Juban’s restaurant began staying open on Thanksgiving about six years ago, after staff members heard from diners who wanted to dine out on the holiday, according to Scott Callais, general manager and director of operations.
“It gets bigger every year,” says Callais, adding that the restaurant already has some 400 reservations for the holiday. “People are working and people want to spend more time with family than in the kitchen.”
Seeing the same holiday demand, a growing number of Baton Rouge restaurants are staying open on Thanksgiving.
“Most restaurants aren’t open but people still want to go out,” says BRQ owner Justin Ferguson, who adds the holiday generates about an entire weekend’s worth of business.
As for staffing on a holiday, Ferguson says a regular Thursday crew can handle the dine-in, to-go and catering orders. He notes the restaurant, which only closes for Christmas, informs staff members when they’re hired that the restaurant remains open for most holidays.
“We try to operate business as normal,” Ferguson says. “A lot of people want to work because we are busy and have a lot of reservations. It’s a good day for server staff to make more money.”
It’s not uncommon for area restaurants to have special menu offerings for the holiday. At Juban’s, a condensed version of their menu alongside a Thanksgiving-themed three-course prix fixe featuring slow-roasted turkey with sausage and herb stuffing as the entree. He estimates about 60% of customers will go the prix fixe option, saving the restaurant time and efforts.
Nationwide, nearly 9% of adults plan to eat at a restaurant on Thanksgiving, according to the National Restaurant Association. Of those, 31% say they’ll go to the same restaurant they have gone to traditionally for the holiday.
Chad Hughes, who has ownership stakes in several Baton Rouge bars and restaurants, also says the holiday is a great day for business. The Bengal Tap Room downtown and Ivar’s Sports Bar & Grill on Perkins Road will be open Thursday afternoon, offering their full menu.
“Honestly, after people have been doing the family thing all day,” Hughes says, “they’re usually ready to get out the house and have a drink.”
