Cookout Restaurant Locations – Find a Cookout Restaurant Near You

Planning to grab Cook Out and your phone shows the nearest location hours away? That happens because the chain operates in specific regions instead of nationwide. With about 380 Cookout locations in 11 states, spread mainly across the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States, finding a real branch depends on knowing where coverage actually exists. This guide helps you locate one quickly and preview the Cookout Menu before heading out.

Cook Out grows differently from most fast-food brands. Rather than opening stores everywhere, it builds clusters around college towns, suburbs, and major travel routes. Once you understand this pattern, searching becomes predictable instead of trial and error. We reviewed the official locator behavior and regional expansion trends to simplify the process for visitors and travelers.

The purpose of this article is simple: save you time and prevent wrong searches. Instead of scrolling through distant or outdated map listings, you will learn which states have dense coverage and which areas still have none. Knowing this also tells you when the Cookout Menu is realistically available during a trip.

By the end, you will know where to expect Cook Out locations and where to expect them and how to reach one confidently whether you are at home, commuting, or traveling.

States With the Highest Number of Cookout Restaurants

Cook Out does not follow the typical nationwide fast-food expansion model. Instead, it builds dense regional coverage in parts of the Southeast where late-night drive-thru dining and casual barbecue habits are already strong. Because of this clustering approach, once you enter an active state you often pass multiple locations within a short drive rather than just one isolated restaurant.

North Carolina alone has about 150 restaurants, roughly 39% of all locations, followed by South Carolina at 14% and Georgia, Virginia and Tennessee at about 12% each. Together these five states make up nearly 90% of the network, while the remaining states serve as smaller expansion edges. Practically, finding a nearby branch is very likely inside these regions but becomes much less predictable outside them.

Restaurant counts: store-location data from ScrapeHero as of August 19, 2026, with Florida updated to four open restaurants after the July 2026 openings in Temple Terrace and Jacksonville (local news reports). 383 locations in 11 states. Populations are U.S. Census estimates. Checked October 7, 2026.

Cities With the Highest Number of Cookout Restaurants

Cook Out tends to appear repeatedly within certain cities instead of spreading evenly across an entire state. The company targets active regional hubs where evening traffic stays consistent, especially areas near universities and major road corridors. This makes it common to pass more than one location within a few miles once you enter a strong market.

That approach explains why many of its busiest areas are mid-sized metros rather than dense downtown business districts. Cities with steady student populations, commuter routes, and late-night demand naturally support multiple branches. The brand’s growth follows movement patterns of people, not just total population size.

Charlotte leads with 14 locations, followed by Greensboro with 7 and Columbia, Raleigh and Memphis with 6 each. Durham has 5, while several cities including Augusta, Greenville, Knoxville, and Wilmington hold 4. Many regional hubs such as Asheville, Chattanooga, Charleston, and Fayetteville maintain 3 locations, showing consistent demand across North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia rather than a single-city concentration.

States and Cities Without Cookout Restaurants Yet

Cook Out is still a regional restaurant chain, so many searches show results in another state instead of your own city. The company mainly operates in the Southeastern and nearby Mid-Atlantic region, which leaves large parts of the country without a local branch.

If you live in one of the areas below, you will usually need to travel to a neighboring supported state rather than finding a nearby location. The cities mentioned are common places where people expect a branch but none currently operate.

Western States

• California: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco
• Oregon: Portland
• Washington: Seattle
• Nevada: Las Vegas
• Arizona: Phoenix
• New Mexico: Albuquerque
• Utah: Salt Lake City
• Colorado: Denver
• Wyoming: Cheyenne
• Montana: Billings
• Idaho: Boise
• Alaska: Anchorage
• Hawaii: Honolulu

Northern & Upper Midwest States

• New York: New York City, Buffalo
• New Jersey: Newark
• Pennsylvania: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh
• Ohio: Columbus, Cleveland
• Michigan: Detroit
• Wisconsin: Milwaukee
• Minnesota: Minneapolis
• Iowa: Des Moines
• Nebraska: Omaha
• North Dakota: Fargo
• South Dakota: Sioux Falls

New England States

• Maine: Portland
• Vermont: Burlington
• New Hampshire: Manchester
• Massachusetts: Boston
• Connecticut: Hartford
• Rhode Island: Providence

Southern & Central Gaps

• Florida: Miami, Orlando
• Arkansas: Little Rock
• Missouri: Kansas City, St. Louis
• Louisiana: New Orleans
• Oklahoma: Oklahoma City
• Kansas: Wichita
• Delaware: Wilmington
• Indiana: Indianapolis
• Texas: Houston, Dallas, Austin

U.S. Territories

• Puerto Rico: San Juan
• Guam: Hagåtña
• U.S. Virgin Islands: Charlotte Amalie
• American Samoa: Pago Pago
• Northern Mariana Islands: Saipan

Cookout Locations Across the United States (By State)

Trying to figure out if Cook Out exists in your state before opening maps again and again? The breakdown below solves that by listing locations state by state so you can immediately confirm coverage.

