Cook Out Locations – Complete USA Directory (2026)
Cook Out currently operates in 12 states with 300+ restaurants, concentrated heavily in the Southeast and expanding gradually into the mid Atlantic and Midwest. Every location is company owned no franchises. This page covers which states have Cook Out, which don’t, individual city guides for the most searched locations, a full city by city directory, practical visit information, and how to find the store nearest to you right now. Use the state navigation below to jump directly to your area.
Last Updated: June 2026 | Sources: cookout.com store locator, Google Maps business listings, publicly available location data
Cook Out at a Glance
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Locations | 300+ restaurants across the USA (as of 2026) |
| States Served | 12 states: NC, SC, VA, GA, TN, KY, AL, OH, MS, MD, WV, PA |
| Largest Market | North Carolina 130+ locations, founding state |
| Founded | 1989, Greensboro, North Carolina |
| Ownership Model | Company owned only no franchise locations |
| Drive Thru | Available at nearly all locations primary ordering method |
| Indoor Dining | Limited most locations are drive thru only |
| Late Night Hours | Open until 3 AM weekdays, 4 AM weekends at most locations |
| International Locations | None USA only |
| Menu Consistency | Same full menu at every location no regional variations |
Which States Have Cook Out? (And Which Don’t)
This is the most searched question about Cook Out’s footprint. The table below covers every U.S. state and whether Cook Out currently operates there. States marked as expanding have confirmed recent openings or announced growth in that market.
| State | Status | Approx. Locations | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | ✅ Active | 130+ | Founding state and largest market |
| South Carolina | ✅ Active | 45+ | Strong college town presence Clemson, Columbia |
| Virginia | ✅ Active | 25+ | Richmond, Hampton Roads, Blacksburg |
| Georgia | ✅ Active | 40+ | Atlanta metro, Athens, Savannah |
| Tennessee | ✅ Active | 30+ | Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis, Jackson |
| Kentucky | ✅ Active | 15+ | Lexington near UK campus among highest volume locations |
| Alabama | ✅ Active | 15+ | Birmingham, Huntsville, Auburn, Tuscaloosa |
| Ohio | ✅ Expanding | 10+ | Columbus area primary market; one of most recent state entries |
| Mississippi | ✅ Active | 5+ | Oxford, Starkville, Tupelo college town focus |
| Maryland | ✅ Expanding | 5+ | Baltimore area; growing mid Atlantic presence |
| West Virginia | ✅ Active | 5+ | Morgantown, Huntington, Charleston |
| Pennsylvania | ✅ Expanding | 2+ | Pittsburgh area; newest state market |
| Florida | ❌ Not Yet | 0 | No confirmed locations or announced opening dates |
| Texas | ❌ Not Yet | 0 | No confirmed locations as of mid 2026 |
| California | ❌ Not Yet | 0 | No West Coast presence; no announced plans |
| New York | ❌ Not Yet | 0 | No Northeast presence beyond PA as of 2026 |
| All Other States | ❌ Not Yet | 0 | Cook Out is Southeast and mid Atlantic focused; no confirmed plans for other states |
Cook Out Expansion Timeline
Cook Out’s growth has been deliberate and regional rather than rapid and nationwide. The chain has never chased a coast to coast footprint it has instead built deep penetration in its home market before moving into neighboring states. Here is how that timeline looks from founding to today.
| Period | State(s) Entered | Growth Status | What Happened |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | North Carolina | Founded | First location opened in Greensboro, NC. Drive thru and late hours model established from day one. |
| 1990s | North Carolina | NC Expansion | Growth focused entirely within NC. College town strategy emerged as campus adjacent locations became highest volume stores. |
| Early 2000s | South Carolina, Virginia | First Expansion | Cook Out crossed state lines for the first time into neighboring SC and VA. The same college town model carried over. |
| 2010s | Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, West Virginia | Southeast Buildout | The chain’s most active expansion decade. Multiple Southeast states entered. Total location count grew from roughly 100 to 200+. |
| 2020s | Ohio, Maryland, Pennsylvania | Mid Atlantic & Midwest Push | Cook Out pushed into its first true Midwest and Northeast adjacent markets. Columbus, OH became a flagship expansion market. PA and MD added first locations. |
| 2026 and Beyond | Indiana, Delaware, Florida (speculated) | Watch List | No confirmed openings as of mid 2026 but bordering states with high Cook Out brand awareness are the most likely next markets. |
Browse Cook Out Locations by State
Jump to your state or scroll the full directory below. Each card shows the approximate number of locations and major cities served.
Individual City Location Guides
The cities below have dedicated full length guides covering exact addresses, hours, nearby landmarks, university proximity, and what makes each location unique. More cities are added regularly.
