What if this year, you didn't spend Thanksgiving in the kitchen? No 5 a.m. turkey wake-up call, no juggling oven space, no mountain of pots and pans. Just you, a cozy house full of the people you love, and a table full of delicious food someone else made.
Ordering your Thanksgiving dinner isn't cheating, friends. It's a gift to yourself. It means more time for the parade with the kids, a long walk after the meal, a game of cards with Grandma, and actually sitting down to enjoy it all.
We've rounded up local grocery stores, restaurants, caterers, and bakeries across South Charlotte and Union County that will do the cooking for you. Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 26, and popular spots sell out fast, so read through, pick your favorite, and get your order in early!
Grocery stores
Grocery store dinners are the best value, usually under $10 per person. Most come chilled and ready to reheat, and nearly all grocery stores are closed on Thanksgiving Day, so plan to pick up by Wednesday.
Wegmans (NEW in Ballantyne!)
Where: 11550 N. Community House Road, Charlotte, NC 28277
What's offered: Our brand-new Wegmans opened October 14. Its Meals 2GO menu includes a ready-to-heat Holiday Turkey Meal for one with whipped potatoes, herb stuffing, butternut squash with spinach and cranberries, cranberry relish, and gravy. If you'd rather cook, Wegmans also has a 16-item Thanksgiving meal bundle that feeds 8 (turkey, sides, rolls, and pumpkin pie), on promotion Nov. 8 to 28.
Price: Holiday Turkey Meal $16 per person; the 8-person grocery bundle comes in under $5 per person.
Order: meals2go.com
Harris Teeter
Where: Multiple South Charlotte and Union County locations
What's offered: Chef-prepared Holiday Dinners with a fully cooked turkey, spiral ham, or prime rib plus sides, gravy, and cranberry relish. You can also order a fully cooked turkey, roasted turkey breast, and sides a la carte.
Price: Turkey Dinner $69.99 (regularly $79.99); Ham Dinner $69.99; Prime Rib Dinner $89.99; fully cooked turkey about $65. Order at least 24 hours ahead.
Order: Harris Teeter Holiday Meals
Publix
Where: Multiple South Charlotte and Union County locations
What's offered: Fully cooked, heat-and-serve dinners. The classic includes a 10 to 12 lb. Butterball turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry-orange relish, and Publix's famous marshmallow delight. Extra sides and desserts can be added.
Price: Fully Cooked Turkey Dinner $69.99 (serves about 8); Large Turkey Dinner $139.99 (about 15); Turkey Breast Dinner $79.99 (about 8); Ham Dinner $69.99 (about 7). Online ordering opens Oct. 27, with pickup through Nov. 25.
Order: Publix Holiday Meals
The Fresh Market
Where: Multiple Charlotte-area locations
What's offered: Ready-to-heat holiday meals in every size, from a prime rib dinner for two to a turkey-and-ham feast for a crowd. The Traditional Holiday Meal includes a 10 to 12 lb. cooked turkey, whipped Yukon Gold potatoes, herb stuffing, gravy, cranberry walnut relish, and rolls.
Price: Holiday Turkey Market Meal Kit for 2 $19.99; Prime Rib Meal for 2 $54.99; Essential Holiday Meal (3 to 5) $74.99; Traditional Holiday Meal or Holiday Ham Meal (8 to 10) $99.99; Ultimate Holiday Meal (12 to 14) $199.99, with $10 off for loyalty members.
Order: The Fresh Market Holiday Meals
Whole Foods Market
Where: Charlotte-area locations
What's offered: Ready-to-heat Thanksgiving meals with classic, vegetarian, and vegan options, plus a la carte sides and desserts. The Classic Roast Whole Turkey Meal includes turkey, gravy, herb stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry orange sauce.
Price: 2026 prices haven't been posted yet. Last year, the Classic Roast Whole Turkey Meal was $99.99 for 4 and $169.99 for 8.
Order: Whole Foods Thanksgiving catering
Costco
Where: Ships to your door (members only)
What's offered: The Complete Gourmet Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner serves 8: a 5 lb. pre-brined turkey breast you roast at home, plus mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, mac and cheese, cornbread stuffing, sweet corn, candied yams, gravy, cranberry relish, and 12 dinner rolls.
Price: $199.99 (marked down from $269.99), shipping included. Order by Nov. 13 for delivery between Nov. 4 and 20.
Order: Costco.com
Local restaurants
From smoked turkey to a fully vegan feast, these South Charlotte and Union County favorites will happily do the cooking.
Hickory & Heart
Where: 10822 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28277
What's offered: Thanksgiving meal deals with turkey, your choice of 3 sides, gravy, and rolls, plus a la carte entrees and sides.
