14 Million Celebrate Thanksgiving in Restaurants
By: Anthony Adragna
Published: November 17, 2011

14 million people will celebrate a Thanksgiving meal in restaurants this year. More than 32 million people are expected to eat out while shopping on Black Friday, the day that follows Thanksgiving. 
“In today’s activity-rich, time-poor society, restaurants play an important role in bringing friends and family together to share a holiday meal for Thanksgiving,” said Hudson Riehle of the National Restaurant Association. “Our research clearly shows that the convenience of restaurant meals – not having to shop, cook and clean up – drives consumer behavior and will lead millions of Americans to patronize restaurants this Thanksgiving.” 
Most people surveyed cited convenience as the reason for celebrating Thanksgiving in restaurants.