By Thomas Sellers Jr.
Tuesday the newly formed staff at the Millington Cook Out got a short run through of what to expect in Flag City.
A few Millington and South Tipton residents made the trip to 8569 Highway 51 North for the long awaited opening of the restaurant. Now the date of January 26, 2022 is the official kick off of the eatery giving the Memphis area four Cook Out locations.
“We were open for like only two hours yesterday,” Millington Cook Out General Manager Katlyn Ritter said. “Today is the big day. The normal hours are 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. weekdays. And it will be 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. on weekends.”
Prior to opening at 10 a.m., the team at Cook Out fired up the grills and did final preparations. The final seconds ticking up to the official opening were months in the making.
Cook Out coming to Flag City has been a part of gossip since signage popped up around the former Dairy Queen location on Highway 51 North.
Cook Out is a privately owned American fast food restaurant chain operating in several states including Tennessee. There are three locations in the Memphis area serving burgers, BBQ, hot dogs, shakes and much more. The other locations are at 1463 Union Avenue, 7970 Highway 64 and 757 S. Highland Street.
Other places you can locate a Cook Out are North Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Mississippi, and Maryland. Founded in Greensboro, N.C. In 1989, the chain has since expanded and now has drive-thru restaurants in more than 100 cities.
Now the Millington location is ready for drive-through service only at the moment.
“Right drive-through is what we’re pushing for,” Ritter said. “Eventually with COVID restrictions on stuff, we’ll open the lobby.
“For the walk-in and takeout orders eventually, customers will be able to walk in and order at the computer,” she continued. “They just won’t be able to sit. But right now only drive-thru until further notice.”
Ritter and the Cook Out team are happy to finally deliver the signature food that helped gain the establishment a devoted following.
“I am from Millington and I am excited too,” she concluded. “Obviously it’s been in speculation since June. So I am glad we’re able to finally open up. People should be able to expect hot, fresh and quality food. Burgers, wraps, fries and always get some shakes.”