Price: Feeds 5 to 7 for $110; feeds 8 to 10 for $175. Order by Friday, Nov. 20 at 9 p.m.; pickup Nov. 24 (11 a.m. to 8 p.m.) or Nov. 25 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Order: Hickory & Heart holiday ordering
New South Kitchen & Bar
Where: 8140 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28277 (The Arboretum)
What's offered: A la carte Southern favorites, including their famous deep-fried turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, sausage and cornbread dressing, and apple crisp.
Price: Deep-fried turkey breast filet $72; deep-fried dark meat $35; sides $17 each; apple crisp $30. Order by Nov. 22 at 8 p.m.; pickup Wednesday, Nov. 25, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Order: New South Thanksgiving To-Go
Midwood Smokehouse (Ballantyne)
Where: 12410 Johnston Road, Charlotte, NC 28277
What's offered: Party packs with your choice of two proteins, two sides, and bread, plus whole smoked turkey, spiral-cut boneless ham, chopped pork, mac and cheese, collards, banana pudding, and more. Everything comes cold and ready to reheat.
Price: Party packs feed 4 to 24 people, from $55 to $195. Pickup Nov. 24 and 25.
Order: Midwood Smokehouse Holiday Orders
The Smoke Pit
Where: 8136 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28277 (The Arboretum) and 1507 W. Roosevelt Blvd., Monroe, NC 28110
What's offered: Smoked entrees and Southern sides a la carte: whole turkey, whole brisket, honey ham, baked mac and cheese, pit creamed corn, hashbrown casserole, apple crisp, and pies.
Price: Whole turkey $150; whole brisket $225; whole honey ham $90; sides $40 per half pan or $80 per full pan; pecan or key lime pie $30. Pickup Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 26, 8 a.m. to noon.
Order: The Smoke Pit Holiday Menu
Sanctuary Bistro
Where: 6414 Rea Road, Charlotte, NC
What's offered: A 100% vegan and gluten-free a la carte Thanksgiving menu, perfect for families with food allergies or plant-based eaters. Think artichoke dip, mashed potatoes with mushroom gravy, green bean casserole, gluten-free stuffing, and cookies.
Price: Most dishes $22 to $28; desserts $18 to $30. Order by Nov. 8 (or sooner, as they may close orders early).
Order: Sanctuary Bistro Vegan Thanksgiving
Metro Diner
Where: 10412 E. Independence Blvd., Suite 400, Matthews, NC 28105 and 8334 Pineville-Matthews Road, Suite 110, Charlotte, NC 28226
What's offered: The Holiday At Home Feast: roasted turkey or baked ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans or street corn, cornbread stuffing or mac and cheese, cranberry sauce, and Hawaiian rolls. Packed cold with heating instructions.
Price: Feeds 1 for $17.99; 4 for $67.99; 8 for $133.99.
Order: Metro Diner Holiday Feast
Mac's Speed Shop
Where: Charlotte-area locations
What's offered: Turkey dinner packages plus a la carte barbecue, sides, and desserts. The Family of 8 package includes a whole turkey, 2 pints of gravy, 3 half pans of sides, and 2 lbs. of brisket.
Price: Family of 8 package $195. Order at least 48 hours ahead (last day Nov. 25). Bonus: order a Family of 8 or 12 bundle by Nov. 18 and get a $20 gift card.
Order: Mac's Holiday Pre-Order
Cracker Barrel
Where: Multiple Charlotte-area locations
What's offered: Heat & Serve meals with oven-roasted turkey breast, cornbread dressing, gravy, cranberry relish, sweet potato casserole, green beans, and sweet rolls. The larger Feast adds mashed potatoes plus pumpkin and pecan pies.
Price: Turkey Family Dinner (serves 4 to 6) about $119.99; Turkey Feast (serves 8 to 10) about $189.99. Prices vary by location. Pickup Nov. 21 to 29.
Order: Cracker Barrel Holiday
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
Where: Stonecrest in South Charlotte and other area locations
What's offered: Take-Home Thanksgiving Feasts with turkey, ham, or a combo, plus mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, asparagus, green beans, bread, and their popular bread pudding.
Price: 2026 pricing not yet posted. Last year each Feast was $159.95 and served 4 to 6, with pickup the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
Order: Firebirds Thanksgiving Feast
Napa on Providence (Rea Farms)
Where: 7708 Rea Road, Charlotte, NC
What's offered: A take-out Thanksgiving dinner for four, plus dine-in Thanksgiving Day.
Price: 2026 details not yet posted. Last year, the take-out meal for 4 was $160 and the dine-in turkey dinner was $60 per person. Call the restaurant for this year's menu.
