Cookout Hours 2026 – Opening & Closing Times, Late Night & Holiday Schedule
Check Cookout hours for 2026 including late-night drive-thru timings, holiday schedules (Thanksgiving, Christmas), and state-wise variations. Find what time Cookout opens near you with our complete guide to dine-in and closing times across North Carolina, Georgia, and all locations.
Standard Operating Cookout Hours: Late-Night Fast Food Leader
Cookout stays open much later than most fast-food restaurants. While other chains close by 11 PM, Cookout serves customers until 3:00 AM on weekdays and 4:00 AM on weekends.
| Day | Opening Hours | Closing Hours |
| Monday | 10:30 AM | 3:30 AM |
| Tuesday | 10:30 AM | 3:30 AM |
| Wednesday | 10:30 AM | 3:30 AM |
| Thursday | 10:30 AM | 3:30 AM |
| Friday | 10:30 AM | 4:00 AM |
| Saturday | 10:30 AM | 4:00 AM |
| Sunday | 10:30 AM | 4:00 AM |
Most drive-thrus follow the same hours as the restaurant. Some locations have two drive-thru lanes to serve you faster late at night.
To find hours for a Cookout near you, use the store locator or call (336) 724-7970.
Cookout’s Adjusted Hours for Holidays & Events
Planning to visit Cookout on a holiday? Hours change on special days. Some locations close early, while others stay shut. Use this guide to plan your visit and avoid a wasted trip.
Most Cookout restaurants follow the same holiday schedule. But hours can vary by location. Always double-check with your local spot before heading out.
| Holiday | Status | Hours |
| New Year’s Day | Open | Regular hours |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Open | Regular hours |
| Valentine’s Day | Open | Regular hours |
| Presidents’ Day | Open | Regular hours |
| Good Friday | Open | Regular hours |
| Easter Sunday | Closed | Closed all day |
| Easter Monday | Open | Regular hours |
| Memorial Day | Open | Regular hours |
| Independence Day (July 4th) | Open | Regular hours |
| Labor Day | Open | Regular hours |
| Columbus Day | Open | Regular hours |
| Halloween | Open | Regular hours |
| Veterans Day | Open | Regular hours |
| Thanksgiving Day | Closed | Closed all day |
| Black Friday | Open | Regular hours |
| Christmas Eve | Open | Reduced hours / Early close |
| Christmas Day | Closed | Closed all day |
| New Year’s Eve | Open | Reduced hours / Early close |
Is Cookout Open on Thanksgiving?
No, Cookout is closed on Thanksgiving Day.
All Cookout locations shut down on Thanksgiving so employees can spend time with their families. If you’re planning a Thanksgiving meal, you’ll need to find another option.
Cookout reopens the next day (Black Friday) with regular hours. So you can grab your favorite tray and milkshake on Friday instead!
Is Cookout Open on Christmas Eve?
Yes, Cookout is open on Christmas Eve.
Most locations operate on reduced hours and close earlier than usual. While regular hours often run until 3:00 AM or 4:00 AM, on Christmas Eve many restaurants shut their doors between 6:00 PM and 11:00 PM. Cookout gives its employees time to be with their families for the holiday. The restaurant wants its staff to enjoy Christmas Eve just like you do.
What You Need to Know on Christmas Eve?
| Question | Answer |
| Is Cookout open on Christmas Eve? | Yes |
| Are hours normal? | No—they close early |
| Typical closing time? | Between 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Is the drive-thru open? | Yes, but closes early too |
| Can I order online? | Only if the location is still open |
Does Cookout Close Early on New Year’s Eve?
Yes, most Cookout locations close early on New Year’s Eve.
While regular hours often run until 3:00 AM or 4:00 AM, on New Year’s Eve many restaurants shut their doors between 8:00 PM and midnight. Hours vary by location, so it’s always best to check ahead.
Hours Of Cookout Drive-Thru
Want a Cookout burger without leaving your car? The drive-thru is your best friend. It follows the same hours as the restaurant—so you can grab late-night trays, milkshakes, and sides until closing time.
Standard Drive-Thru Hours
| Days | Opens | Closes |
| Monday–Thursday | 10:30 AM | 3:00 AM |
| Friday–Saturday | 10:30 AM | 4:00 AM |
| Sunday | 10:30 AM | 3:00 AM |
Note: Some locations open at 10:00 AM. Check your local spot.
What Makes Cookout’s Drive-Thru Different?
- Dual lanes – Many locations have two drive-thru lanes for faster service during late-night rushes
- Same menu – Full menu available, including 40+ milkshake flavors
- Late-night favorite – Busiest between 11 PM – 2 AM, especially near college towns
Cookout Restaurant Hours Across Various States
Cookout has more than 300 locations across 10 states in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. While most restaurants follow similar hours, small differences can happen based on local rules, mall locations, or customer demand.
Below is a general guide to Cookout hours by state. Use this as a starting point but always double-check your local spot before visiting.
