Cookout History: How the Popular Fast Food Chain Started and Grew
Cookout is one of the most loved fast-food restaurant chains in the United States, famous for its fresh char-grilled burgers, barbecue, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and more than 40 delicious milkshake flavors. Since opening its first restaurant in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1989, Cookout has built a strong reputation by serving fresh, affordable meals instead of relying on frozen ingredients.
Unlike many national fast-food brands that expanded rapidly through franchising, Cookout focused on steady growth, high-quality food, and excellent value. The company remained privately owned and carefully expanded across the Southern United States while maintaining its famous motto, “Always Fresh, Never Frozen.”
In this complete Cookout history guide, you’ll discover when Cookout was founded, who started the company, how it grew from a single restaurant into one of America’s most successful regional fast-food chains, and the key milestones that shaped its journey over the years.
Cookout History at a Glance
| Details | Information |
| Restaurant Name | Cook Out |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Founder | Morris Reaves |
| First Location | Greensboro, North Carolina |
| Headquarters | Thomasville, North Carolina |
| CEO | Jeremy Reaves |
| Restaurant Type | Fast Food Restaurant |
| Famous For | Char-Grilled Burgers, BBQ, Hot Dogs, Milkshakes, Cook Out Tray |
| Ownership | Privately Owned |
How Cookout Started
Cookout was founded in 1989 by Morris Reaves, who wanted to build a fast-food restaurant that offered fresh, high-quality meals without high prices. At a time when many restaurants depended on frozen ingredients, Cookout took a different approach by preparing fresh food and grilling burgers over an open flame to deliver better taste and quality.
The first Cookout restaurant opened on Randleman Road in Greensboro, North Carolina. It quickly became a favorite among local customers because of its flavorful char-grilled burgers, barbecue, hot dogs, generous portion sizes, and fast, friendly service. The restaurant’s commitment to fresh ingredients helped it stand out from many other fast-food chains.
Rather than expanding across the country as quickly as possible, Cookout focused on strengthening its reputation in North Carolina first. By maintaining consistent food quality, affordable prices, and excellent customer service, the company built a loyal customer base. This steady, customer-focused approach laid the foundation for Cookout’s successful expansion into other Southern states in the years that followed.
The Vision Behind Cookout
Morris Reaves believed that fast food should be simple, fresh, and affordable. His goal was not just to sell burgers but to create a restaurant where families, students, and travelers could enjoy high-quality meals without spending too much money.
The company focused on three important principles:
- Freshly prepared food
- Affordable prices
- Friendly customer service
These values continue to shape the Cookout brand today.
Early Growth in North Carolina
After the success of its first restaurant, Cookout started opening more locations throughout North Carolina. The company carefully selected new locations instead of expanding too quickly.
Many restaurants were built near:
- Universities
- Shopping centers
- Busy highways
- Residential neighborhoods
College students quickly became loyal customers because Cookout offered large meals at budget-friendly prices. The famous Cookout Tray, which allows customers to combine an entrée, two sides, and a drink at a low price, became one of the chain’s biggest attractions.
Expansion Beyond North Carolina
Once Cookout established a strong presence in North Carolina, the company expanded into neighboring Southern states.
Today, Cookout operates restaurants in several states, including:
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Virginia
- Tennessee
- Georgia
- Alabama
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- Maryland
- West Virginia
- Florida
Instead of opening restaurants nationwide all at once, Cookout continued expanding gradually while maintaining its commitment to quality and customer service.
Major Milestones in Cookout History
| Year | Milestone |
| 1989 | Cook Out was founded by Morris Reaves. |
| 1989 | First restaurant opened in Greensboro, North Carolina. |
| 1990s | Expansion across North Carolina. |
| 2000s | Cook Out entered neighboring Southern states. |
| 2010s | Rapid growth with hundreds of restaurant locations. |
| Today | One of the largest privately owned regional fast-food chains in the Southern United States. |
Why Cookout Became So Popular
Cookout’s success did not happen overnight. Several factors helped the restaurant earn a loyal customer base.
Fresh Char-Grilled Burgers
Cookout cooks its burgers over an open flame, creating a smoky flavor that many customers prefer over traditional fast-food burgers.
Affordable Prices
The restaurant is known for offering generous meal portions at reasonable prices, making it popular with families and college students.
Large Menu Selection
Customers can choose from:
- Burgers
- Barbecue
- Hot Dogs
- Chicken Sandwiches
- Quesadillas
- Fries
- Onion Rings
- Hushpuppies
- Chicken Wraps
- More than 40 Milkshake Flavors
This variety allows customers to customize their meals according to their preferences.
The Famous Cookout Tray
One of Cookout’s most recognizable menu items is the Cookout Tray.
Customers can usually select:
- One main entrée
- Two side items
- One beverage
This combination offers excellent value and has become one of the restaurant’s signature menu options.
Cookout’s Drive-Thru Experience
Cookout is also known for its efficient drive-thru service. Many locations are designed primarily for drive-thru customers, allowing people to receive freshly prepared meals quickly without leaving their vehicles.
This convenience has helped Cookout remain popular among busy customers.
Leadership Today
Cookout remains a privately owned company. Leadership has stayed within the Reaves family, and Jeremy Reaves serves as the company’s CEO.
Even as the company continues expanding, it still follows the original vision of providing fresh food, affordable prices, and friendly service.
Cookout Today
Today, Cookout has grown into one of the most recognized regional fast-food chains in the Southern United States. Hundreds of locations serve millions of customers every year.
Although many national chains continue expanding across the country, Cookout has maintained its unique identity by focusing on fresh ingredients, simple recipes, and affordable meals.
The company continues opening new restaurants while preserving the quality standards that helped build its reputation over the past several decades.
Interesting Facts About Cookout
- Founded in 1989.
- Started in Greensboro, North Carolina.
- Founded by Morris Reaves.
- Headquarters are located in Thomasville, North Carolina.
- Known for the slogan “Always Fresh, Never Frozen.”
- Famous for char-grilled burgers and over 40 milkshake flavors.
- Privately owned restaurant chain.
- Popular among college students because of affordable meal deals.
Conclusion
Cookout began as a single restaurant in Greensboro, North Carolina, and has grown into one of the most popular regional fast-food chains in the Southern United States. Since 1989, the brand has built its reputation by serving fresh char-grilled food, affordable meals, and its signature Cookout Tray.
By staying true to the vision of founder Morris Reaves, Cookout continues to attract loyal customers with quality food, great value, and friendly service. Its steady growth and commitment to consistency have made it a trusted name for fast food across the Southern U.S.
