NC fast food chain originally planned store at Golden Corral site
By Mike McCombs
The Island News
Almost three years after initially purchasing property in Beaufort, there’s finally no doubt Cook-Out is on the way.
As first reported by Explore Beaufort, and confirmed by the signs erected in front of and on the building, the North Carolina-based fast food chain will open a restaurant at 2434 Boundary Street in the former Burger King building. To date, Cook Out has not responded to emails from The Island News.
Before the windows were covered, the building, constructed in 1983, was being drastically remodeled on the inside.
According to Cook Out’s page on the employment site Indeed, the restaurant began hiring earlier this fall, advertising for a general manager and a manager in training. Then, about three weeks ago, openings were posted for an assistant general manager, a PM general manager and an hourly manager.
Then, about a week ago, an opening was posted for a quality system regulation (QSR) manager.
About Cook Out
Morris Reaves opened the first Cook Out location in 1989 in Greensboro, N.C. Morris Reaves owns the company, while his son, Jeremy Reaves, serves as the CEO.
While the first 50 locations were all in North Carolina, there are now more than 300 locations operating in 10 states. The closest locations to Beaufort are Walterboro and Hilton Head Island (101 Central Avenue).
Cook Out’s menu features hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, barbecue sandwiches, chicken nuggets and quesadillas. Instead of combos, their menu features the Cook Out Tray featuring large and numerous combinations of entrees, sides and a drink for a low price.
The restaurant is also known for the freshly made milkshakes, of which they sell at least three dozen varieties year-round, as well as seasonal flavors.
And of course, the North Carolina chain sells the North Carolina drink Cheerwine, a cherry-flavored soda found only in the Tar Heel State and it’s closest neighbors.
A false start, a new site
The first indication Cook Out was considering a Beaufort location came in early 2001.
As reported by The Island News in October 2021, two parcels totaling 1.881 acres at 122 Robert Smalls Parkway – the site of the now-closed Golden Corral steakhouse – were sold Jan. 8, 2021 by Beaufort Asset Management, LLC to Cook Out-Beaufort, Inc., “A South Carolina Corporation” for $1.34 million.
The address for Cook Out-Beaufort, Inc., is the same as Cook Out’s corporate offices – 15 Laura Lane Suite 300, Thomasville, N.C. 27360.
On a loan document related to the sale, Cook Out Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jeremy Reaves signed the document as President of Cook Out-Beaufort, Inc.
When reached by phone at the time, a Cook Out official said that any questions regarding the company’s acquisition of land would have to be directed to Reaves. Reaves never responded to an email from The Island News.
At the Monday, Nov. 22, 2021 City of Beaufort’s Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBOA) meeting, Zach Gardner of Summery Engineering requested “two variances related to parking requirements for a proposed 3,083 square foot Cook Out fast food restaurant located at 122 Robert Smalls Parkway …” (Parcel ID #R122 029 000 103I 0000, totaling 1.85 acres).
The board agreed with Gardner’s request on five of six points. But for whatever reason, Cook Out officials were never satisfied with the situation at the old Golden Corral site, and there was no concrete development for almost two years.
Apparently, Cook Out moved on.
Cook Out-Beaufort acquired the Burger King property on Aug. 31, 2023 from Beaufort Plaza, Inc., owners of the site since 1980, for $1,800,000. The property, including the building, was valued at $983,000.
Meanwhile, the former Golden Corral site at 122 Robert Smalls Parkway is for sale.
The Burger King closed it’s doors permanently earlier in the fall, and the Cook Out signs went up about two weeks ago.
Mike McCombs is the Editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.
