What States Have CookOut? (Full List & Guide)
Cook Out is a well-loved fast food place known for its tasty burgers, BBQ and Milkshakes Menu. Many people enjoy its big menu and low prices. But Cook Out isn’t in every state, so you might be wondering where you can find one.
In this guide, we list all the states that have Cook Out restaurants. Whether you’re looking to try it for the first time or just want to know if there’s one near you, this easy guide will help you find out where Cook Out location.
What Is Cook Out?
Cook Out is a privately owned fast food chain known for its CookOut trays, char-grilled hamburgers, North Carolina-style BBQ and famous milkshakes. The first Cookout opened in Greensboro, North Carolina in 1989. Since then, it has expanded to several other Southern states, gaining loyal fans along the way.
How Many Cook Out Locations Are There?
As of 2025, Cook Out operates more than 300 locations across the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States. The number is growing every year, but the company is known for expanding slowly and carefully maintaining its unique style and quality.
What States Have Cook Out?
Here’s the full list of states where you can find a Cook Out restaurant:
- North Carolina: Home of the original Cook Out. Dozens of locations across the state.
- South Carolina: One of the earliest expansion states.
- Georgia: Especially popular in college towns like Athens.
- Tennessee: Big presence in Knoxville, Nashville and Memphis.
- Virginia : Many Cookout restaurants throughout the state.
- Kentucky: Lexington and Louisville both have CookOut spots.
- Alabama: Expanding in cities like Birmingham and Huntsville.
- Mississippi: A smaller presence, but growing.
- Maryland: A few locations, mostly in the western part.
- West Virginia: Small towns and college areas.
- Ohio: Cook Out recently entered Ohio markets.
- Arkansas: Limited locations but steadily growing.
As of now, Cookout is not nationwide. The brand sticks mostly to the Southern and Mid-Atlantic regions. If you’re outside these areas, you might have to make a road trip.
Review
Why Doesn’t Cook Out Expand Everywhere?
Cook Out is a family-owned company and they prefer slow, deliberate growth. They focus on opening in areas where their menu, drive-thru model and late-night service will thrive. That’s why you’ll often find Cookout near college campuses, urban areas and Southern towns.
Is Cook Out Coming to New States?
There’s no official word from Cookout on which states will get new locations next. However, based on past growth, states like Florida, Indiana, or Pennsylvania could be next. Fans across the USA. continue to request new stores, so the brand’s slow but steady expansion is something to watch.
How to Find a Cook Out Near You
To find the closest location:
- Use Google Maps and search Cookout near me
- Check social media, where fans often post about new openings
What States Have Cook Out?
To recap, Cookout is currently available in the following states:
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Georgia
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- Kentucky
- Alabama
- Mississippi
- Maryland
- West Virginia
- Ohio
- Arkansas
If you live in one of these states, you’re in luck. If not it might be worth the drive! With its iconic trays, delicious burgers and legendary milkshakes, Cook Out menu is more than fast food it’s a regional experience.