Cookout Hours by State
| State | Typical Hours | Days Open | Notes |
| North Carolina | 10:30 AM – 3:00 AM | 7 days a week | Headquarters state; most locations follow standard hours |
| South Carolina | 10:30 AM – 3:00 AM | 7 days a week | Similar to NC; some spots close earlier in smaller towns |
| Georgia | 10:30 AM – 3:00 AM | 7 days a week | Atlanta-area locations may stay busier later |
| Virginia | 10:30 AM – 3:00 AM | 7 days a week | College towns like Charlottesville follow late-night hours |
| Tennessee | 10:30 AM – 3:00 AM | 7 days a week | Nashville and Knoxville locations stay open late |
| Alabama | 10:30 AM – 3:00 AM | 7 days a week | Most follow standard schedule |
| Mississippi | 10:30 AM – 3:00 AM | 7 days a week | Hours may vary in smaller cities |
| Kentucky | 10:30 AM – 3:00 AM | 7 days a week | Newer locations may have adjusted hours |
| Florida | 10:30 AM – 3:00 AM | 7 days a week | Some locations open at 10:00 AM |
| Maryland | 10:30 AM – 3:00 AM | 7 days a week | Follows standard schedule |
| West Virginia | 10:30 AM – 3:00 AM | 7 days a week | Limited locations; check ahead |
Hours in Big Cities vs. Small Towns
Where a Cookout sits makes a big difference in hours:
| Location Type | Typical Closing Time | Example |
| Near colleges | 3:00 AM – 4:00 AM | Wake Forest, Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill |
| Big cities | 3:00 AM – 4:00 AM | Atlanta, Nashville, Charlotte |
| Small towns | 11:00 PM – 1:00 AM | Clemmons, NC; Hendersonville, NC |
| Inside malls | Follows mall hours | Food court locations close earlier |
| Highway stops | 24 hours (rare) | A few exceptions near interstate exits |
Cookout Restaurant Lobby Hours
If you love eating inside then enjoying a cookout in the lobby is the great place. Cookout’s lobby (dine-in area) is open the same hours as the restaurant at most locations. You can sit down, enjoy your tray, and soak in the fast-food vibe without rushing.
Standard Lobby Hours
| Days | Opens | Closes |
| Monday–Thursday | 10:30 AM | 3:00 AM |
| Friday–Saturday | 10:30 AM | 4:00 AM |
| Sunday | 10:30 AM | 3:00 AM |
Note: Some locations open at 10:00 AM. Check your local spot.
Lobby vs. Drive-Thru: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Lobby (Dine-In) | Drive-Thru |
| Hours | Same as restaurant | Same as restaurant |
| Seating | Yes booths and tables | No stay in your car |
| Best for | Families, groups, sitting down | Quick pick-up, late-night, bad weather |
| Menu | Full menu | Full menu |
| Wait time | Usually shorter | Can be busy late at night |
When Lobby Hours Might Be Different
Sometimes the lobby closes earlier than the drive-thru. Here’s why:
| Reason | What Happens |
| Cleaning | Lobby may close 30–60 minutes early for deep cleaning |
| Short staff | Some locations close dining room to focus on drive-thru |
| Slow business | Quiet nights may mean early lobby closure |
| Weather | Storms or extreme heat can close dining areas |
| Holidays | Lobby closes early on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve |
| Mall locations | If Cookout is inside a mall, lobby follows mall hours |
Outdoor Seating
Some Cookout locations have outdoor picnic tables. These follow the same hours as the lobby, but may close during bad weather.
- Good weather – Open during restaurant hours
- Rain or storms – May be closed for safety
- Extreme heat/cold – Seating area may be off-limits
College Town Lobby Hours
Near big universities, lobbies often stay busy late. Examples include:
| Location | Lobby Hours | Why |
| Raleigh, NC (near NC State) | Until 3 AM weekdays, 4 AM weekends | Students study late and crave burgers |
| Athens, GA (near UGA) | Same as drive-thru | High demand for dine-in after bars close |
| Chapel Hill, NC (near UNC) | Until 3 AM | Late-night study groups and hangouts |
Is Cookout Open on Sundays?
Yes, Cookout is open on Sundays!
Unlike some fast-food chains that close early or shut down entirely on Sundays, Cookout stays open 7 days a week. You can grab your favorite burger, tray, or milkshake every Sunday, including Sunday nights.
Why Cookout Stays Open on Sundays
| Reason | Explanation |
| Customer demand | Sundays are busy for lunch, dinner, and late-night cravings |
| College towns | Students need food before the school week starts |
| Family outings | Many families eat out after church or weekend activities |
| Late-night crowd | People want food before Monday morning |
Are Sunday Hours Different?
At most locations, Sunday hours are slightly shorter than Friday and Saturday hours. While the restaurant opens at the same time (10:30 AM), it closes 3:00 AM Monday morning instead of 4:00 AM.
This means you can still get late-night food on Sunday, just not quite as late as on weekends.
