday meal will resonate with many diners looking for the perfect excuse to enjoy a stress-free Thanksgiving Day.