📍 Roanoke, Virginia • 2 City Stores • 5 Within 26 Miles • 2026
Cook Out Roanoke VA — 2 Locations, Addresses & Hours (2026)
Roanoke has 2 Cook Out restaurants: 1423 Hershberger Rd NW near Valley View and the airport, and 2809 Franklin Rd in southwest Roanoke. Three more serve the valley and beyond in Salem, Rocky Mount and Blacksburg.
Most Cook Outs open 10:30 AM and close around 3 AM (4 AM Fri–Sat). Cookout Tray about $7.39–$7.99. Hours vary by store.
This guide lists every Cook Out in Roanoke and the Roanoke Valley, with addresses from Cook Out’s own store locator, one-tap directions, the closest store to each part of the valley, typical late-night hours and what to order. The two city drive-thrus sit on Hershberger Rd NW and Franklin Rd SW; the nearest stores outside the city are on West Main St in Salem, on Powder Creek Ln in Rocky Mount and on South Main St in Blacksburg.
Last verified: October 2026 | Sources: Cook Out store locator (October 2026), WSLS 10 News, WDBJ7
How Many Cook Out Locations Are in Roanoke?
There are 2 Cook Out restaurants inside the City of Roanoke: 1423 Hershberger Rd NW (ZIP 24012), about a mile from I-581 exit 3 on the north side, and 2809 Franklin Rd SW (ZIP 24014) in southwest Roanoke. Counting Salem, Rocky Mount and Blacksburg, 5 Cook Outs sit within about 26 miles of downtown.
The Franklin Rd store is about 2 miles from the center of the city and the Hershberger Rd store about 3.3 miles, measured in a straight line. That means nearly every Roanoke neighborhood is within a 10 to 15 minute drive of one of them outside rush hour. Both are drive-thru and walk-up restaurants built for speed, and like most Cook Outs they keep serving long after the dinner crowd goes home.
Outside the city line, the newest valley store is at 1251 West Main St in Salem, about 7.7 miles west of downtown Roanoke. Rocky Mount (12 Powder Creek Ln, Franklin County) is about 18 miles south, and Blacksburg (1311 S Main St, near Virginia Tech) is about 26 miles west. Virginia as a whole has 42 open Cook Outs as of October 2026, according to the Cook Out store locator.
- Closest to Valley View Mall, Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport, Williamson Rd and Hollins: Hershberger Rd
- Closest to Grandin Village, Raleigh Court, South Roanoke, Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and Virginia Western: Franklin Rd
- Closest to Roanoke College and downtown Salem: Salem, West Main St
Every Cook Out in Roanoke: Addresses & Directions
Below are both Cook Out restaurants in Roanoke plus the three nearest stores outside the city, five in all. Addresses come from the Cook Out store locator (October 2026); tap any card for Google Maps directions. Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Roanoke, so real drives run a little longer.
| Area | Stores | Cities | Main roads |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inside Roanoke | 2 | Roanoke | I-581 • US-220 • Hershberger Rd • Franklin Rd |
| Nearby Cook Out locations | 3 | Salem, Rocky Mount, Blacksburg | I-81 • US-11/460 • US-220 • US-460 |
1. Inside Roanoke — 2 Cook Out locations
The two city stores split Roanoke roughly north and south. Hershberger Rd covers the north side, from Valley View and the airport to Williamson Rd and Peters Creek Rd. Franklin Rd covers southwest and south Roanoke, including Grandin Village, Raleigh Court, Wasena and the hospital district along the Roanoke River.
Cook Out Roanoke – Hershberger Rd
1423 Hershberger Rd NW, Roanoke, VA 24012
Northwest Roanoke, about a mile off I-581 exit 3 near Valley View and the airport
Cook Out Roanoke – Franklin Rd
2809 Franklin Rd., Roanoke, VA 24014
Southwest Roanoke on Franklin Rd, in a former Long John Silver’s building
2. Nearby Cook Out locations — 3 Cook Out locations
These three stores are 7.7 to 25.6 miles from downtown Roanoke. Salem is the easy one for the west end of the valley. Rocky Mount is the pick for Franklin County and the Smith Mountain Lake side, and Blacksburg is the stop when you are heading up I-81 and US-460 toward Virginia Tech.