Cookout Sunday Hours
| Day | Cookout Hours Sunday | Notes |
| Sunday | 10:30 AM – 3:00 AM | Late-night service available |
| Regular Days | 10:30 AM – 3:00 AM | Fridays/Saturdays until 4:00 AM |
Note: Some locations open at 10:00 AM. Check your local spot.
Sunday Hours at a Glance
| Question | Answer |
| Is Cookout open on Sundays? | Yes |
| What time does Cookout open on Sunday? | 10:30 AM |
| What time does Cookout close on Sunday? | 3:00 AM (early Monday morning) |
| Is the drive-thru open on Sunday? | Yes—same hours |
| Is the lobby open on Sunday? | Yes—same hours |
| Can I order online on Sunday? | Yes—until closing time |
How to Check the Hours for Cookout Locations
Cookout hours can vary by location. What’s open until 4:00 AM in one city might close at 11:00 PM in another. That’s why it’s always smart to check before you go. Here are the three best ways to find accurate hours for your nearest Cookout restaurant.
Official Website Store Locator
The most reliable source for Cookout hours is the official Cookout website. It’s updated by the company and gives you accurate info straight from the source.
Here’s how to use it:
First, go to the cookout official website and look for the “Locations” or “Store Locator” link, which can usually be at the top or bottom of the page. Click it, then enter your zip code, city, or state. Hit search, and you’ll see a list of nearby Cookout restaurants. Pick the one closest to you, and you’ll find its address, phone number, and hours of operation.
Why this method works best:
- It’s the official source straight from Cookout headquarters
- Hours are updated when changes happen
- You get phone numbers so you can call ahead
- It shows all nearby locations, not just the closest one
Google Maps Search
Google Maps is the fastest way to check hours for any Cookout location. Most restaurants update their hours here, and you can see real-time info like current hours, holiday schedules, and even how busy the place is right now.
Here’s how to check on Google Maps:
Open Google Maps on your phone or computer and type “Cookout near me” in the search bar. Make sure location access is on (or enter your city manually). You’ll see a list of nearby Cookout locations, tap the one you want to visit. Right under the restaurant name, you’ll find the hours section with all the details.
Mobile App Locator
The Cookout mobile app puts all the info you need right in your pocket. It’s free and available for both iPhone and Android.
Getting the app is easy:
- iPhone users – Go to the Apple App Store and search “Cookout”
- Android users – Open Google Play Store and search “Cookout”
Once you have the app, finding hours is simple:
Open the app and tap the “Locations” or “Store Locator” icon. Allow the app to access your location, and you’ll see a list of nearby Cookout restaurants. Select any location to view its hours, address, and phone number.
But the app does so much more than just show hours:
You can order ahead to skip the line entirely. Your food will be ready when you arrive. You can also pay online, save your favorite orders for quick reordering, and find special deals and promotions. Need directions? One tap opens Google Maps or Apple Maps. Want to call the store? The app lets you dial directly.
Cookout Phone Numbers & Contact Information
Sometimes the fastest way to get answers is to pick up the phone. Whether you need to check hours, ask about menu items, or confirm holiday schedules, here are the official Cookout phone numbers you can call.
Official Cookout Contact Numbers
| Department | Phone Number | Best For |
| Head Office | (336) 724-7970 | Corporate questions, feedback, location inquiries |
| Customer Helpline | (866) 547-0011 | General questions, menu info, concerns |
| Toll-Free Number | (866) 547-0011 | Same as customer helpline—free to call |
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Cookout open on regular days?
Cookout opens at 10:30 AM daily. Some locations open at 10:00 AM, so check your local spot before visiting.
Does Cookout close early on holidays?
Yes. Cookout closes early on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Always check holiday hours before heading out.
What are Cookout’s dine-in hours near me?
Dine-in hours match restaurant hours—10:30 AM to 3:00 AM weekdays, 4:00 AM weekends. Call ahead to confirm.
Is Cookout open on Christmas Day?
No. All Cookout locations are closed on Christmas Day so employees can spend time with their families.
Is Cookout open 24 hours a day?
No. Cookout closes briefly overnight—3:00 AM weekdays, 4:00 AM weekends. It’s not a 24-hour restaurant.
How late does Cookout stay open?
Cookout stays open until 3:00 AM Sunday–Thursday and 4:00 AM on Friday and Saturday at most locations.
What time does the inside of Cookout close?
The lobby closes at the same time as the restaurant—3:00 AM weekdays, 4:00 AM weekends, unless posted otherwise.
Are Cookout hours the same all year?
Mostly yes, but holidays like Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, Easter, and Thanksgiving have different hours or closures.
Conclusion
Cookout operates 300+ locations across 10 states, staying open late—10:30 AM to 3:00 AM weekdays and 4:00 AM weekends. Hours vary by location, especially near college campuses like Wake Forest and UNC. Holiday hours change: closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and Easter, with early closures on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. The drive-thru and lobby generally follow the same schedule. To find exact hours, use the official website store locator, Google Maps, or Cookout mobile app. For questions, call Customer Helpline (866) 547-0011 or Head Office (336) 724-7970. Always check locally before visiting!