Cook Out Is Coming to St. Petersburg: First Florida Location on 4th St N | St Pete Certified

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Exterior of a Cook Out fast-food restaurant with brick facade, red awnings, and drive-thru lane—similar to the prototype featured in St. Pete Rising’s report on the new St. Petersburg location.

Cook Out Is Coming to St. Petersburg: First Florida Location on 4th St N
Original reporting by St. Pete Rising, July 2025

St. Petersburg is about to get a taste of one of the South’s most beloved fast-food chains—complete with hush puppies, BBQ sandwiches, and more than 40 milkshake flavors.

Cook Out, the North-Carolina–born burger and barbecue favorite with over 300 locations across the Southeast, has filed plans to convert the former Boston Market at 9595 4th Street North into its first Florida outpost. The site will feature the chain’s signature drive-thru format, late-night hours, and wallet-friendly prices.

Exterior of a Cook Out fast-food restaurant with brick facade, red awnings, and drive-thru lane—similar to the prototype featured in St. Pete Rising’s report on the new St. Petersburg location.
Photo courtesy of St. Pete Rising: a typical Cook Out drive-thru design—brick walls, red awnings, and string-lit patio—mirrors the concept planned for 9595 4th St N in St. Petersburg.

FAST FACTS

• Address: 9595 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33702
• Concept: Drive-thru focused (limited or no dine-in)
• Menu highlights: Burgers, BBQ sandwiches, hot dogs, hush puppies, fries
• Milkshakes: 40+ flavors—Peach Cobbler, Banana Fudge, Cheerwine, and more
• Status: Permitting under way; opening date to be announced (target 2025)

WHAT MAKES COOK OUT A CULT FAVORITE?

  1. The Cook Out Tray – Mix and match mains, sides, and a drink—or swap the drink for a milkshake.
  2. Milkshake Madness – A huge menu of creative shake flavors loved across the Carolinas.
  3. Southern Comfort Classics – Chili dogs, BBQ sandwiches, and hush puppies served late into the night.
  4. Drive-Thru Convenience – Most locations stay open well past midnight for post-event cravings.

WHY ST. PETE?

Opening on busy 4th Street North puts Cook Out near residential neighborhoods, Gateway shopping centers, and I-275—perfect for locals and late-night travelers. The move highlights St. Petersburg’s growing reputation as a launchpad for hot regional concepts.

“It’s a rite of passage in the Carolinas—Florida’s about to find out,” one longtime fan wrote on social media.

TIMELINE TO OPENING

• Mid-2025: Permitting and site conversion begin
• Late 2025: Projected grand opening (pending approvals)

St. Pete Certified will update this post as construction milestones are announced.

STAY HUNGRY FOR MORE LOCAL FOOD NEWS

– Read our Iconic St. Pete Restaurants Guide for more must-try spots.
– Follow @stpetecertified on Instagram for construction updates and opening-day coverage.
– Have a tip on another restaurant launch? Contact us—we love reader leads!

Cook Out’s arrival adds yet another flavor to St. Pete’s ever-evolving dining scene. Keep an eye on this space (and bring your milkshake cravings).

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