Cook Out Salem
1251 West Main St., Salem, VA 24153
7.7 mi; on West Main St (US-11/460), about a mile east of I-81 exit 137
Cook Out Rocky Mount
12 Powder Creek Ln, Rocky Mount, VA 24151
18.2 mi; off US-220 in Rocky Mount, the Franklin County seat
Cook Out Blacksburg
1311 S Main St, Blacksburg, VA 24060
25.6 mi; on South Main St near Virginia Tech, via I-81 and US-460
Which Roanoke Cook Out Is Closest to Me?
North of downtown, use Hershberger Rd; south of the Roanoke River and in southwest Roanoke, use Franklin Rd. Salem residents and the west end of Roanoke County are better served by the West Main St store in Salem.
| If you are in… | Closest Cook Out | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown, City Market, Berglund Center area | Franklin Rd (about 2 mi) or Hershberger Rd (about 3 mi) | Franklin Rd south from downtown, or I-581 north to exit 3 |
| Grandin Village, Raleigh Court, Wasena | Franklin Rd | Cross the river and head toward Franklin Rd SW |
| South Roanoke, Carilion Roanoke Memorial area | Franklin Rd | Short hop west to Franklin Rd SW |
| Cave Spring, Tanglewood, Route 419 (Roanoke County) | Franklin Rd | Franklin Rd (US-220 Business) north toward the city |
| Valley View, airport, Peters Creek Rd | Hershberger Rd | Hershberger Rd (VA-101) |
| Williamson Rd, Hollins, Northside | Hershberger Rd | Hershberger Rd west toward I-581 |
| Botetourt County, Daleville, Troutville | Hershberger Rd | I-81 south to I-581, exit 3 |
| Vinton, Bonsack | Either city store, about 4 mi each | Hershberger Rd for the north side of Vinton; Franklin Rd via Elm Ave and the US-220 expressway |
| Salem, Roanoke College, Glenvar | Salem, West Main St | West Main St (US-11/460), or I-81 exit 137 |
| Franklin County, Smith Mountain Lake side, Boones Mill | Rocky Mount | US-220 south |
| Christiansburg, Blacksburg, Virginia Tech | Blacksburg, South Main St | I-81 to exit 118, then US-460 west |
Straight-line distances from downtown Roanoke to each store are 2.0 miles (Franklin Rd), 3.3 miles (Hershberger Rd), 7.7 miles (Salem), 18.2 miles (Rocky Mount) and 25.6 miles (Blacksburg). Drive times change a lot with I-581 and I-81 traffic, especially around shift change at the hospitals and on Virginia Tech football Saturdays.
When Did Cook Out Come to Roanoke?
Cook Out’s first Roanoke store is the Hershberger Rd drive-thru on the north side; the chain added Franklin Rd after buying that site in 2022, and later built a store in Salem. Below is what local reporting confirms, without guessing at exact opening days.
1989: Morris Reaves opens the first Cook Out in Greensboro, North Carolina. The chain grows across the Carolinas and into Virginia, where it now has 42 open restaurants per the store locator.
Before 2022: Hershberger Rd NW becomes Roanoke’s only Cook Out. In August 2022 WSLS 10 News described it as the city’s lone location, on Hershberger Road near a McDonald’s.
August 2022: WSLS reports that Cook Out bought the 2,088-square-foot former Long John Silver’s at 2809 Franklin Rd in southwest Roanoke for $590,000. That building is now the city’s second Cook Out.
Late 2024 to 2025: Cook Out buys the former Atlantic Union Bank property at 1251 W Main St in Salem for about $1.2 million. WDBJ7 reported in July 2025 that the old bank had been cleared for the restaurant.
October 2026: The Cook Out store locator lists both Roanoke stores and the Salem store as open, giving the Roanoke Valley three Cook Outs.
Roanoke is a natural market for Cook Out. The Star City is the largest city in Southwest Virginia, sits on I-81 between the Carolinas and the rest of the chain’s Virginia stores, and has a strong late-night crowd from hospital workers, students at nearby colleges and travelers coming off the interstate.
How Do I Get to Cook Out From I-81 and I-581?
