Let’s Talk About Cookout Restaurant
If you’ve ever been road-tripping through the southeastern U.S., chances are you’ve seen a Cookout—or maybe even stopped in for one of their legendary trays. It’s not just another fast-food spot. Cookout is kind of a big deal in this region, known for serving up flame-grilled burgers, tasty chicken, hot dogs, and a wild variety of over 40 milkshake flavors. As of 2025, they’ve got more than 300 locations, mostly spread across places like North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia—with Florida joining the party recently.
The History of CookOut: From Backyard Dreams to Southern Icon
When you think of Cook Out, you probably picture flame-grilled burgers, hushpuppies, late-night drive-thrus, and milkshakes so thick you need a spoon. But behind the trays and shakes is a classic American story of entrepreneurship, regional pride, and quiet expansion that turned a local burger joint into a beloved Southeastern staple.
Let’s take a walk through Cook Out’s history—and see how it grew from one location in North Carolina to hundreds across the South.
Humble Beginnings in Greensboro, North Carolina (1989)
The story of Cook Out starts in 1989, when founder Morris Reaves opened the first location in Greensboro, North Carolina. Unlike most fast-food chains at the time, Cook Out focused on char-grilled burgers—a key detail that would become a hallmark of the brand. While other chains relied on flat-top grills and prefab patties, Cook Out went for that backyard cookout flavor.
From day one, the vision was simple: offer quality food at low prices, and do it fast. And yes, everything was cooked fresh.
Fun fact: Morris Reaves still privately owns Cook Out, and his son, Jeremy Reaves, now serves as CEO. The company has always been family-operated, which is rare in today’s fast-food world.
The Early Years: Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Cook Out grew at a deliberate pace. For over a decade, they focused exclusively on North Carolina, opening locations in college towns and suburban hubs. The chain developed a loyal fan base by sticking to its roots: drive-thru convenience, fast service, and a no-frills menu packed with comfort food.
A big reason for Cook Out’s success? The Cook Out Tray—a genius combo meal that gives you an entrée, two sides, and a drink for a price that still hovers around $5–$7. It became a go-to order for students, night owls, and anyone craving variety on a budget.
The Milkshake Takeover
One of the most talked-about features of Cook Out’s menu is its milkshake selection. At some point during its growth, the brand introduced over 40 flavors, ranging from classics like Oreo and Strawberry to Southern-inspired ones like Peach Cobbler and Banana Pudding.
These shakes aren’t just dessert—they’re a thing. They helped Cook Out stand out in a competitive fast-food landscape where most chains only offered three or four flavors max.
Expansion Outside North Carolina (Mid-2000s Onward)
Cook Out didn’t really start expanding out of state until the mid-to-late 2000s. While many chains go national quickly, Cook Out chose to stick with what it knew: the Southeast. It grew organically, targeting nearby states like South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia.
By 2010, the brand had around 70 locations.
That number more than quadrupled over the next decade.
As of 2024, Cook Out has over 350 locations across 10+ states, including:
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Georgia
- Alabama
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- West Virginia
- Florida (newly added in 2024)
Florida and the Future (2024–2025)
In 2024, Cook Out made headlines by announcing its entry into Florida, opening new restaurants in cities like Pensacola and Tampa. It marked a significant move for the brand, proving that demand for Cook Out’s unique menu and Southern-style service isn’t limited to its home turf.
Though still privately owned and tightly run, Cook Out shows no signs of slowing down. Industry watchers speculate that more states—possibly even a Midwestern debut—could be on the horizon.
A Culture of Mystery and Loyalty
Despite its success, Cook Out has maintained an air of mystery. The company doesn’t spend much on flashy advertising. There’s no huge social media presence. It doesn’t chase trends or reinvent its menu every quarter.
Instead, it relies on word of mouth, customer loyalty, and nostalgia.
There are even Reddit threads and fan websites (like cookoutmilkshakereviews.com) dedicated to reviewing secret menu hacks and ranking milkshake flavors. Some call it “the In-N-Out of the South” thanks to its simplicity and cult-like following.
