Cookout Locations 2026 – Find a Restaurant Near You

Cookout is a popular fast-casual restaurant chain best known for its smoky, char-grilled burgers, customizable BBQ trays, and an impressive selection of over 40 milkshake flavors. Since its founding in 1989 in Greensboro, North Carolina, Cookout has grown steadily, winning the hearts of customers across the Southeast. Its combination of affordable prices, generous portions, and late-night service has made it a go-to spot for everything from quick late-night bites to family dinners and road trip stops.

Today, Cookout operates more than 250 locations throughout states like North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia. Whether you’re a local, a student, or a traveler driving along the highways, finding a Cookout near you is easy.

This 2026 guide aims to give you a complete overview of Cookout locations, tips for locating restaurants efficiently, and a detailed look at the menu options that keep fans coming back time and again.

Overview of Cookout

Cookout started as a humble burger stand in Greensboro, North Carolina, and quickly became famous for serving affordable, high-quality fast food that appeals to a wide range of customers. Over the years, it has grown into a beloved regional chain by focusing on bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a menu that caters to late-night cravings, family meals, and travelers on the go. What truly sets Cookout apart:

• har-grilled burgers delivering a smoky, savory flavor
• Over 40 milkshake flavors, from classics to unique blends
• Late-night service, often open until 3 AM
• Customizable trays, letting you mix and match mains, sides, and drinks

Cookout has built a strong regional following, particularly among college students, families, and travelers along major highways.

Cookout Locations by State

Cookout restaurants are spread across several states in the U.S., with the highest concentration in North Carolina, which boasts over 130 locations in cities like Charlotte, Greensboro, Durham, and Raleigh. South Carolina follows with 51 locations, primarily in Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, and Spartanburg, while Georgia has 47, including Atlanta, Augusta, and Athens. Tennessee and Virginia both host 42 locations each, covering major cities such as Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, Richmond, and Virginia Beach. Alabama has 15 locations, Kentucky has 12, Mississippi has 8, West Virginia has 4, and Maryland has a single location in Salisbury. This distribution highlights how Cookout has established strong regional hubs, especially in the Southeast, making it easy for customers to find multiple locations within short distances.

North Carolina

North Carolina hosts the largest number of Cookout restaurants, with over 130 locations. Cities like Charlotte, Greensboro, Durham, and Raleigh are hotspots.

North Carolina is the best state to explore multiple Cookout locations within short distances.

South Carolina

South Carolina has 51 Cookout restaurants, mainly in Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, and Spartanburg.

Cookout in South Carolina is highly accessible along major highways, perfect for travelers.

Georgia

Georgia has 47 locations, with Atlanta, Augusta, and Athens leading.

Georgia locations are busy during evenings and weekends.

Tennessee

Tennessee hosts 42 Cookout restaurants, with Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville as main hubs.

Virginia

Cookout has 42 restaurants across Virginia, primarily in Richmond, Virginia Beach, and Charlottesville.

Alabama

Alabama has 15 locations.

Kentucky

12 locations in Lexington and Bowling Green.

Mississippi

8 locations, concentrated in Jackson and surrounding towns.

West Virginia

4 locations, mainly in Charleston and Morgantown.

Maryland

1 location in Salisbury.

Major U.S. Cities with Multiple Locations

Cookout locations are most dense in college towns, urban centers, and along highways.

Urban and suburban hubs have the most convenient late-night service and drive-thru options.

States Without Cookout

Cookout hasn’t expanded into many northern, western, and some southern states:

• Western: California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho
  
• Northern: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota
  
• New England: Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island
  
• Other Southern & Central Gaps: Florida, Arkansas, Missouri, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Kansas, Delaware, Indiana

Residents in these states need to travel to the Southeast for a Cookout experience.

Tips for Finding a Cookout Near You

Finding a Cookout nearby is easy if you know where to look. Whether you’re craving char-grilled burgers, BBQ trays, or one of their 40+ milkshake flavors, a little planning can make your visit smooth and enjoyable.

• Use Google Maps or Cookout’s official locator to get real-time restaurant locations.
• Check opening hours, since some outlets stay open until midnight or later.
• Target high-density cities for more options in one visit.
• Look for highway-adjacent locations for convenient stops during road trips.
• Plan for weekends and evenings, as these are peak hours at most Cookout restaurants.

Popular Cookout Menu Items by Region

Cookout is famous for customizable trays, burgers, hot dogs, BBQ sandwiches, and shakes.

Late-night locations often see high milkshake orders and tray combos.

Why Cookout is a Fan Favorite

Cookout has earned a loyal following because it combines variety, convenience, and quality in a way that few fast-food chains can match. From late-night cravings to budget-friendly meals, Cookout delivers a satisfying experience for every type of customer.

• Variety: Over 40 milkshake flavors and fully customizable trays let you mix and match your favorites.
• Accessibility: Many locations are open late and conveniently situated along highways.
• Affordability: Meals are budget-friendly, making them ideal for students and families.
• Freshness: Char-grilled meats and a made-to-order menu ensure every bite is flavorful.
• Consistency: A reliable menu experience is maintained across all Southeast states.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Word

Cookout continues to grow as a regional fast-food powerhouse, offering char-grilled burgers, BBQ trays, and milkshakes to satisfy late-night cravings and family meals. With a dense presence in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia, and strategic highway locations, it remains a favorite among travelers, students, and families.

Finding a Cookout near me has never been easier in 2026, and with over 250 restaurants, the chain offers a reliable, consistent, and flavorful fast-food experience across the Southeast U.S.