Huge crowd celebrates opening of first Cook Out on the Mississippi Coast
In case it wasn’t clear by the line of cars in the drive-through line that backed out onto U.S. 49, Cook Out is open in Gulfport.
The fast-food franchise celebrated its long-awaited opening Tuesday and customers flocked to the scene.
Crews began work in February to transform the former Moe’s Southwest Grill into a Cook Out, and construction recently wrapped up.
The franchise has been one of the most sought after fast-food restaurants in South Mississippi.
It’s known for staying open past midnight, which makes it especially appealing to casino and service workers who work late, and also for its affordable burgers and dozens of varieties of milkshakes.
The chain is expanding and has grown to about 300 restaurants in 10 states. Owner Morris Reaves opened the first Cook Out in Greensboro, North Carolina in 1989, and his son, Jeremy Reaves, is the company CEO.
The Gulfport Cook Out has limited indoor seating and double takeout lanes to speed orders. There aren’t separate lanes to order ahead — customers just look for the shortest lane.
The next closest Cook Out restaurants are in Hattiesburg and Mobile, so those who aren’t familiar with the Cook Out menu will find favorites like grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, chicken nuggets, spicy chicken sandwiches and North Carolina barbecue.
