Cook Out Origin of the Beloved Southern Fast-Food Chain
If you love big trays of burgers, fries, hushpuppies and sweet milkshakes, you probably know about CookOut menu. It’s a favorite fast food place in the Southern United States. Many people enjoy its low prices, big menu and late-night hours. But one question comes up a lot: Where did Cook Out originate?
Cook Out Started in Greensboro, North Carolina
Cook Out began in 1989 in Greensboro, North Carolina. The first Cookout was built on Randleman Road. The founder, Morris Reaves, wanted to make a fast food place that served fresh burgers, real BBQ and other Southern foods at good prices.
From the beginning, Cookout did things differently. They used 100% fresh beef, not frozen meat. They cooked all the food fresh when you ordered it. They didn’t use microwaves or pre-made meals.
A True North Carolina Favorite
People in Greensboro loved Cook Out. One reason was their Carolina-style burgers, which came with mustard, chili, slaw and onions. The restaurant also served BBQ sandwiches, corn dogs and hushpuppies foods you don’t always find at other fast food places.
They also had a special drink: the Cheerwine float, made with cherry soda and ice cream. Cheerwine is a soda from North Carolina, so it matched the Cookout style perfectly.
Instead of copying other big fast food chains, Cook Out stayed simple and Southern. They didn’t add salads or wraps. They focused on burgers, BBQ, hot dogs, fries and milkshakes.
Expanding Across the South
Cook Out didn’t open hundreds of stores quickly. They grew slowly. After doing well in North Carolina, they started opening restaurants in South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
By the 2010s, Cook Out had locations in Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi and West Virginia. Today, Cook Out has more than 300 locations in over 10 states.
Even though the company is bigger now, it is still owned by the Reaves family. They still focus on the same goals: fresh food, fast service and low prices.
Why People Love Cook Out
Cook Out is different from other fast food places. Many of its restaurants are drive-thru only or have walk-up windows. This helps them serve food quickly. Also, many Cookouts are open until 3:30 a.m., which makes them great for late-night meals.
One of the most popular items is the Cook Out tray. You can pick one main item, like a burger or BBQ sandwich and two sides, like fries, nuggets, or a corn dog. It also comes with a drink. You can even upgrade your drink to a milkshake for a small extra charge.
Review
The Famous Milkshakes
Cook Out is also known for its milkshakes. They have over 40 flavors and they are made by hand. Some popular flavors are:
- Oreo
- Peanut butter banana
- Banana pudding
- Strawberry cheesecake
- Mint chocolate chip
They also have seasonal shakes like pumpkin pie in the fall and fresh watermelon in the summer. The milkshakes are thick and creamy and feel more like dessert than a drink.
Always Fresh, Always Tasty
From day one, Cook Out has used fresh ingredients. Their burgers are made with fresh beef, not frozen. Their BBQ is slow-cooked pork, made the Carolina way. Even the buns are toasted.
Cook Out also keeps its menu and taste the same at every location. Whether you visit in North Carolina or Alabama, you’ll get the same flavor, same prices and same fast service.
A Southern Tradition
Cook Out is more than just a fast food place. It’s a part of Southern culture. It started in North Carolina and grew into a favorite in many states.
The mix of fresh food, friendly service and low prices has helped it grow. But Cook Out never forgot where it came from. It still feels like a small-town burger joint even though there are now hundreds of Cook Out locations.
Final Thoughts
So, where did Cook Out originate? It started in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1989. Since then, it has grown across the South but still stays true to its roots.
If you’re craving a Cook Out tray, a Cheerwine float, or a thick milkshake, you’re not just getting a tasty meal you’re enjoying a piece of North Carolina history.
