OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the kitchen preparing a holiday feast. For families who would rather enjoy the celebration at home without worrying about all the cooking, several restaurants and catering businesses offer prepared meals, traditional sides and holiday favorites to go.
Whether you’re looking for a complete family-sized dinner or just a few extra side dishes to round out the table, here are some local options to consider.
Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel is offering its Heat & Serve holiday meals that families can prepare at home in less than two hours. Customers can choose between a family dinner serving four to six people or a larger feast serving eight to 10. Both packages include over-roasted turkey breast, cornbread dressing, turkey gravy, cranberry relish, sweet potato casserole, green beans and sweet yeast rolls. The larger feast also includes mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie and pecan pie. Orders can be placed online while supplies last from 13561 SW 17th Ct. and 3801 SW College Rd.
Francesco’s Ristorante Stone Fire Pizza
Francesco’s Ristorante Stone Fire Pizza in Summerfield offers another option for families looking to bring home a holiday meal with an Italian twist. The restaurant plans to offer Thanksgiving takeout featuring traditional holiday flavors alongside its signature Italian dishes. Customers can enjoy a special menu incorporating turkey and some of the restaurant’s familiar offerings.
Pickup is scheduled for Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, at 16770 U.S. HWY 441, Ste. 608. Guests can call 352-693-2008 for menu details, reservations and ordering information.
Mimi’s Cafe
Mimi’s Cafe offers customizable holiday meals for customers who want a traditional Thanksgiving dinner without preparing every dish themselves. The restaurant’s holiday offerings include complete meals as well as individual sides, making it possible to order an entire dinner or add a few extra dishes to a homemade spread. Menu highlights include chef-made gravy and creamy whipped mashed potatoes. Pickup times are provided during checkout when placing an order. Mimi’s Cafe is located at 4414 SW College Rd.
World Equestrian Center
The World Equestrian Center is offering prepared Thanksgiving meals for families looking to enjoy a restaurant-quality holiday dinner at home. The full meals include a main course, sides and desserts, with packages available to serve six to eight people for $399 or 12-24 people for $615. Customers can also add a charcuterie board and custom wine pairing to their order.
Pickup is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 25, rom 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Expo Center 1, located off of NW 87th Court Rd. Visit WEC’s website for ordering information and reservations.
Make sure you check out the rest of our 2026 Holiday Guide!
