Is it cheaper to cook Thanksgiving dinner or eat out?

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Is it more affordable to cook your Thanksgiving feast or eat at a restaurant? The answer is: It depends on your budget and the size of your family.

This year, it’s about 20% more expensive to cook a Thanksgiving meal, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.

“I always cook for family,” said Deneen Stuckey. “Groceries are expensive.”

Last week, FOX13 purchased a Thanksgiving meal in Memphis for $96. The bundle of food included store brands and cheaper options.

COST OF A $96 THANKSGIVING MEAL

10 guests$9.60/person
5 guests$19.20/person
2 guests$48.00/person

If you’d like to dine out on Thanksgiving Day in Memphis, there are several options that might be affordable for your family. However, at least one restaurant is already full with reservations.

“We’re sold out,” explained Frank Grisanti, who serves a $38.50 Thanksgiving meal. “Whatever we serve, we consider affordable.”

Grisanti told FOX13 that the price of raw turkey from his supplier has more than doubled: from $2.59 to $5.95. He said he was forced to increase the price by $2 this year.

“Everything is up, from the butter we put on the table to the cornbread,” he explained. “There’s not anything that’s going to be on that table Thanksgiving Day that has not had a price increase to us.”

He recommends calling your favorite restaurant in advance to see if they still have reservations for the holiday.

DINING OUT ON THANKSGIVING DAY:

NAMEPRICERESERVATIONS?HOURSPHONE NUMBER
Cracker Barrel$14.99/personTo goAvailable for pick-up(901) 382-5465
Golden Corral$15.99/adultWalk-in only10 a.m. to 7 p.m.(662) 536-3630
Frank Grisanti’s$38.50/personSOLD OUT11 a.m. to 2 p.m.(901) 761-9462
The Capital Grille$47/adult and $17/childReservations recommended11 a.m. to 9 p.m.(901) 683-9291
The Guest House at Graceland$50/personReservations required11 a.m. to 2 p.m. AND 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.(800) 238-2000
Capriccio Grill$75/personReservations recommended12 p.m. to 10 p.m.(901) 529- 4000