Cookout: The Fast Food Gem of the South

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An Overview:

The Cookout chain began in Greensboro, North Carolina in 1989, focusing a majority of its efforts on its now famous "outdoor style" hamburgers and "fancy" milkshakes. Fast forward to 2016 and Cookout now has approximately 180 stores in Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. With plans to push into Florida and Alabama this year the chain will have a formidable presence in the South Eastern United States, and could even be looking to undergo rapid expansion similar to the one that Zaxby's recently underwent. 

Cookout SignThe Food:

Make no mistake, Cookouts quality of product makes it a serious threat to multinational fast food change that it competes with. Its biggest two standouts on its menu are its extremely cost efficient "trays" and its over 40 different hand-spun milkshakes. The trays allows the consumer to choose between one main entree, two sides, and a drink all for right around $5. While this may seem like an average deal at best this is where the quality of Cookouts menu items make this a great value from its excellent, never frozen, burgers to its NC style BBQ sandwiches and beyond. The milkshakes Cookout offer are far superior in quality and variety compared to other fast food chains, and are what truly sets Cookout apart from its competition.  

Cookout "Tray"The Future of Cookout: 

In the past, the location of Cookout stores has seemed somewhat random at times, but in recent years they have begun seriously streamlining their expansion efforts. Where their stores thrive in particular is close to college campuses. The long hours of operations, as well quick drive through, and low prices makes Cookout an extremely attractive fast food option for college students on a budget. As Cookout branches further out they have been using their strength as a launching point for diving into new and competitive markets, typically establishing the first store in a college area and basing their expansion plans for the region based on the reception that the first store receives.