Inside each state section, every operating city is listed along with its exact address and phone number, allowing you to directly pick the nearest branch without additional searching.

Cookout in Alabama

Looking for a Cook Out stop while traveling through Alabama? The state includes multiple locations spread across major college towns and busy road corridors. Cities like Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, and Auburn have steady coverage, which makes quick stops convenient for both locals and drivers moving along I-65 and I-20.

Use the table below to find the exact city, address, and contact number so you can choose the nearest location without checking separate maps.

Cookout in North Carolina

North Carolina is the center of Cook Out’s network and has the highest number of locations in any state. Restaurants are spread across large cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, and Greensboro as well as smaller college towns such as Chapel Hill and Boone, so a nearby stop is rarely far away. Because coverage is so dense, many areas have more than one branch within the same city.

Use the table below to locate the exact address and contact number for each operating restaurant across the state.

Phone numbers are shown only where they could be verified. For any other location, use the store finder on cookout.com for the current phone number and hours.

Cookout in South Carolina

South Carolina has one of the largest Cook Out networks outside its home state, with locations spread across major cities and busy coastal routes. Areas like Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, and Spartanburg see steady coverage, making stops convenient for daily travel and interstate traffic moving through the region.

Use the table below to locate the exact address and contact number for each operating restaurant across South Carolina so you can quickly choose the nearest branch.

Cookout in Virginia

Virginia holds one of the larger Cook Out footprints outside the Carolinas, with restaurants spread across cities such as Richmond, Virginia Beach, Harrisonburg, and other busy travel corridors. The state acts as a bridge between the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic region, so locations are often placed along commuter routes and university areas where traffic stays steady.

Use the table below to check the exact city, address, and contact number for each Virginia location so you can quickly choose the closest stop.

Cookout in Tennessee

Tennessee includes multiple Cook Out locations across cities like Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and surrounding travel corridors, making stops convenient for both local traffic and interstate travelers. You can use the table below to quickly find the nearest city along with its address and contact number.

Cookout in Kentucky

Cook Out locations in Kentucky are mainly found in growing cities and college areas where steady daily traffic supports quick service stops. The table below lists each operating city along with its address and contact number so you can choose the nearest branch easily.

Cookout in Maryland

Maryland currently features just one Cook Out restaurant, making it the brand’s northern edge for now. If you’re nearby, this spot becomes the go-to stop for anyone in the state looking to visit without crossing into neighboring regions.

Cookout in Mississippi

Mississippi has a small but growing Cook Out presence, with restaurants placed in select cities where steady local demand supports expansion. These locations serve as convenient stops for residents and travelers moving through the state’s main routes.

Cookout in West Virginia

West Virginia has a smaller number of Cook Out locations, mainly positioned in cities like Huntington, Beckley, Charleston, and Cross Lanes. These spots sit along the I-64 corridor, making them convenient stops for local traffic and travelers moving across the state. With only a few branches spread across key towns, most visitors rely on these areas as the primary places to find a nearby restaurant.

Cookout in Georgia

Georgia has one of the largest Cook Out footprints outside the Carolinas, with restaurants spread across major metros like Atlanta and Augusta as well as smaller cities such as Athens, Statesboro, and Valdosta. Many locations sit along busy travel routes like I-75 and I-85, making quick stops convenient whether you’re commuting locally or passing through the state.

With branches distributed across both large urban areas and regional towns, most visitors can find a nearby stop without driving far. The list above covers the operating cities along with their addresses and contact numbers so you can quickly choose the closest location.

Cookout in Florida

Florida is Cook Out's newest state. The first restaurant opened in Pensacola in July 2025, Tallahassee followed that October, and two more opened in July 2026: Temple Terrace, the first in the Tampa Bay area, and Jacksonville, the first in Northeast Florida. Stores in Carrollwood and St. Petersburg are planned.

Recent Cookout Openings

Cook Out continues to grow steadily, adding new restaurants in both familiar markets and nearby expansion areas. Recent openings appear across the Carolinas, Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky, and Alabama, allowing more communities to access the brand without traveling to older high-traffic cities. Many of these locations are placed along developing suburbs and busy commuter routes where demand has increased.

The newest additions show a clear pattern of strengthening coverage inside existing regions rather than jumping to distant states. Most openings fill gaps between already active cities, making travel between towns more convenient and reducing long driving distances for nearby residents.

