Pensacola Welcomes Its First Cook Out Restaurant
Excitement is brewing in Pensacola as the city prepares to welcome its very first Cook Out restaurant. Located at 1735 E. Nine Mile Road, the new fast-food establishment is currently under construction and is set to serve up a delicious array of burgers, shakes, and barbecue to the local community in the near future. This development marks a significant addition to the culinary landscape of Pensacola, which is already home to a variety of dining options.
Location and Construction Details
The Cook Out restaurant is being built on the site of a former Regions Bank, strategically positioned at the corner of East Nine Mile Road and Baldridge Road. This prime location places it next to popular fast-food chains like Sonic Drive-In and across the street from Krispy Kreme and Burger King, making it a convenient stop for hungry customers. The developers have received approval to demolish the old bank building and transform the 1.16-acre site into a modern 1,500-square-foot restaurant. The new Cook Out will feature two drive-thru lanes and 26 parking spots, ensuring easy access for both dine-in and drive-thru customers.
The Appeal of Cook Out
Cook Out has garnered a reputation for its fast service and quality food at affordable prices. The North Carolina-based franchise has been expanding into Florida in recent years, with locations already established in St. Petersburg and Tampa. The decision to open a restaurant in Pensacola is part of a broader strategy to introduce the brand to new markets in the Sunshine State. The parcel of land for the new restaurant was purchased from Regions Bank for $1.84 million, paving the way for this exciting development.
A Growing Dining Scene
The arrival of Cook Out adds to the diverse dining options available in the vicinity of University Town Center. This area is already home to several popular franchises, including Chick-fil-A, Voodoo BBQ & Grill, Sonic, and Panera Bread. With the addition of Cook Out, residents and visitors alike will have even more choices when it comes to satisfying their cravings for fast food.
What Makes Cook Out Unique?
Founded in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1989, Cook Out has become synonymous with affordable meals and quick service. One of the chain’s standout offerings is the "Cook Out Tray," which allows customers to choose two entrees, two sides, and a beverage as part of one combo meal. The menu is diverse, featuring everything from quesadillas and barbecue plates to an impressive selection of milkshakes and Cajun fries.
The brand experienced rapid growth in its early years, expanding to 10 locations in North Carolina within a decade. By 2008, that number had surged to 50. Cook Out’s first location outside of North Carolina opened in Spartanburg, South Carolina, in 2010, and the chain has since grown to over 300 locations across the southern and eastern United States, including Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Virginia, and Maryland.
Future Prospects
As construction progresses on the Nine Mile Road location, local residents eagerly anticipate the day they can indulge in Cook Out’s signature offerings. Until then, the closest Cook Out restaurants are located in Mobile and Troy, Alabama, making the Pensacola location a welcome addition for fans of the brand.
In conclusion, the upcoming Cook Out restaurant in Pensacola represents not just a new dining option but also a reflection of the city’s growing culinary scene. With its commitment to quality food and fast service, Cook Out is poised to become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. As the construction wraps up, the community looks forward to enjoying the delicious offerings that this beloved fast-food chain has to offer.