Everyone’s talking ’bout Cook Out, the Southern fast food chain coming for In-N-Out’s crown.
Living in the age of Internet and social media does strange things to fast food fans. Specifically, it breaks down barriers erected by the inherent nature of regional chains and allows us to argue about and or envy the local purveyors of burgers, shakes and fries that are near and dear to our hearts because they are near and dear to our homes. The latest regional star rocketing to national attention? A beloved Southern spot called Cook Out.
Cook Out has been in business for 28 years and is widely known and recognized throughout the South, particularly in North Carolina, where it was founded and where various locations have reputations of their own.
In addition to some new marketing campaigns, an attempt to organize a boycott the franchise as a political statement in July led to an outpouring of love for the chain on Twitter that was been followed by spotlight coverage in the likes of Delish and Business Insider.
As for the food, well, well-traveled fans call it better than In-N-Out, the Californian burger chain with many Noted and Vocal Fans. (No word on whether Cook Out is better than Five Guys, the reigning king(s) of burger chains.) The meat is grilled on location every day and they offer more than 40 flavors of milkshakes.
Delish reports that amongst the many milkshake flavors are specifically ”Southern flavors” including chocolate cobbler, peach and fresh watermelon. So, prepare to be disappointed by every Midwestern-, Northeastern- or Pacific-made milkshake you have this summer that’s not made with fresh watermelon.
As the name suggests, Cook Out also offers barbecue fare, truly raising the bar and appeal of any fast food spot. Just look at this menu: It’s incredible. Cook Out looks like one of those place you could go so many times and try something new each and every time but also just keep ordering the same thing because it’s so good and you don’t want to waste the visit taking a risk. (Shout out to Business Insider for this food photography.)
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The cherry on top of all this are the hours. Cook Out is really here for your fast food needs, acknowledging that those needs often strike late at night. As such, Cook Out is open until 3:30 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 4:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Guess it’s time to take a road trip.