Official Cookout Store Locator Guide

Finding a nearby restaurant is easiest when you use the official locator instead of relying only on general map searches. It shows confirmed operating branches and helps avoid outdated or incorrect listings that sometimes appear on third-party platforms, and you can quickly check Cookout Hours before heading out.
Step-by-Step: How to Use the Locator:

• Open the official Cook Out website and go to the locations page.
• Enter your city, ZIP code, or state in the search field.
• Allow location access if prompted for more accurate results.
• Review the list of nearby branches with address details.
• Tap directions to open navigation and start your route.

Fastest Way to Find Cookout While Traveling

While on the road, search by highway exit or nearby town rather than the exact city name. Restaurants are often placed along major routes, so checking the next town ahead usually gives quicker results than searching your current location repeatedly. Using navigation apps alongside the locator also helps confirm open branches and prevents detours.

Other Ways to Find Cookout Locations

Besides the official locator, map apps such as Google Maps and Apple Maps can quickly show nearby branches when location services are enabled. Searching the restaurant name usually displays the closest spots along with directions, photos, and recent visitor activity.

You can also check business directories like Yelp, TripAdvisor, and local listings, which help confirm whether a location is active before driving and may provide updated operating details.

How Cookout Chooses New Locations

Cook Out selects new sites based on traffic patterns rather than just city size. Areas with steady evening movement, nearby colleges, and strong drive-thru demand are prioritized because the brand relies heavily on quick car-based service. Busy suburban intersections and roads connecting multiple towns often rank higher than crowded downtown blocks.

Another major factor is proximity to existing markets. New restaurants usually appear within a reasonable distance of current locations so supply and staffing remain consistent. Instead of jumping into far-away regions, the company expands step by step around active areas, which keeps operations stable and service predictable.

Expansion Pattern Over the Years

Cook Out selects new sites based on traffic patterns rather than just city size. Areas with steady evening movement, nearby colleges, and strong drive-thru demand are prioritized because the brand relies heavily on quick car-based service. Busy suburban intersections and roads connecting multiple towns often rank higher than crowded downtown blocks.

Another major factor is proximity to existing markets. New restaurants usually appear within a reasonable distance of current locations so supply and staffing remain consistent. Instead of jumping into far-away regions, the company expands step by step around active areas, which keeps operations stable and service predictable.

Best States for Future Cookout Expansion

Cook Out expansion usually follows two signals: nearby operating regions + population growth. The brand already concentrates in the Southeast and typically grows outward step-by-step rather than jumping nationwide . At the same time, the South is currently the fastest-growing U.S. region and continues attracting migration, especially in states close to existing markets.

Because of that, the most likely future locations are not random. They are the states sitting right outside today’s coverage but still connected by travel routes and population movement.

Cook Out will most likely keep spreading outward from the Southeast instead of appearing on the West Coast first. Population growth plus road connectivity favors nearby states before distant regions, making gradual regional expansion the most realistic path forward.

Are Cookout Locations Franchise or Company Owned?

Cook Out operates primarily as a company-owned chain rather than a large franchise system. Most restaurants are managed directly by the company, which allows consistent pricing, menu offerings, and service standards across locations. Because fewer independent owners are involved, operational decisions remain centralized and uniform.

This ownership model also explains the brand’s slower but steady expansion. Instead of opening hundreds of franchised stores quickly, new locations are added carefully to maintain quality and operational control, resulting in a stable regional network rather than rapid nationwide rollout.

Drive-Thru vs Dine-In: What to Expect at Different Locations

Most Cook Out restaurants are designed around drive-thru service, so ordering from your car is the standard experience. Many locations include one or two drive-thru lanes, and even during busy hours the line usually moves steadily because the kitchen is optimized for high-volume traffic.

Some branches also offer walk-up windows or limited outdoor seating instead of traditional indoor dining rooms. Knowing this in advance helps first-time visitors plan accordingly, especially late at night when most customers arrive by car rather than expecting a full dine-in setup.

Using Cookout as a Road-Trip Food Stop

Cook Out locations are often placed near highways and connector roads, making them convenient stops without needing to drive deep into crowded city centers. Many travelers plan their breaks around these exits because parking is simple and getting back on the road takes only a few minutes.

When planning a trip, searching the next town along your route usually works better than checking your exact current location. Since multiple branches often exist along travel corridors, choosing the one closest to your exit can save time and keep the drive smooth.

Why Cookout Avoids Large Metro Downtown Areas?

Cook Out locations are rarely placed in dense downtown districts because the brand depends on fast vehicle flow rather than walk-in traffic. Congested streets, limited parking, and frequent stoplights slow down drive-thru service, which directly affects order speed and overall efficiency.

