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Southern Fast Food Chain Opens First Tampa Bay Location: Reports

A NC-based Southern fast food chain has opened its first location in the Tampa Bay market, with at least two more planned, reports said.

TEMPLE TERRACE, FL — A popular North Carolina-based Southern fast-food chain, Cook Out, recently opened its first Tampa Bay-area location.

The brand soft launched its new location at 5501 E. Fowler Ave., on Thursday, while celebrating its grand opening on Saturday, Creative Loafing reported.

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The location, a former Boston Market, is not far from the University of South Florida, the Tampa Bay Business Journal said.

The chain’s expansion plans are built on the company buying shuttered Boston Market properties, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

In Tampa Bay, Cook Out currently plans to convert former Boston Markets at 9595 Fourth Street N. in St. Petersburg and 16215 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Carrollwood, reports said.

Cook Out, known for burgers, hot dogs, chicken, barbecue and shakes, opened its first location 35 years ago, in 1989, in Greensboro, North Carolina.

There are more than 375 restaurants in 11 states as of June 29, according to ScrapeHero.

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