Jim 'N Nick's
Where: Multiple Charlotte-area locations
What's offered: Value Feasts that feed 4, including the Turkey Value Feast with turkey, choice of sauce, 3 sides, and bread.
Price: Starting at $39.99.
Order: Jim 'N Nick's online ordering
Popeyes Cajun-Style Turkey
Where: Participating locations, or shipped to your door
What's offered: A fully cooked Cajun-style turkey, a cult favorite for adding a little spice to the table.
Price: $59.99
Order: turkeys.popeyes.com
Caterers, markets, and bakeries
Want something a little more special, or just need the sides and pies? These local caterers and shops have you covered.
Reid's Fine Foods
Where: Multiple Charlotte locations
What's offered: A huge build-your-own Thanksgiving menu: whole turkeys (10 to 22 lbs.), beef tenderloin, ham, scalloped potatoes, mac and cheese, rice pilaf, yeast rolls, deviled eggs, chocolate pecan pie, and much more.
Price: Priced a la carte; see the online menu. Pickup Tuesday, Nov. 24 and Wednesday, Nov. 25, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Order: Reid's Thanksgiving Menu
Something Classic
Where: Delivers across Charlotte, with pickup at The Morehead Inn in Dilworth
What's offered: Chef-prepared traditional Thanksgiving and vegan holiday menus.
Price: 2026 menu coming soon. Last year, orders closed the Thursday before Thanksgiving, with delivery or pickup that Tuesday or Wednesday.
Order: somethingclassic.com
The Private Chef & Catering Service
Where: Charlotte area; order by email at theprivatechefcateringgroup@outlook.com
What's offered: A 2026 holiday menu with turkey, chicken, or ham in your choice of traditional, smoked, or honey Caribbean jerk, plus maple brandy salmon, candied yams, green beans, and loaded seafood mac. Options feed about 6.
Price: Turkey (10 to 15 lbs.) $69.99; chicken $59.99; ham $69.99; stuffed salmon $129.99; sides $60 to $70.
Order: Facebook page
Roots Catering
Where: 3410 St. Vardell Lane, Charlotte, NC
What's offered: A seasonal holiday menu of shareable dishes and sides, including herb-crusted turkey breast, clementine-glazed spiral ham, crispy fingerling potatoes, roasted root vegetables, and charred onion and leek dip. Available Thanksgiving through New Year's.
Price: Call (980) 260-3111 for pricing.
Order: roots-catering.com
The Loyalist Market
Where: 435 N. Trade St., Suite 102, Matthews, NC 28105
What's offered: A cut-to-order cheese and charcuterie shop in downtown Matthews. Perfect for a gorgeous appetizer board to keep everyone happy while the turkey reheats. Call ahead for holiday boards.
Price: Varies; call (704) 814-9866.
Order: theloyalistmarket.com
Virtuoso Breadworks
Where: 205 Salem Street, Waxhaw, NC 28173
What's offered: Artisan sourdough, breads, and pastries made with local ingredients. Pre-order a loaf (or three) for the table.
Price: Varies by item.
Order: virtuosobreadworks.com
Nothing Bundt Cakes (Marvin)
Where: 9704 Rea Road, Suite A, Waxhaw, NC 28173
What's offered: Bundt cakes and bundtinis in seasonal flavors, a fun no-bake alternative to pie (especially for the kids' table).
Price: Varies by size.
Order: Nothing Bundt Cakes Marvin
Worth the short drive
A few more Charlotte favorites with 2026 Thanksgiving menus:
- Sullivan's Steakhouse (1928 South Blvd.): three-course meal to go, serves 5 for $249 or 10 for $475. Pre-orders open Oct. 30. Order here
- Midwood Smokehouse also has Park Road, Plaza Midwood, and Huntersville locations if those are closer to Grandma's house.
Tips for a stress-free order
- Order early. Popular spots sell out, and some deadlines come fast. Sanctuary Bistro closes orders Nov. 8, and Costco closes Nov. 13.
- Know your pickup day. Most grocery stores and many restaurants are closed on Thanksgiving, so pickup is usually Tuesday or Wednesday. The Smoke Pit is one of the few offering Thanksgiving morning pickup.
- Clear out the fridge. Most meals come chilled, and a full dinner takes up a lot of space. Make room before you pick up.
- Plan your reheating time. Many full dinners take 2 to 3 hours to heat. Read the instructions the night before and work backward from dinnertime. Reheat leftovers and main dishes to 165°F.
- Mix and match. Get the turkey from one place, smoked brisket from another, and pies from a local bakery. No rule says it all has to come from one spot!
- Double-check the details. Prices and menus can vary by location and change without notice, so confirm on the ordering page before you buy.
