Cook Out, the North Carolina-based fast-food restaurant chain known for its inexpensive burgers, shakes and barbeque, is looking to open its doors to the Pensacola community this week.
An on-site representative of the chain told the News Journal in late June that Cook Out was tentatively scheduled to open its new location at 1735 E. Nine Mile Road on July 7. A different representative told the News Journal on July 8 that “if the stars align,” Cook Out will hold its soft opening at 5 p.m. on July 9.
Once Cook Out hosts its soft opening, they plan to fully open the restaurant the following day.
Over the weeks leading up to its tentative opening, contractors have been putting the finishing touches on Cook Out and its parking lot.
Cook Out was looking to hire staff members on July 8 and conducting interviews for prospective candidates.
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When did Cook Out come to Pensacola?
Cook Out’s first Pensacola restaurant is a project that’s been years in the making and is taking the spot formerly filled by Regions Bank, which sold the 1.16-acre parcel for $1.84 million in 2021.
Escambia County’s Development Review Committee issued a development order for plans to build a 1,500-square-foot restaurant with two drive-thru lanes and over two dozen parking spots in 2022, but the chain filed an amended proposal that was approved nearly two years later.
The restaurant ultimately started construction in early 2025.
Where is Cook Out in Pensacola?
Cook Out will open in University Town Plaza, a longstanding commercial center that already hosts a handful of well-known food chains like Chick-fil-A, Smoothie King, Panda Express, Panera Bread and Firehouse Subs.
Cook Out will open at 1735 E. Nine Mile Road next to Sonic, and across the street from more popular fast-food chains like Burger King and Krispy Kreme.
There will be two access point into Cook Out. One entrance is located on Baldridge Road and the other will be accessible from East Nine Mile Road.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Cook Out Pensacola restaurant soft opening set for July 9