North Carolina City Guides
South Carolina City Guides
Tennessee City Guides
Georgia City Guides
Kentucky – Lexington, Louisville, Bowling Green, Richmond
Alabama – Birmingham, Huntsville, Auburn, Tuscaloosa, Mobile
Complete Cook Out State Directory
| State | Est. Stores | Drive Thru | Entered | Major Cities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 130+ | ✅ All | 1989 | Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, Chapel Hill, Winston Salem, Fayetteville, Cary, Concord, Gastonia |
| South Carolina | 45+ | ✅ All | Early 2000s | Columbia, Greenville, Spartanburg, Rock Hill, Florence, Conway, Clemson, Anderson, Aiken |
| Virginia | 25+ | ✅ All | Early 2000s | Richmond, Blacksburg, Roanoke, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Charlottesville, Lynchburg, Harrisonburg |
| Georgia | 40+ | ✅ All | 2010s | Atlanta, Athens, Savannah, Macon, Columbus, Valdosta, Kennesaw, Marietta, Statesboro |
| Tennessee | 30+ | ✅ All | 2010s | Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis, Jackson, Chattanooga, Murfreesboro, Johnson City, Kingsport |
| Kentucky | 15+ | ✅ All | 2010s | Lexington, Louisville, Bowling Green, Elizabethtown, Richmond |
| Alabama | 15+ | ✅ All | 2010s | Birmingham, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa, Auburn, Opelika, Mobile, Decatur |
| Ohio | 10+ | ✅ All | 2020s | Columbus, Dublin, Hilliard, Cincinnati, Dayton, Reynoldsburg |
| Mississippi | 5+ | ✅ All | 2010s | Oxford, Starkville, Tupelo, Columbus |
| Maryland | 5+ | ✅ All | 2020s | Baltimore, Towson, Catonsville |
| West Virginia | 5+ | ✅ All | 2010s | Morgantown, Huntington, Charleston |
| Pennsylvania | 2+ | ✅ All | 2020s | Pittsburgh, Monroeville |
Most Popular Cook Out Cities
These cities consistently appear as the highest traffic Cook Out markets based on location density, proximity to universities, and late night demand patterns. If you’re visiting one of these cities, finding a Cook Out won’t take long.
| City | Est. Locations | Why It’s a Major Market |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte, NC | 8–10 | Largest city in Cook Out’s home state; strong student and late night base |
| Raleigh, NC | 6–8 | NC State University proximity drives consistent high volume late night demand |
| Greensboro, NC | 4–5 | Cook Out’s founding city; among the oldest and most established Cook Out markets |
| Winston Salem, NC | 4–5 | Near Wake Forest, Winston Salem State, and WSSU campuses |
| Columbus, OH | 5–7 | Flagship expansion market outside the Southeast; near Ohio State University |
| Nashville, TN | 5–7 | High energy city with strong late night foot traffic; multiple universities nearby |
| Richmond, VA | 4–6 | VCU and University of Richmond student base; strong suburban presence |
| Atlanta, GA | 3–5 | Major metro hub in Georgia; highest late night volume in the state |
Before You Visit – What to Know at Any Cook Out Location
Cook Out locations are fairly consistent in how they operate, but a few things catch first time visitors off guard. Here’s what to expect before you pull in.
| Feature | Status | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Thru | ✅ All locations | Primary ordering method. Open for full posted hours. Lane wraps around the building at peak times. |
| Indoor Dining | ❌ Most locations | Most Cook Out buildings have no indoor dining room. A small number of locations have limited seating don’t count on it. |
| Outdoor Seating | ⚠️ Some | A handful of locations have covered outdoor seating or picnic style tables. Not standard and not listed publicly. |
| Walk Up Window | ⚠️ Select | Available at some locations. Usually closes earlier than the drive thru not reliable late night. |
| Parking | ✅ All locations | Parking is available at every location. During peak hours the lot fills quickly but turnover is fast. |
| Payment Cash | ✅ All locations | Always accepted. Late night locations may run short on change for large bills. |
| Payment Card / Debit | ✅ Most locations | Visa, Mastercard, and debit accepted at the drive thru window at nearly all locations. |
| Payment Apple Pay / Google Pay | ⚠️ Many | Contactless payments accepted at a large portion of locations. Not universal have a card as backup. |
| Mobile Ordering App | ❌ Does not exist | Cook Out has no official app. All orders are placed at the drive thru or walkup window. |
| Delivery | ⚠️ Many locations | Available via DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub at many but not all locations. See the Delivery guide. |
| Late Night Service | ✅ Most locations | Standard close is 3 AM weekdays, 4 AM weekends. Campus locations often run until 4:30–5 AM. See Hours guide. |
| Accessibility | ✅ All locations | Drive thru lanes and parking lots are accessible. Walkup windows vary in accessibility by location design. |
How to Find the Nearest Cook Out Location
The fastest and most accurate method is Google Maps. Search “Cook Out near me” on your phone and you’ll see every location ranked by distance with current open/closed status, today’s hours, and one tap directions. For a second source, the official store locator at cookout.com lists verified addresses and phone numbers. A few practical tips before you go:
| Step | What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Search “Cook Out near me” on Google Maps | Shows every nearby location with live open/closed status and distance |
| 2 | Check today’s hours before leaving | Hours vary by location especially late night and on holidays |
| 3 | Use the ZIP code search on cookout.com | Confirms the official address and phone number if Google Maps shows multiple options |
| 4 | Call ahead on holidays or in bad weather | Some locations close early or adjust hours without updating online listings immediately |
| 5 | Check a delivery app if you’re not driving | If the location shows as open on DoorDash or Uber Eats, the kitchen is accepting orders right now |
Related Cook Out Guides
Frequently Asked Questions About Cook Out Locations
How many Cook Out locations are there?