Instead, the company favors suburban edges and major intersections where cars can enter and exit easily. These areas allow longer drive-thru lanes, quicker turnaround times, and more consistent service during peak hours, which fits the restaurant’s high-volume operating model better than crowded city centers.

Rural vs Suburban Placement Strategy

Cook Out typically enters suburban areas before moving into smaller towns. Suburbs offer a balance of population, commuter traffic, and accessible road layouts, giving each new location steady demand from both residents and passing drivers.

Rural towns are usually added later once nearby cities prove consistent performance. Expanding outward from active hubs helps maintain reliable sales and prevents isolated locations from struggling without enough daily traffic.

Common Cookout Location Search Mistakes

• Relying only on third-party maps that show outdated or planned locations
  
• Confusing similarly named restaurants with actual Cook Out branches
  
• Searching the entire state instead of nearby supported regions
  
• Not checking if the listing is permanently closed or relocated
  
• Using city center searches instead of nearby highway towns
  
• Ignoring official listings and depending on old saved directions

How Location Density Affects Wait Times

Areas with several nearby Cook Out restaurants usually experience shorter lines because traffic spreads across multiple branches. In smaller markets with only one location, peak hours tend to create longer queues since all local demand concentrates in one place.

Differences Between Older and Newer Cookout Locations

Cookout Hours: Opening and Closing Times

How Location Density Affects Wait Times

Areas with several nearby Cook Out restaurants usually experience shorter lines because traffic spreads across multiple branches. In smaller markets with only one location, peak hours tend to create longer queues since all local demand concentrates in one place.

20 Cook Out Stops Worth Visiting at Least Once

• Charlotte, North Carolina
• Raleigh, North Carolina
• Greensboro, North Carolina
• Chapel Hill, North Carolina
• Boone, North Carolina
• Wilmington, North Carolina
• Columbia, South Carolina
• Charleston, South Carolina
• Greenville, South Carolina
• Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
• Atlanta, Georgia
• Athens, Georgia
• Augusta, Georgia
• Nashville, Tennessee
• Knoxville, Tennessee
• Memphis, Tennessee
• Richmond, Virginia
• Virginia Beach, Virginia
• Birmingham, Alabama
• Lexington, Kentucky

These locations are known for strong demand, convenient placement near busy routes or campuses, and consistent availability for travelers and regular visitors alike.

How to Choose Which Cook Out to Visit

Every Cook Out serves the same menu, so the differences between restaurants come down to a few practical things. Check these before you pick one.

• Closing time. Listed weeknight closes run from about 1:30 AM to 3:30 AM, so the nearest store may not be the one still open at your hour. See Cookout hours.
• Dining room or drive-thru only. Most restaurants have two drive-thru lanes and a walk-up window and no indoor seating, and where there is a dining room it can close before the drive-thru.
• Your route. Restaurants near highway exits are easy stops on a trip, and the official locator lets you search by town, ZIP code or address.
• Verified store details. Our city guides list checked addresses and phone numbers where we could verify them, starting with Atlanta, Lexington and Florence.
• A quick call. For a holiday or a very late run, call the store to confirm it is open before you drive.

Useful Links

• Head Office: 15 Laura Ln, Suite 300, Thomasville, NC 27360 – corporate headquarters
• Headquarters Phone: (336) 431-1094 – for a specific store's hours, call that store or use the cookout.com store finder
• Official Website: https://cookout.com/ – View official brand information and updates
• Cookout Locations Finder: https://cooksoutmenus.us/cookout-locations/ – Search nearby restaurants and operating hours
• Full Cookout Menu: https://cooksoutmenus.us/ – Explore complete menu items and pricing details
• About Cook Out Company: https://cookout.com/company – Learn about Cookout history and brand story
• Cookout Careers: https://cooksoutmenus.us/cookout-careers/ – Apply for jobs and employment opportunities
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/cookout – View latest promotions and food updates
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/cookout – Follow announcements and community posts
• Twitter (X): https://x.com/CookOut – Stay updated with news and alerts

Find a Cookout Near You Today

By now you know Cook Out is not a random nationwide chain. It follows a clear regional pattern. Once you understand which states and cities it serves, finding a nearby restaurant becomes straightforward instead of trial and error. The state breakdowns, locator tips, and expansion notes above help you confirm availability before you start driving.

Whether you are planning a quick stop, a late night meal, or a road trip break, begin with your state and narrow down to the nearest city. A few seconds of checking saves unnecessary searching and helps you head directly to an operating location with confidence.

Next time the craving hits, you will not need to guess if one is nearby. You will already know exactly where to go.

FAQs