What’s on the Cookout Menu?
The menu is diverse, catering to various preferences with burgers starting at $1.99 for a small hamburger with 226 calories, up to $3.99 for a huge hamburger with 510 calories. Chicken items, such as the Original Style Chicken, are around $4.85 with 390 calories, while the Chicken Strip Club is $3.39 with 846 calories. Hot dogs range from $1.99 for a corn dog with 220 calories to $3.49 for a Bacon Cheddar Hot Dog with 523 calories. Sides like Regular Fries are $2.39 with 347 calories, and milkshakes, a highlight, are $3.69 with calories typically between 500 and 900, depending on the flavor.
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Small Hamburger | $1.99 | 226 |
| Huge Hamburger | $3.99 | 510 |
| Original Style Chicken | $4.85 | 390 |
| Chicken Strip Club | $3.39 | 846 |
| Corn Dog | $1.99 | 220 |
| Bacon Cheddar Hot Dog | $3.49 | 523 |
| Regular Fries | $2.39 | 347 |
| Reese’s Cup Milkshake | $3.69 | 894 |
Prices and calorie counts may vary by location, so checking with your local restaurant is recommended.
Cookout Locations and Expansion
Cookout has 359 locations as of April 2024, mainly in 10 southeastern states, with North Carolina leading at 137 locations. Recent expansions include plans for Florida, with new restaurants in Tampa and Pensacola announced in 2024, likely operational by now given the timeline.
Customer Experience and Culture
Customers often praise Cookout for its late-night service, drive-thru convenience, and the Cookout Tray, a customizable combo typically priced between $5 and $7. It’s a Southern tradition, with strong community involvement and mentions in media, like Reddit posts about secret menu items and customer reviews.
Burgers
Cookout’s burgers are char-grilled and customizable with styles like Cook Out Style, Cheddar Style, and Out West Style. Research suggests the following typical prices and calories:
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Small Hamburger | $1.99 | 226 |
| Regular Hamburger | $2.79 | 325 |
| Huge Hamburger | $3.99 | 510 |
| Big Double Hamburger | $2.99 | 311 |
Chicken
Chicken options include sandwiches, strips, and wraps, with various styles like Original, BBQ, and Cajun. It seems likely that the following are typical:
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Original Style Chicken | $4.85 | 390 |
| Barbeque Style Chicken | $4.85 | 380 |
| Cajun Style Chicken | $4.85 | 380 |
| Cheddar Style Chicken | $4.99 | 540 |
| Club Style Chicken | $4.99 | 570 |
| Chicken Strip Snack | $3.39 | 660 |
| Chicken Strip Club | $3.39 | 846 |
Calories for chicken items, such as Char-Grilled Chicken Breast at 377 calories for 189.2g,supporting the accuracy of the listed values.
Hot Dogs
Hot dogs are available in various styles, including Cook Out Style and Bacon Cheddar, with the following typical prices and calories:
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Dog | $1.99 | 260 |
| Cook Out Style Hot Dog | $2.99 | 390 |
| Corn Dog | $1.99 | 220 |
| Mexi Hot Dog | $3.29 | 362 |
| Bacon Cheddar Hot Dog | $3.49 | 523 |
These align with nutritional data, such as Hot Dog at 260 calories for 81g, as per MyFoodDiary Cook Out Nutrition Facts.
Sides
Sides complement the main menu, with options like fries, onion rings, and hushpuppies. The evidence leans toward the following:
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Fries | $2.39 | 347 |
| Large Fries | $2.99 | 694 |
| Onion Rings | $2.99 | 256 |
| Hushpuppies | $1.99 | 300 |
| Chicken Nuggets (5 pcs) | $2.49 | 240 |
Calorie counts, such as Regular Fries at 347 calories for 119.8g, ensuring consistency.
Milkshakes
Cookout is renowned for its milkshakes, with over 40 flavors like Oreo, Peach Cobbler, and Reese’s Cup, typically priced at $3.69 each. Calorie counts vary widely, typically ranging from 500 to 900 calories per shake, depending on flavor and size. For example, Reese’s Cup Milkshake is 894 calories for 947.6g, and Chocolate Malt Milkshake is 671 calories for 985g.
