A newer cook out location | cook out facebook image

Cook Out, the Southern fast-food favorite known for its char-grilled burgers and barbecue, is one step closer to opening its first Florida restaurant, located in St. Petersburg.

The North Carolina-based chain has filed plans with the City of St. Pete for an $800,000 buildout at 9595 4th Street North.

The 3,146-square-foot building previously housed a Boston Market, which closed in 2023. It sits across from the Baypoint Commerce Center.

St. Pete Rising first reported Jeremy Reaves, CEO and son of the chain's founder, purchased the property in September 2024 for $2.6 million.

The former boston Market at 9595 4th Street North in st. petersburg that will be replaced by cook out | showcase.com

Brandon-based general contractor Venture Construction Co. is handling the renovation. The firm has worked on other Cook Out locations in the past.

An opening date for the new 4th Street location has not been announced, but it is expected to open by the end of this year or early next year.

The recent permit filing in St. Pete follows news that Cook Out will also open its first Tampa locations at 5501 East Fowler Avenue in Temple Terrace and 16215 North Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa. Both Hillsborough County sites are also former Boston Market locations.

Cook Out serves everything from burgers and corn dogs to milkshakes and coke floats | cook out

Founded in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1989, Cook Out began expanding outside the state in 2010 and now operates more than 300 locations across the southeastern United States.

The chain is also known for its extensive late-night menu, which includes over 35 milkshake flavors, barbecue plates, hot dogs, corn dogs, fries, onion rings, hushpuppies, chicken strips, quesadillas, and desserts like Coke floats.

Traditionally, Cook Out restaurants featured two drive-thru lanes and a walk-up window without indoor seating. However, newer locations often include indoor dining areas and counter service.

Hours vary by location, but most are open from 10:30 a.m. to as late as 3, 4, or even 5 a.m.

Follow Cook Out on Facebook and Instagram for updates and new menu items.