About Cookout
Who owns Cookout? It remains a privately held company founded by Morris Reaves in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1989. The story of Cook Out — a North Carolina burger-and-barbecue chain built on trays, dozens of milkshakes, and late-night drive-thrus — told by fans, for fans.
At a glance
| Founded | 1989 |
| Founder | Morris Reaves |
| Ownership | Privately held |
| First restaurant | Greensboro, North Carolina |
| Known for | Char-grilled burgers, trays, 40+ milkshakes, late-night hours |
| Footprint | Southeastern United States |
History
Cook Out began in 1989 in Greensboro, North Carolina, founded by Morris Reaves. The concept was straightforward from the start: char-grilled burgers, barbecue, hot dogs, and chicken served fast, at prices that made it easy to come back often.
From that first Greensboro restaurant, Cook Out grew steadily across North Carolina and then throughout the Southeast, becoming a late-night fixture in college towns and a road-trip staple. Fans often ask who owns Cookout — it remains a privately held company, and much of its charm comes from how little the formula has changed — the menu board, the trays, and the shake list still drive the whole experience.
So who owns Cookout today? The company Morris Reaves started in Greensboro in 1989 is still privately held, with every location company-owned rather than franchised. That structure has helped Cook Out stay true to the original formula as it spread across the Southeast.
For a chain founded in 1989, the appeal traces straight back to that first Greensboro restaurant: straightforward food, generous portions, and late-night hours that fit how fans actually eat. Knowing who owns Cookout helps explain that consistency — one privately held company, one formula, and no franchisees to drift from it.
What Cook Out Is Known For
- Trays: the signature order — one main item with two sides and a drink, built for value and customization.
- Milkshakes: a famously long flavor list (often described as 40 or more) that fans love to mix and match.
- Late-night hours: many restaurants stay open late, making Cook Out a go-to after games, shows, and long drives.
- Value: generous portions at wallet-friendly prices have always been core to the brand.
Key Facts
Only well-established, publicly reported facts — nothing speculative.
Key facts about Cook Out
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1989 |
| Founding city | Greensboro, North Carolina |
| Founder | Morris Reaves |
| Cuisine type | Burgers, barbecue, hot dogs, chicken — quick service |
| Franchising | Not offered — Cook Out is privately held and all locations are company-owned |
| Sister concept | Taco Roos — a taco restaurant chain owned by the same company, with locations in North Carolina |
Contact and Official Links
This blog doesn’t handle company business — for anything official, go straight to the source:
- Official website: cookout.com
- Feedback or corporate questions:use the contact options on the official site.
- Jobs:see our Cook Out careers guide for how applications generally work.