Where to find pre-cooked Thanksgiving meals and discounts on groceries in Columbus

Brittany McGee
·3 min read

Restaurants and grocery stores in Columbus have begun their deals and pre-made dinners in time for Thanksgiving. And some retailers are taking into account how inflation will hit customers’ wallets again this holiday season.

Shoppers saw higher prices when purchasing groceries online throughout the U.S. and the world during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, spurred on by increased demand for labor and goods.

Supply chains grew more predictable by October, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, and food prices have eased some although increases for certain products persists. There was 3.8% inflation for food and beverages in the Southeast, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

National retailers like Walmart and Aldi announced they will be dropping prices in light of the high inflation for the holiday season.

Walmart’s prices dropped on Thanksgiving meal items on Nov. 1 and will last through Dec. 26, according to a news release. The retailer is offering two Thanksgiving meal options: one for customers who would like to cook from scratch and another that is ready-to-bake.

“Saving money remains a top priority for our customers,” said John Furner, president and CEO of Walmart U.S., in the news release. “And this holiday season, we’re building on investments we made last year knowing they need it now more than ever.”

Aldi’s price reductions also began on Nov. 1 and will last throughout the holiday season. The retailer is reducing prices up to 50% on select items including gravy, potatoes, green beans, cranberries and pumpkin pie.

“Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, and we’re so grateful for our many loyal customers from coast-to-coast,” said Dave Rinaldo, president of ALDI, in a news release. “With inflation still looming, we’re providing shoppers extra relief to make the holidays a time for celebration, not stress.”

Along with discounts on groceries, customers in Muscogee County and the surrounding areas who would like to order pre-made Thanksgiving dinners have a number of options from local restaurants and national chains.

Here’s a list of establishments offering Thanksgiving meals or desserts to be served at home.

Businesses offering pre-made dinners

  • Boutique on the Square in Hamilton is offering essentials like cornbread dressing and collard greens. Customers can call 706-325-1393 for more information.

  • Bridges BBQ in Phenix City is offering a Thanksgiving menu that includes ribs, brisket and mac n’ cheese. All orders will go out on Nov. 22.

  • Cracker Barrel preorders are available for pickup between Nov. 18 and Nov. 25, with a 24-hour notice required before pickup.

  • Custom Cake Studio is allowing pre-orders for a variety of desserts up until Nov. 18.

  • Hudson’s at Main Street’s Thanksgiving To-Go Menu items will feed four to six people, and orders must be placed by Nov. 18.

  • Minnie’s Uptown Restaurant offers chicken, turkey, ham and cake with the deadline for Thanksgiving set for Nov. 15.

  • Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen offers a pre-cooked cajun-style turkey that can be ordered online or in-store.

  • Publix offers a variety of holiday meals that can be ordered ahead online.

  • Sarah’s Sweet Sensations is taking pre-orders for cakes, cheesecakes and pies

  • The Chicken Lady’s Coop offers a holiday menu that includes a meal for 10. Orders for food and cakes must be placed by Nov. 15.

  • The Fresh Market offers holiday meals that can be ordered online by Nov. 21.

  • The Honey Baked Ham Co. again will offer ham or turkey meals along with dessert options that can be ordered online.

  • Trevioli Italian Kitchen on Blackmon Road offers Thanksgiving catering for hot or cold pickup. Orders must be placed by Nov. 18

  • Tuesdays Street Tacos & Burritos has a special Holiday Menu featuring tamales and enchiladas that can be heated or cooked at home. Order at least 24 hours in advance, and the restaurant will close on Nov. 22.

  • Whimsical Vegan Bakery is selling a variety of vegan desserts on their Thanksgiving menu that must be picked up no later than Nov. 22

This list will continue to be updated. If there is a local restaurant or business that should be included on this list, please email Ledger-Enquirer reporter Brittany McGee at bmcgee@ledger-enquirer.com to add it to this list.