North Carolina-based Cook-Out is finally making headway into metro Atlanta. The popular burger and shake joint has a cult-like following, and its entry into the Atlanta area has been met with great enthusiasm and fanfare, months ahead of their opening.
A company representative reached for comment indicates that the current plan is to have their Moreland Avenue location open later this month. The Cook-Out on Moreland is at the cusp of East Atlanta Village, and is opening in place of a former Mrs. Winner's. A significantly delayed location on Northside Drive near Georgia Tech will reportedly open in mid August, hopefully in time for the start of the fall semester.
Another location in Rome is slated to open in May. The Rome location, like the Moreland location, will replace a former Mrs. Winner's restaurant.
My friends over at The Carrollton Menu are hearing increased chatter about a potential site in Carrollton as well. Apparently, a site has been selected, but a deal is not yet complete. Should this site not work out, Cook-Out is reportedly still "committed to Carrollton."
Sources in Savannah tell me that at least two Cook-Out locations are in the works in the area. One will be built near the Publix-anchored Pooler Marketplace shopping center on Pooler Parkway. Another Cook-Out will reportedly replace a former Wendy's restaurant at 11700 Abercorn Street.
As of now, Cook-Out has five locations open in Georgia with reported plans to open 20-25 locations (chain-wide) annually over the next five years.
Although I've got no solid leads to confirm anything, I suspect that we may see additional Cook-Out locations open in and around Marietta and Kennesaw.
Cook-Out's mission statement is "To serve customers the highest quality food in the least amount of time in a professional well run way, overall to be the best in the QSR business." I have witnessed this first hand in my trips to Cook-Out in North Carolina, and look forward to them bringing their high standards to metro Atlanta.
Where would you like most for the next Cook-Out to open?