People who want a full Thanksgiving meal at home can cut the prep time down to two to three hours if they order heat-and-serve feasts.
Restaurant chains are offering them for a range of prices. Most feasts include the basics — turkey, potatoes, stuffing, cranberries and bread — and some offer ham or beef as well. Dessert is often not included, although some restaurants throw in pie.
Of course, some planning is required. Restaurants require customers to order in advance, usually online. Pickup is usually a day or two in advance, although several chains are offering pickup for limited hours on Thanksgiving Day, which is Nov. 23.
Here are what several restaurant chains are offering on their web sites. Prices may vary by location. Be sure and check their websites to make sure you’re getting what you want and get additional instructions.
Black Angus Steakhouse:To-go turkey dinners start at $103.95 for a family of four and go up to $311.95 for as many as 12 people. Pick-up is Nov. 22 until 6 p.m. and Thanksgiving Day until 2 p.m. blackangus.com
Buca di Beppo: This Italian chain sells both heat-and-serve and ready-to-serve traditional turkey feasts. Prices range from $105 for three people to $160 for six. Customers can add on such items as spicy Italian stuffing, baked ziti and meatballs. Pickup is available Nov. 13-23. bucadibeppo.com
Claim Jumper Restaurant & Saloon: Three-course carry-out platters feed six to eight people with choice of turkey, ham or both for $135-$145. A la carte sides and desserts are also available. claimjumper.com
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store: Heat-and-serve turkey dinners cost $104.99 for four to six people and $154.99 for eight to 10 people, according to a news release. Ham and prime rib are also available, and the chain is catering its country fried turkey a la carte. Pickup is Nov. 18-25, and 24-hour notice is required. crackerbarrel.com
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: The Thanksgiving turkey bundle costs $250, and a filet mignon bundle costs $400. Both serve six people and include carrot cake. flemingssteakhouse.com
Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que: Heat-and-serve family meals cost $199.99 for six people and $319.99 for 10 or more. Choices include sliced turkey, ham with Coca-Cola glaze or both. Orders must be placed by 5 p.m. Nov. 20. Pickup is on Nov 22. lucillesbbq.com
Marie Callender’s Restaurant & Bakery: Heat-and-serve turkey feasts for four to six people cost $159.99 with choice of pumpkin or apple pie. Ham feasts cost $189.99. Feasts with both cost $219.99. Feasts for six to eight people cost $184.99 or 229.99. A wide range of pies are available for pre-order. Restaurants will be open for takeout but not dining Nov. 20-23. mariecallenders.com
Ruth’s Chris Steak House: A heat-and-serve turkey feast costs $175 and serves four and includes pumpkin cheesecake. Order 48 hours in advance. Pickup is noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 22. To order, find your local restaurant online. ruthschris.com
Urban Plates: Heat-and-serve turkey dinners cost $99.95 for four people and $174.95 for six to eight people. Individual turkey plates cost $24.95. Pre-order deadline is Nov. 19, and pickup is Nov. 21-22. urbanplates.com
