Cook Out Is Opening 3 Locations in Tampa Bay: Here Is What to Know
Cook Out, the North Carolina-based burger and milkshake chain with a loyal following across the Southeast, is coming to Tampa Bay. Three locations have been confirmed: one in Carrollwood, one in Temple Terrace, and one in St. Petersburg. All three are taking over former Boston Market buildings, which gives the chain ready-made drive-thru setups in established commercial areas.
For people who grew up near a Cook Out or went to college in the Carolinas, this is genuinely exciting news. For everyone else, here is what the restaurant is and what to expect.
What Is Cook Out?
Cook Out was founded in Greensboro, North Carolina in 1989 and has grown to more than 300 locations across the Southeast. It operates in states including North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, and Mississippi. Florida is relatively new territory for the chain, with Pensacola opening first and Tallahassee following in late 2025.
The restaurant is known for a few things. First, the Cook Out Tray, which is the chain’s signature combo. You pick a main item, two sides, and a large drink for a price that tends to run well below what comparable fast food chains charge. Mains include char-grilled burgers, barbecue, hot dogs, chicken, corn dogs, and quesadillas. Sides cover hushpuppies, fries, coleslaw, and more.
Second, the milkshakes. Cook Out offers more than 40 milkshake flavors including banana pudding, cheesecake, mint chocolate chip, peanut butter, and seasonal options. The shake program is one of the most talked-about parts of the menu and a big reason why the chain has built such a dedicated fanbase.
The food is made fresh to order and the prices reflect a budget-friendly positioning that has helped Cook Out stand out in a crowded fast food market.
Where the Cook out Tampa Bay Locations Will Be
Carrollwood: 16215 North Dale Mabry Highway. This is a former Boston Market location in one of Tampa’s busier commercial corridors. Hillsborough County property records confirm the site was purchased in 2024.
Temple Terrace: 5501 East Fowler Avenue, on the corner of 56th Street and East Fowler Avenue. Also a former Boston Market. Temple Terrace’s business relations manager confirmed the company applied for and received remodel permits, so work is actively moving forward at this address.
St. Petersburg: 9595 4th Street North, near the end of the Gandy Bridge, across from Baypoint Commerce Center. The building is a 3,146-square-foot former Boston Market that closed in 2023. An $800,000 buildout permit was filed with the City of St. Petersburg, with Brandon-based Venture Construction Co. handling the renovation. The property was purchased for $2.6 million in September 2024 by Jeremy Reaves, CEO and son of the chain’s founder.
When Will Cook out Tampa Open?
No official opening dates have been announced for any of the three Tampa Bay locations. The St. Petersburg location was previously estimated to open by end of 2025 or early 2026, though that timeline has shifted. All three sites are in active renovation or permitting stages as of April 2026.
Cook Out does not typically do large-scale press rollouts before opening. Locations tend to open with minimal announcement and word spreads quickly through local social media once the doors are open. Following Cook Out Tampa Bay accounts on social media is the most reliable way to catch an opening date early.
Why This Matters for Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay has seen a wave of regional chains make their Florida debut over the past two years. Cook Out fits into that pattern, but it carries a bit more anticipation than the average chain opening. The combination of an unusually priced combo tray and a deep milkshake menu gives it a distinct identity that does not overlap much with what is already in the market.
The Boston Market conversion strategy is also worth noting. Boston Market closed hundreds of locations nationally between 2022 and 2024, leaving behind commercial kitchen buildings with drive-thrus already in place. Cook Out, along with a handful of other growing chains, has moved quickly to pick up those properties at reasonable prices in high-traffic areas. The three Tampa Bay addresses are a direct result of that strategy.
For locals, the practical upside is three new drive-thru options in well-located spots. For Cook Out, Tampa Bay represents a meaningful step in a broader Florida expansion that is still in its early stages.
If you love sizzling drinks, visit the 7 Brew menu to see its calories, prices, and all menu items.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cook out Tampa Bay Locations
Where is Cookout opening in Tampa Bay?
When wil cookout open in Tampa Bay Opens?
No official opening dates have been announced for any of the three Tampa Bay locations as of April 2026. All three sites are in active renovation or permitting stages. The St. Petersburg location was previously estimated to open by end of 2025 or early 2026, but that timeline has shifted.