TEMPLE TERRACE — The long-anticipated Cook Out on the corner of 56th Street and East Fowler Avenue is putting its final touches on the city’s latest food joint.
When is it opening?
Well, we can’t say. Exactly. The typically tight-lipped company hasn’t responded to our inquiries.
But there are hints.
First, the place looks done. Like, well done.
Secondly, while snooping around, we were told by a few workers on the site “very soon” and “probably next week.” While that’s not official word, it’s a word.
Online, one Facebook poster, who says she also worked on the site, insisted the opening date is July 15.
Add it all up, and what do you get?
Any day now.
For some, that day can’t come soon enough.
Tampa Bay’s first Cook Out is replacing the old Boston Market on one of the city’s busiest corners. Boston Market shut down in 2023, and the North Carolina-based company bought the property for $3.5 million a year later.
It is known for its chargrilled burgers, chicken sandwiches and shakes. But the menu goes beyond just your backyard cookout fare, also including quesadillas, corn dogs, wraps, floats and cheesecake. You can wash it all down with a Cheerwine, a North Carolina favorite.
And the timing couldn’t be better for shake aficionados. While the restaurant offers more than 35 different flavors, you can only get the season watermelon shake through August.