The History of Cook Out Restaurant
WELCOME TO MYCOOKOUTMENU WHAT CAN WE GET FOR YOU TODAY?
IT’S BEEN OVER 35 YEARS SINCE THESE WORDS WERE FIRST SPOKEN. COOK OUT STARTED ITS JOURNEY IN 1989 IN GREENSBORO, NC, BRINGING FRESH, QUALITY FOOD TO CUSTOMERS EVER SINCE.

This post is all about the history of Cook out restaurant. Learn how Cookout started, grew, and became a favorite spot for burgers, BBQ, and milkshakes. We’ll take you through its journey in a simple and fun way. If you love Cookout or just want to know more, this post is perfect for you.

1989
Where It All Began: Cook Out’s First Location Opens in Greensboro, NC – 1989
1996
A New Era Begins: Cook Out Opens Its First Sit-In Location on North Main Street, High Point, NC – 1996


1998
Cook Out Reaches a Milestone: 10th Location Opens on Peters Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem, NC – 1998
1999
Cook Out Enhances Quality and Freshness with the Establishment of Its Meat Commissary – 1999


2004
Convenience Upgraded: Cook Out Begins Accepting Credit and Debit Cards – 2004
2006
Cook Out Opens Its Doors in the Beautiful City of Boone, NC – 2006


2008
Cook Out Reaches a Major Milestone with the Opening of Its 50th Location in Conover, NC – 2008
2009
Until 2009, Cook Out proudly operated exclusively in North Carolina, building a strong local fan base before expanding beyond state lines.


2010
In 2010, Cook Out opened its Tunnel Road location in Asheville, NC, achieving record-breaking sales on launch day.
2010
Cook Out expanded beyond North Carolina in 2010, opening its first South Carolina location in Spartanburg, the 74th store overall.


2010
Cook Out continued its expansion in 2010, opening its first Tennessee location in Johnson City, its 77th store overall.
2010
Cook Out made its debut in Virginia in 2010, opening its first location in Richmond—its 81st store overall.


2012
In 2012, Cook Out hit a major milestone, opening its 100th location in Florence, SC, marking a decade of rapid growth.
2012
Cook Out brought a royal twist to fast food in 2012, opening its iconic Castle-themed location in Newport News, VA.


2013
Cook Out made its debut in Virginia in 2010, opening its first location in Richmond—its 81st store overall.
2013
Cook Out made its debut in Kentucky in 2013, opening its first location in Richmond and continuing its expansion.


2014
Cook Out entered Maryland in 2014, opening its first location in Salisbury and expanding its reach up the East Coast.
2014
Cook Out marked a major achievement in 2014 by opening its 150th location in Bowling Green, KY, strengthening its Southern presence.


2014
Cook Out continued expanding in 2014, opening its first West Virginia location in Huntington and strengthening its footprint.
2015
Cook Out stayed true to its roots in 2015, opening its Wendover location in Greensboro, the brand’s first sit-down restaurant.


2016
Cook Out made its debut in Mississippi in 2016, opening its first location in Oxford and continuing its expansion.
2016
Cook Out entered Alabama in 2016, launching its first location in Tuscaloosa as part of its growing reach across the South.


2016
Cook Out hit a major milestone in 2016, opening its 200th location in Starkville, MS, and further expanding its footprint.
2018
Cook Out reached a significant achievement in 2018, opening its 250th location in Mobile, AL, and further strengthening its presence.


2022
Cook Out achieved another big milestone in 2022, opening its 300th location on Winchester Rd in Memphis, TN, continuing its expansion.
Explore More About Cook Out
Full Cook Out Menu & Prices – Discover everything Cook Out offers, from trays to burgers and more.
Cook Out Milkshake Menu – Check out all 40+ milkshake flavors, including seasonal favorites.
Cook Out Locations Across the U.S. – Find the nearest Cook Out restaurant and check their hours.




