Will Kroger Be Open On Thanksgiving 2023?

Whether hosting Thanksgiving or just preparing a last-minute dish, finding an open grocery store on this particular November Thursday can be challenging since many retailers give their employees the day off to celebrate with family. Still, when you've forgotten a critical ingredient for the stuffing, burnt the pie, or flaked on the appetizer you were supposed to bring to your brother's house, it's good to know which stores are open during the holiday.

The Kroger Company is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, and has 2,750 stores within the States. Operating under several banners, including Ralphs, Dillions, Smith's, and Fred Meyer, Kroger-owned grocery stores are located in 35 states and the District of Colombia.

Although hours may vary by location, Food Republic spoke with a spokesperson for the company, confirming that Kroger grocery stores will be open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving day. Consumers should call their local store to confirm these hours as there may be some local variation.

Consumers can shop for food and other Thanksgiving necessities like table linens, but Kroger pharmacies will be closed on November 23, 2023, resuming regular business hours on Friday at 9 a.m. Even if your local store is open on Thanksgiving, save yourself a lot of stress and start planning the feast early to limit last-minute trips to a busy supermarket.

Unlike other meals, everyone expects the traditional roast turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing on Thanksgiving, making it difficult to swap dishes for something more affordable. According to the Farm Bureau, the cost of preparing Thanksgiving dinner has risen by 20% in the past few years, from $53.31 in 2021 to $64.05 in 2022. While we can't control inflation, consumers can shop early for the best prices.

Frozen and non-perishable items can be purchased ahead of time, so keep an eye out for sales on baking supplies, canned pumpkin, and bags of cubed stuffing mix. Frozen items like a whole turkey and pie crust can also be safely purchased in advance. If you have trick-or-treaters at home, stash some Halloween candy aside for holiday baking. 

The United States Department of Agriculture reports that the average price of a whole bird per pound is currently $1.99, down from $2.99 last year. While that's promising, turkey was $0.33 cheaper per pound last week, so expect prices to continue to rise as we approach the holiday.

While some perishables like salad greens must be purchased last minute, certain dishes can be made and frozen now to take advantage of sales. Cranberry sauce, apple pie, and dinner rolls defrost beautifully, so save the headache and check them off your list early. Even sweet potatoes can be cooked and pureed in advance, leaving less of a chance that you'll need to run to Kroger on Thanksgiving morning.