Local restaurants stay open on Thanksgiving as more people choose to dine out
Luis Avila
COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) — As families and friends gather for Thanksgiving, a growing number of people are choosing to skip the kitchen and let local restaurants handle the holiday cooking.
According to recent data, 53% of Americans expect to get at least part of their Thanksgiving meal from a restaurant, up sharply from 37% last year. Another 5% say they plan to eat out entirely.
Many diners say the switch is about saving time — and in some cases, money.
“The cooking, the cleaning up, it’s just much more family time.”
Jean Logan, Visitor
“I live alone. One person. My sister lives with two people and the amount of money you spend on food for a small amount of people is a lot and there’s a lot of waste. So it’s just cheaper to eat out.”
Barbara Rosebrock, Visitor
Local restaurants are welcoming the increased demand. At Wally’s Desert Turtle, Madalyn Botello, owner, says Thanksgiving has always been one of their biggest days.
“Lots of reservations… We’ve been open for Thanksgiving since we opened our doors in 1978. We love Thanksgiving. It’s our favorite holiday. Everyone comes for turkey.”
Madalyn Botello, Wally’s Desert Turtle Owner
Over at Trio Palm Springs, Tony Marchese, owner, reported a packed house from the moment they opened.
“Busy all day since noon we opened so it’s nice… We always had Thanksgiving at my house so as a restaurant I love having people in for Thanksgiving. It’s so much fun.”
Tony Marchese, Trio Palm Springs Owner
And for many celebrating today, the joy of the holiday isn’t tied to who makes the meal.
“We wanted to celebrate the holiday. It’s a celebration.”
Nathan Zalkow, Visitor
Stay with News Channel 3 for more.