Thanksgiving Takeout Becomes a Growing Holiday Tradition for Michiana Families

SOUTH BEND, Ind.-- More families across Michiana are trading hours in the kitchen for convenient takeout Thanksgiving meals, a trend local restaurant owners say has only grown since the pandemic.

The shift began in 2020, when COVID-19 restrictions forced restaurants to rethink operations and families to rethink their holiday plans. Many eateries introduced takeout turkey dinners to recoup lost revenue — and the idea stuck.

“Coming out of COVID, it was something we first put together when the restaurants were still only partially open,” said Matt Sutra, Vice President of Navarre Hospitality.

This year, Sutra is helping coordinate Thanksgiving takeout meals for four restaurants under the Navarre umbrella, totaling more than 400 orders.

“It’s really spectacular when you think that four or five hundred people this year have entrusted us with what’s the most important meal of the year,” he said.

Restaurant owners say changing family dynamics and busy schedules have helped solidify the new tradition.

“Social dynamics are changing,” said David Vite, co-owner of The Skillet in South Bend. “Mothers and fathers have so much going on with their kids already that it’s a lot easier to go this way. I think it’s a trend that’s creating itself anew.”

The Skillet’s annual Thanksgiving drive-thru served about 150 families Wednesday. Vite said demand continues to rise — up roughly 25% from last year — and the team begins planning the feast each July.

In Mishawaka, Chicory Café handed out more than 700 Thanksgiving meals this week, its highest number since the restaurant began offering holiday takeout four years ago in response to the pandemic. 

“It’s a big commitment,” Morauskico said. “You’re always nervous, everybody’s sitting down talking about the food. But we’re very confident in what we do, and we love being part of everybody’s dinner table.”

Restaurant owners say the take-home turkey trend shows no signs of slowing, and for many Michiana families, it’s quickly becoming a new holiday tradition.