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CookOut Events & Tips
While Cook Out doesn’t throw big public events like festivals every month, it does have a strong presence at local community gatherings and sometimes shows up at special events with giveaways or samples. That said, if you’re planning your own cookout-style event at home, here are some handy tips to make it a hit:
- Plan Ahead: Confirm your guest list early so you know how much food to prepare.
- Create a Vibe: Use string lights, fresh flowers, or even a themed playlist to set the mood.
- Keep Guests Comfortable: Stock up on basics like sunscreen and bug spray—your guests will thank you.
- Make it Fun: Lawn games, a little music, or even a simple trivia contest can take your gathering up a notch.
CookOut Locations & Ownership
Cook Out started back in 1989 in Greensboro, North Carolina, and it’s grown into a go-to fast-food chain across the Southeastern U.S. You’ll find locations in places like North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and several other states. It’s especially popular in college towns and late-night food scenes.
What’s unique about Cook Out? It’s still privately owned. That means the same company runs all locations, not franchised out—which helps keep the quality and customer experience consistent no matter where you go.
CookOut Delivery & Services
Craving a Cook Out tray but don’t feel like leaving the house? No problem. While Cook Out doesn’t offer in-house delivery, you can still get your favorites through popular food delivery apps. Just open your go-to app, search for Cook Out, and place your order.
Delivery options may vary by area, and some locations might not be available on every platform, so it’s worth checking a couple of apps if one doesn’t show results.
Cook Out Hours
One of the best things about Cook Out is how late they stay open. Most locations open around 10:30 AM and don’t close until 3:00 AM. It’s perfect for grabbing lunch, dinner, or that midnight snack after a long night.
Keep in mind, hours can vary depending on the location and day of the week—especially around holidays—so it’s smart to check with your local Cook Out if you’re planning a late visit.
Cook Out & Apple Pay
Yes, Cook Out accepts Apple Pay at most of its locations. Whether you’re at the counter, in the drive-thru, or using their app, you can easily tap to pay with your phone or watch.
Here’s how it works:
- Add your card to Apple Wallet.
- When you’re ready to pay, hold your device near the terminal.
- Authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID—and that’s it!
It’s a fast, secure way to pay without needing your physical wallet.
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Cook Out Gift Cards & Franchising
Cook Out Gift Cards
Looking for an easy gift that hits the spot every time? Cook Out gift cards are a fan favorite. Whether it’s for a birthday, graduation, or just a “thinking of you” moment, these cards are a great way to treat someone to burgers, fries, milkshakes—or an entire tray if they’re really hungry!
Most Cook Out locations sell physical gift cards right at the counter. You can typically choose any amount, and they make great last-minute gifts, especially if you’re heading to a party or want to surprise someone who loves fast food.
At this time, there’s no widely available option to buy them online, so the best way to grab one is by visiting a location in person.
Cook Out Franchising: Can You Own a Cook Out?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions by fans: “Can I open a Cook Out franchise?” The answer is simple—Cook Out does not franchise its restaurants.
All Cook Out locations are company-owned, which means the business is kept tightly managed under one umbrella. This helps ensure that every location delivers the same quality of food, speed of service, and overall customer experience, whether you’re in North Carolina, Georgia, or anywhere else they’ve expanded.
So while you can’t invest in your own Cook Out franchise, you can still support the brand by being a loyal customer and maybe even working your way into the company if you’re passionate about food and business.
Cook Out FAQs
Conclusion
In summary, Cookout Restaurant offers a diverse menu with burgers starting at $1.99 and 226 calories for a small hamburger, chicken items from $3.39 to $4.99 with 380 to 846 calories, hot dogs from $1.99 to $3.49 with 220 to 523 calories, and sides like fries at $1.99 to $2.99 with 128 to 700 calories. Milkshakes, priced around $3.69, range from 500 to 900 calories. With 359 locations and recent expansions into Florida, Cookout remains a beloved fast-food chain, known for its affordability and cultural significance.
