FL Properties Bought By Retro, Inexpensive Burger Chain Cook Out May Offer Clues About Its FL Future

Photo bySteve Webster, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

There are restaurant chains that Floridians have been hoping for, such as In N Out Burger and Tim Horton's. Another sought-after (and reasonably-priced) chain is one that the publication All Recipes called the "best fast food chain in the South" - Cook Out. While I've written about speculation that Cook Out might come to north Florida, they have now actually purchased property in the Sunshine State - and it's actually in the central part of the state - in Tampa.

About Cook Out: So what's the big deal about this burger joint that started in North Carolina? It offers straightforward comfort food like burgers and milkshakes in large portion sizes at reasonable prices. Plus it also offers unique items like fried cheese curds and seasonal shake flavors like watermelon in the summer and eggnog at Christmas.

Cook Out is also inexpensive. According to an online menu, you can get chicken wraps and nuggets for $1.99. Hot and corn dogs cost the same. A barbecue sandwich is $4.99. Quesadillas are $1.99.

A writer for Business Insider, Erin McDowell, who has sampled never early fast food chain around the country, wrote that Cook Out "consistently ranks among my favorite chains."

A Yelp reviewer named Marissa wrote in part:

"...Cook Out is like having a family barbecue on speed dial. They're dishing out all the best sides and grill favorites - burgers, hot dogs, pulled pork...cheese bites, hush puppies, and the best slaw!..."

The Property Purchases: Tallahassee once won a Twitter poll to determine Cook Out's next location. So many naturally thought Florida's first Cook Out would be there. But in early May of 2024, Cook Out reportedly acquired two former Boston Market locations in the Carrollwood area of Tampa for a combined price of around $6 million - arguably a potential clue regarding Cook Out's Florida intentions.

While Floridians may hope that the purchases may seem like a strong confirmation that Cook Out has plans for central Florida, it is important to note that there are still no Florida locations listed as "coming soon" on Cook Out's website.