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.

Louisiana-based cheeseburger sliders concept, backed by former NFL legend Drew Brees, is set to debut one of its first Tampa Bay restaurants in St. Pete.

Smalls Sliders will open its first local location at 8624 Fourth Street North in north St. Pete, near the 92-unit townhome community Terraces at 87th, according to plans submitted by franchisee Purple Square Management.

Smalls Sliders refers to its restaurants as "cans" because they typically consist of a 750-square-foot shipping container converted into a bright orange drive-thru, serving made-to-order all-beef cheeseburger sliders, seasoned waffle fries, and shakes.

The “cans” are constructed offsite in a climate-controlled factory and later “dropped” at various restaurant locations. They feature a double-lane drive-thru, a walk-up window, and outdoor patio seating.e