The Southern Fast Food Chain That Serves Full, Hearty Meals For A Steal

Born in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1989, Cook Out began as a humble burger joint with one mission — to serve drive-thru meals that felt like a backyard barbecue. Over the decades, the family-owned chain spread its Southern charm across nearby states. It built a cult following for its generous portions, flame-grilled flavor, and unbeatable value.

At Cook Out, it's not just about grabbing a quick bite — it's about getting a full meal that satisfies every craving. The signature Cook Out Trays lets diners customize hearty combos of burgers, chicken sandwiches, barbecue, or even quesadillas, paired with sides like hush puppies, slaw, or corndogs. Then there are the milkshakes — more than 20 flavors strong — ranging from Banana Pudding and Peach Cobbler to Oreo Mint and Fresh Watermelon (a summer favorite). Add Cheerwine, the North Carolina cherry soda, or sweet tea on the side, and you've got the perfect Southern drive-thru spread.

Recently, Cook Out has been making headlines with its continued growth. The chain opened its first Tallahassee, Florida, location in 2025, expanding deeper into the Gulf region while testing a potential spinoff concept, Taco Roos, in Raleigh, North Carolina. Its steady rise proves that even in a world of global fast-food giants, the South's love for affordable, homestyle flavor is far from fading.

If you've ever eaten at Cook Out, you know it's not your average fast-food spot. It's part restaurant, part community hangout — the kind of place that's still buzzing long after midnight. It's a late-night haven where college students, night-shift workers, and families alike line up for hearty comfort food that fills you up without emptying your wallet. Fans on Reddit rave about the low prices and crave-worthy burgers, while others note the food quality varies by location. 

Cook Out isn't alone in this Southern fast-food culture that values heart over hype. Chains like Krystal Burger, Zaxby's, and Bojangles each hold their own corners of the map, offering distinctly regional flavors that national brands can't quite replicate. In the South, fast food often blurs the line with comfort food — rich with identity, tradition, and just enough grease to feel like home. And even with rising costs and changing tastes, these hometown favorites are hanging in there, fueled by nostalgia, habit, and plenty of local pride.

Together, they represent more than just quick meals — they're snapshots of Southern living, where flavor, family, and familiarity reign supreme. Cook Out's continued expansion proves how powerful that formula can be. Even as dining trends change, there's still a special appetite for Southern hospitality served in a takeout box.