From I-81, take I-581 south to exit 3 (Hershberger Rd) for the north-side store, or stay on I-581 and the US-220 expressway to reach Franklin Rd in southwest Roanoke. For the Salem store, use I-81 exit 137 and follow West Main St east about a mile.
- I-581 exit 3 (Hershberger Rd, VA-101): The exit is signed for the airport. The Hershberger Rd Cook Out is about a mile from the interchange, in the same busy corridor as Valley View Mall and Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport.
- US-220 expressway (Roy L. Webber Expressway): South of Elm Ave, I-581 becomes the US-220 expressway. Its Wonju St interchange connects to Franklin Rd, the quickest way to the Franklin Rd store from downtown or I-581.
- Franklin Rd (US-220 Business): Runs from downtown through southwest Roanoke toward Tanglewood and Route 419. The Cook Out sits on this road at 2809 Franklin Rd SW.
- West Main St, Salem (US-11/460): Salem’s main retail strip, lined with Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, McDonald’s and First Watch. The Cook Out is in the 1200 block, about a mile east of I-81 exit 137.
- US-220 south to Rocky Mount: The main road from Roanoke into Franklin County. The Rocky Mount Cook Out is just off the highway on Powder Creek Ln.
- I-81 and US-460 to Blacksburg: From Roanoke, take I-81 south to exit 118 and US-460 west into Christiansburg and Blacksburg. South Main St leads straight to the Blacksburg Cook Out.
For I-81 travelers, the Hershberger Rd and Salem stores are the quickest detours. Both are only a few minutes off the interstate, which makes them handy for a late-night tray on the road between Bristol, Lexington and points north.
Is There a Cook Out Near Roanoke’s Colleges and Hospitals?
Yes. Franklin Rd is the closest Cook Out to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and Virginia Western Community College, Hershberger Rd is closest to Hollins University, and the Salem store serves Roanoke College. All of them stay open late, which suits night-shift staff and students.
Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital The region’s largest hospital sits along the Roanoke River about a mile east of the Franklin Rd store. Nurses and residents finishing late shifts can reach the drive-thru in a few minutes.
Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine The medical school and the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute are on Riverside Circle near the hospital. Franklin Rd is the closest Cook Out for students working long lab days.
Virginia Western Community College The Colonial Ave campus in southwest Roanoke is about a mile from the Franklin Rd store, making it the easy pick between classes or after evening sessions.
Hollins University Hollins is north of the city line off Williamson Rd and I-81. The Hershberger Rd store is the nearest Cook Out, a short drive south.
Roanoke College The Salem campus is closest to the West Main St Cook Out, a short drive west through downtown Salem. It is also the stop after Salem Red Sox games and Salem Civic Center events.
Salem VA Medical Center and LewisGale Staff at the VA Medical Center and LewisGale Medical Center in Salem can use the West Main St store; from the Roanoke side, Hershberger Rd is the other quick option.
What Time Does Cook Out Close in Roanoke?
Most Cook Out restaurants open at 10:30 AM and close around 3 AM Sunday through Thursday and around 4 AM on Friday and Saturday. Hours vary by store and can change on holidays or during staffing shortages, so check the store locator or call ahead for a very late run.
| Day | Typical hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday–Thursday | 10:30 AM – about 3:00 AM | Drive-thru is the main way to order late |
| Friday–Saturday | 10:30 AM – about 4:00 AM | Busiest after midnight on weekends |
| Holidays | Varies | Some stores close or shorten hours on major holidays |
In practice, Cook Out is one of the few places in the Roanoke Valley serving a full burger, barbecue or chicken tray after midnight. Most Roanoke restaurants and bars stop serving food well before that, so the drive-thru lines on Hershberger Rd and Franklin Rd can stretch after 1 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. Most Cook Outs have no indoor dining, so plan to eat in the car or take it home.
See the full Cook Out hours guide for holiday notes and how hours differ by state.
Cook Out Roanoke Menu and Prices (2026)
The Cookout Tray is the best value at about $7.39 to $7.99: one entree, two sides and a drink. Roanoke stores use the same core menu as other Virginia locations, though exact prices can differ a little by store.
