All signs show the new Cookout opens soon in South MS. Here’s what we know.
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Cookout's first Gulfport restaurant is nearly ready to open and serve its menu.
- Construction is wrapping up with signs going up and interior furniture being staged.
- The restaurant will have limited indoor seating, double takeout lanes and late hours.
It won’t be long now before the first Cookout restaurant on the Coast is open and serving burgers, barbecue and shakes.
Enticing indications that the opening is close are appearing at the restaurant at 11464 U.S. 49, north of The Crossroads.
“Signs are going up this week,” said Jerry Stonger, project manager for Cookout. Signs already are in place on the face of the building and on Tuesday a crew was hanging a sign in the shape of Mississippi. Sitting on a trailer outside the building are signs that will be stacked alongside the road to make it much easier to find the building amid all the businesses in that area.
Crews began work in February to transform the former Moe’s Southwest Grill into a Cookout, and construction is wrapping up soon.
“We’re close but not there yet,” Stonger said. The finishing touches are going up throughout the building and tables and chairs are stacked inside the dining room, ahead of the first customers.
“We’re shooting for a couple of weeks,” he said, although it may take a little longer to hire and train staff.
Zip Recruiter has a listing for restaurant manager and other jobs at the new Cookout. Among the benefits are free food while you work.
Here’s what to know about Cookout
The franchise is one of the most sought after restaurants on the wish list for 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 Cookout in Greensboro, North Carolina in 1989, and his son, Jeremy Reaves, is the company CEO.
The Gulfport Cookout 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.
What’s cooking at Cookout?
The next closest Cookout restaurants are in Hattiesburg and Mobile, so those who aren’t familiar with the Cookout menu will find favorites like grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, chicken nuggets, spicy chicken sandwiches and North Carolina barbecue.
Their Cookout Tray is a fast food answer to a blue plate special that lets customers choose their own combination of entrée, side dishes like fries, onion rings, slaw and chili, plus a beverage. Cheerwine, a cherry soda popular in North Carolina, is a specialty as a drink or float at Cookout, along with fresh brewed tea.
Fruity and candy flavors are among the 40 varieties of milkshakes featured at Cookout, and the new restaurant will be open in time to sip a fresh watermelon shake, the seasonal favorite available only in July and August.