Cook Out operates over 300 locations across 12 states as of 2026. The chain doesn’t publish a realtime count, but Google Maps and the cookout.com store locator give the most accurate current numbers for any given state or city.
Which city has the most Cook Out restaurants?
Charlotte, NC has the highest number of Cook Out locations of any single city, with an estimated 8 to 10 restaurants across the metro area. Raleigh, NC and Columbus, OH are close behind, with Greensboro and Winston Salem also among the densest markets in the chain.
What states have Cook Out locations?
As of mid 2026: North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Ohio, Mississippi, Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. NC has the most locations by a significant margin. See the full state table above for city level detail in each state.
Which states do NOT have Cook Out?
As of 2026, Cook Out has no locations in Florida, Texas, California, New York, or any state west of Ohio and north of Pennsylvania. The chain is still primarily Southeast and mid Atlantic focused. If you’re in one of those states, there’s currently no Cook Out near you.
Is Cook Out coming to Florida?
There are no confirmed Florida locations or official announcements as of mid 2026. Florida is one of the most commonly requested expansion states given Cook Out’s Southeast concentration, but Cook Out expands gradually and hasn’t publicly indicated a Florida timeline.
Is Cook Out a franchise or company owned?
Every Cook Out location is company owned. There is no franchise program. This is uncommon for a chain of Cook Out’s size and is a key reason the menu, pricing, and experience stay consistent from one location to the next.
Does every Cook Out location have a drive thru?
Yes. Drive thru service is standard at every Cook Out location and is the primary ordering method. The drive thru runs the full posted hours and is the last service to close each night. It’s the one thing you can count on at any Cook Out regardless of city or state.
Are all Cook Out locations open late?
Most are. The standard closing time is 3 AM on weekdays and 4 AM on weekends. Campus adjacent stores often run until 4:30 or 5 AM. Suburban locations in lower traffic areas may close closer to 2 AM. Hours are set individually by each store, not chain wide. See the full Cook Out Hours guide.
Is the menu the same at every Cook Out location?
Yes. The full menu is identical at every location same burgers, same 40+ milkshake flavors, same sides. There are no location exclusive items or regional menu differences. Prices vary slightly due to state tax differences and local cost factors, but the items are consistent everywhere.
Do Cook Out locations have indoor seating?
Most do not. Cook Out operates as a drive thru first concept and the majority of its buildings don’t have a dining room. A small number of locations offer limited indoor or outdoor seating, but it’s the exception rather than the standard. Plan to eat in your car or take the food home.
Can I get Cook Out delivered?
At many locations, yes through DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub. Cook Out has no official delivery app of its own. Whether delivery is available depends on your nearest store’s participation and local driver availability. See the full Cook Out Delivery guide.
Where was Cook Out founded?
Cook Out was founded in Greensboro, North Carolina in 1989. It was built around a backyard cookout concept with char grilled burgers, affordable pricing, and late hours. NC remains the chain’s largest and most established market over 35 years later.
Is Cook Out expanding to new states?
Yes, steadily. Ohio, Maryland, and Pennsylvania are the most recent state entries, all in the 2020s. Cook Out grows deliberately rather than rapidly. States bordering its current footprint particularly Indiana, Delaware, and possibly Florida are the most speculated next markets, though nothing is confirmed as of mid 2026.
How do I find the nearest Cook Out right now?
Search “Cook Out near me” on Google Maps. This shows every nearby location with current open/closed status, today’s hours, and one tap directions. The official store locator at cookout.com is a secondary option for confirmed addresses and phone numbers.
Why are so many Cook Out locations near college campuses?
Cook Out’s pricing and hours are a natural match for the college market. A full Cook Out Tray for under $8 at 2 AM is genuinely hard to beat, and staying open until 3 or 4 AM puts Cook Out in a category by itself when dining halls and most restaurants are closed. Campus markets have consistently been the chain’s highest volume stores since its early years.
Does Cook Out have locations outside the USA?
No. Cook Out operates exclusively within the United States. There are no international locations and no announced international expansion plans.
Do Cook Out hours change on holidays?
Yes, on some holidays. Christmas Day is the one day Cook Out closes system wide. Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve see adjusted hours at many locations. Most other holidays run regular hours. Always verify with your local store or Google Maps before visiting on a major holiday. For the full holiday schedule, see the Cook Out Hours guide.
Editorial Note:
Location information on this page is compiled from the official Cook Out store locator at cookout.com, Google Maps business listings, and publicly available location data. Location counts are estimates Cook Out opens new restaurants regularly and occasionally relocates existing ones. Hours, delivery availability, and store features vary by individual location and can change without notice. This directory was last reviewed in June 2026. If you notice a missing location or an inaccuracy, please contact us.
About This Directory: CookoutsMenu.online is an independent community resource and is not affiliated with Cook Out LLC. All information is approximate and subject to change always verify with your local store or the official website before visiting. For official information, visit cookout.com.