What Happened to Cook Out?
Cook Out is a privately owned American fast-food restaurant chain founded in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1989. Known for its extensive menu featuring char-grilled burgers, North Carolina-style BBQ, hot dogs, and over 40 milkshake flavors, the chain has grown to over 350 locations primarily across the Southeastern United States, maintaining a strong regional focus and a reputation for affordability and late-night service.
Quick Answer
Cook Out continues its steady expansion across the Southeastern United States, operating over 350 locations as of early 2026. The company remains privately owned, focusing on its signature 'Cook Out Tray' value meals and diverse milkshake offerings. Recent developments include significant expansion into Florida with multiple new locations opening in late 2025 and early 2026, and plans for further growth into new states like Texas in 2026. The chain maintains its commitment to fresh, never-frozen ingredients and budget-friendly pricing.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Cook Out Founded in Greensboro, NC
Morris Reaves opens the first Cook Out restaurant on Randleman Road in Greensboro, North Carolina, establishing the brand's commitment to fresh, never-frozen food.
First Sit-In Restaurant Opens
Cook Out opens its first location with indoor seating in High Point, North Carolina, seven years after its founding, though many locations would remain drive-thru only.
First Out-of-State Expansion to Spartanburg, SC
After two decades of operating solely in North Carolina, Cook Out opens its 74th location in Spartanburg, South Carolina, marking its first venture outside its home state.
Expansion into Virginia
Cook Out continues its regional growth by opening new restaurants in Columbia, South Carolina, and expanding into Virginia with locations in Blacksburg and Radford.
Entry into Mississippi and Alabama
The chain expands its footprint further into the Southeast, opening stores in Mississippi (Oxford, Jackson, Hattiesburg, Starkville) and its first Alabama location in Tuscaloosa.
Secures $570M in Private Debt Financing
Cook Out raises $570 million in private debt financing for general corporate purposes, indicating strong financial backing for its continued operations and expansion.
First Florida Restaurant Opens in Pensacola
Cook Out officially opens its first restaurant in Florida, located in Pensacola, marking its entry into the 11th state of operation.
NASCAR Cook Out Clash Announced for 2026
NASCAR announces that the annual preseason exhibition event, the Cook Out Clash, will return to Bowman Gray Stadium for the 2026 season, continuing a significant sponsorship.
Corn Dog Distributor Issues Reported
Customers report an inability to order corn dogs at some Cook Out locations, with the company citing distributor problems and a product recall related to wooden stick contamination.
Tallahassee, FL Location Opens
Following its Pensacola debut, Cook Out opens its Tallahassee, Florida, location, further solidifying its presence in the state.
Jacksonville, FL Renovation Permit Issued
A renovation permit is issued for a Cook Out location at 14016 Beach Blvd in Jacksonville, Florida, signaling progress for another new restaurant in the state.
St. Petersburg, FL Location On Track for 2026 Opening
Despite visible delays, the planned Cook Out location on 4th Street North in St. Petersburg, Florida, is confirmed to be on track for a 2026 opening, with permits filed and ownership secured.
New Apex, NC Restaurant Nears Opening
A new Cook Out restaurant in Apex, North Carolina, which had its property purchased in 2024, is reported to be opening 'real, real soon,' expanding the chain's presence in its home state.
Planned Entry into Texas
Cook Out announces plans for expansion into Texas in 2026, with stores currently under development, indicating a continued strategic growth beyond its established Southeastern footprint.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Cook Out, a beloved regional fast-food chain, began its journey in 1989 when Morris Reaves opened the first location in Greensboro, North Carolina. The restaurant quickly distinguished itself with a commitment to 'Always Fresh, Never Frozen' ingredients, particularly for its char-grilled hamburgers, and an unusually diverse menu that included North Carolina-style barbecue, hot dogs, and an ever-expanding list of milkshake flavors. For its first two decades, Cook Out primarily concentrated its growth within North Carolina, building a loyal customer base before venturing out of state.
The company's expansion strategy has been deliberate, focusing on the Southeastern United States, often targeting college towns and high-traffic suburban areas where its late-night operating hours and value-oriented 'Cook Out Tray' meals resonate strongly with customers. The first out-of-state location opened in Spartanburg, South Carolina, in 2010, marking a significant turning point in its growth trajectory. Following this, Cook Out systematically expanded into Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, Maryland, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
In recent years, Cook Out has accelerated its expansion, particularly into Florida. After opening its first Florida restaurant in Pensacola in July 2025, additional locations followed in Tallahassee in November 2025, with St. Petersburg and Jacksonville seeing permits issued and construction underway for 2026 openings. This push into Florida signifies a continued commitment to regional dominance. The company also secured $570 million in private debt financing in December 2024, indicating a strong financial position to support its ongoing growth and operational needs.
As of May 2026, Cook Out operates over 350 locations across 11 states, with North Carolina still holding the highest concentration. The menu continues to evolve, with updated pricing for 2026 maintaining its reputation for affordability, particularly with the customizable Cook Out Tray. While primarily known for its drive-thru and walk-up window service, some newer locations now feature indoor seating. The chain also continues its unique partnership with NASCAR, sponsoring the 'Cook Out Clash' at Bowman Gray Stadium, which is set to return in 2026.
The company's current status reflects a successful, privately-owned enterprise that has managed to scale while retaining its core values of fresh food, variety, and value. Future plans include further expansion, with Texas slated for entry in 2026, demonstrating Cook Out's ongoing ambition to grow its footprint within its established regional market.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Cook Out made different choices?