While most retailers in the U.S. will remain closed for Thanksgiving, a selection of grocery stores and restaurants in the Birmingham area are stepping up to cater to last-minute shoppers or those looking to enjoy a festive meal with friends and family.
Irondale Cafe, famously known as the original Whistlestop Cafe, welcomes guests on Thanksgiving Day from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., serving traditional holiday favorites. Ironwood Kitchen & Cocktails, located at The Valley Hotel, will also be open with a special holiday menu, offering breakfast from 7-10:30 a.m. and lunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., followed by dinner until 9 p.m.
For grocery shopping, several local dollar stores will provide the essentials. Dollar General and Family Dollar will operate during regular hours, while Dollar Tree will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., with variations depending on specific locations. Piggly Wiggly will have select locations open with limited hours for those last-minute grocery needs. Whole Foods will be accessible from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., and The Fresh Market in Homewood will welcome shoppers from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Additionally, popular choices such as McDonald’s, IHOP, and Cracker Barrel will maintain their regular hours, offering diners a chance to enjoy a meal without the hassle of cooking. Krispy Kreme will also be open, albeit for limited hours.
However, numerous major retailers will remain closed this Thanksgiving, including Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and Costco, among others. This decision reflects a growing trend of prioritizing family time and employee well-being during the holiday.
With the array of options available, Birmingham residents have plenty of opportunities to make the most out of their Thanksgiving celebrations, whether they are looking to pick up last-minute supplies or dine out for the holiday.