5 Best Places for Truckers to Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner in 2024

Thanksgiving is a time for reflection, gratitude, and of course, a delicious meal with loved ones. But for thousands of truck drivers, the holiday season means being out on the road, delivering the goods that keep America moving. While you might not be able to sit down at home with family this year, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on a tasty Thanksgiving feast. At America Truck Driving School, we want to show our appreciation for the hard work and dedication of truck drivers by highlighting some of the best places for truckers to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner in 2024.

1. Bob Evans (Nationwide)

Bob Evans is a classic stop for hearty homestyle meals, and on Thanksgiving, they’re pulling out all the stops. Open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., you can enjoy a full Thanksgiving meal with turkey, stuffing, and all the trimmings. Whether you choose to dine in, pick up curbside, or have it delivered to your rig, Bob Evans ensures a warm and comforting meal.

2. Boise Stage Stop (Boise, ID)

If you find yourself near Boise, ID, this Thanksgiving, you’re in luck! The Boise Stage Stop celebrates Driver Appreciation Day with a Thanksgiving feast starting at 10:30 a.m. Show your CDL and enjoy your meal for free—talk about showing truckers some love! This meal is first-come, first-served, so get there early and fill up on traditional holiday favorites.

3. Cracker Barrel (Nationwide)

Cracker Barrel is a favorite among truckers year-round, and Thanksgiving is no different. They’ll be serving up a delicious spread starting at 11 a.m., with turkey, sugar-cured ham, sweet potato casserole, biscuits, and more. Cracker Barrel also offers a feature to join the online waitlist ahead of time, making it even easier to grab a comforting holiday meal.

4. Iowa 80 Kitchen (Walcott, IA)

As the world’s largest truck stop, Iowa 80 Kitchen in Walcott, IA, never disappoints, especially on Thanksgiving. Their famous buffet will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., serving up turkey, ham, fried chicken, pot roast, and all the sides you could want. Don’t forget to save room for pumpkin pie and other desserts! If your route takes you through Iowa, this is the perfect stop for a home-cooked feast.

5. Greater Chicago I-55 Truck Plaza (Chicago, IL)

If you’re rolling through Chicago, head to the Greater Chicago I-55 Truck Plaza for a special Thanksgiving meal. CDL holders enjoy a free feast, and if you have a passenger without a CDL, it’s only $12.99. It’s the perfect place to take a break and enjoy some holiday cheer on the road.

Why Thanksgiving Matters for Truckers

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times of year for truckers. While many of us are at home enjoying our turkey dinners, truck drivers are working hard to deliver everything from Thanksgiving turkeys to Black Friday deals. In fact, truckers are responsible for transporting over 46 million turkeys, 80 million pounds of cranberries, and 250 million pounds of potatoes for Thanksgiving celebrations across the country.

Truck drivers also play a vital role in fueling the busiest travel weekend of the year, ensuring the fuel is delivered to stations so that nearly 53 million Americans can travel to their holiday destinations. And let’s not forget about the holiday shopping season—truckers ensure stores are stocked for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday.

Thank You, Truckers!

At America Truck Driving School, we are grateful for the dedication and hard work of truckers who sacrifice time with their families to keep America running smoothly. We hope this list of Thanksgiving stops makes your holiday a little brighter, wherever you may be. Stay safe, stay warm, and enjoy a well-deserved holiday meal. From all of us, Happy Thanksgiving!

If you’re interested in starting your career as a truck driver, contact America Truck Driving School today to learn more about our programs.

Also read: Staying Alert on the Road: Tips for Long-Haul Truck Drivers