Cook Out’s menu is built around char-grilled burgers, North Carolina-style chopped barbecue, hot dogs, chicken and more than 40 milkshake flavors. Nearly everything can be ordered as a tray, and the tray is where the value is.
- Cookout Tray (entree + 2 sides + drink): about $7.39–$7.99
- Jr. Tray: from about $5.29
- Milkshakes: about $3.99, 40+ flavors
- Popular tray entrees: Big Double burger, BBQ plate, chicken strips, spicy chicken, Cajun chicken wrap
- Popular sides: fries, onion rings, hush puppies, cheese bites, chicken nuggets, BBQ, slaw, chili
Cash and cards are accepted. Most stores take orders at the drive-thru and a walk-up window. For the full list, see the Cook Out menu, the tray menu, the milkshake menu and the secret menu.
How Does Cook Out Compare to Roanoke Favorites?
Cook Out wins on late-night value and choice; Roanoke’s own institutions win on history. Locals often do both: a downtown classic at lunch and a Cook Out tray after midnight.
| Spot | What it is known for | How Cook Out compares |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Tavern (W Church Ave, downtown) | A tiny counter that has served chili, hot dogs and the “Cheesy Western” since 1930 | Cook Out offers chili too, plus trays, barbecue and shakes, with drive-thru speed |
| Roanoke Weiner Stand (Campbell Ave, downtown) | Old-school hot dogs with chili, mustard and onions near the City Market | Cook Out’s hot dogs come “Cook Out Style” with slaw, and work as a tray entree |
| National fast-food chains | Value menus, but most lobbies close earlier | Cook Out’s tray bundles two sides and a drink at a price few chains match |
Roanoke’s chili-dog tradition overlaps nicely with Cook Out’s style, which may explain why the “Cook Out Style” toppings of chili, slaw, onions and mustard feel familiar here. Visitors heading to the Mill Mountain Star, the Blue Ridge Parkway or a show at the Berglund Center can grab a tray on the way back into town.
More Cook Out Guides Near Roanoke
The closest Cook Out guide to Roanoke is Blacksburg, about 40 minutes west via I-81 and US-460. These pages cover other Virginia and nearby stores.
Cook Out Blacksburg The South Main St store near Virginia Tech, plus Radford and the rest of the New River Valley.
Cook Out Virginia All 42 open Virginia stores grouped by region, with directions.
Cook Out Charlottesville Stores near UVA, about two hours northeast.
Cook Out Harrisonburg Shenandoah Valley stores near JMU, up I-81.
Cook Out Richmond Locations across the Richmond metro.
Cook Out locations finder Search every state Cook Out serves.
Cook Out Roanoke FAQs
Answers to the questions people ask most.
How many Cook Out locations are in Roanoke, VA?
Roanoke has 2 Cook Out restaurants: 1423 Hershberger Rd NW (24012) on the north side near Valley View and the airport, and 2809 Franklin Rd SW (24014) in southwest Roanoke. The nearest stores outside the city are at 1251 West Main St in Salem, 12 Powder Creek Ln in Rocky Mount and 1311 S Main St in Blacksburg, per the Cook Out store locator in October 2026.
Which Roanoke Cook Out is closest to downtown?
Franklin Rd is slightly closer, about 2 miles in a straight line from downtown Roanoke, versus about 3.3 miles for Hershberger Rd. From the City Market area, head south toward Franklin Rd SW. If you are already on I-581 heading north, the Hershberger Rd store, about a mile from exit 3, can be just as quick.
Is there a Cook Out near Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport?
Yes. The Hershberger Rd NW Cook Out is the closest, in the same corridor as the airport and Valley View Mall. From I-581, take exit 3 (Hershberger Rd, signed for the airport); the store is about a mile from the interchange. It is a convenient stop for a late arrival or before returning a rental car.
What time does the Roanoke Cook Out close?
Most Cook Out stores, including those in Roanoke, open at 10:30 AM and close around 3 AM Sunday through Thursday and around 4 AM on Friday and Saturday. Hours vary by store and can change on holidays, so confirm with the Cook Out store locator or call the Hershberger Rd or Franklin Rd store before a very late trip.
Is there a Cook Out in Salem, VA?
Yes. Salem has a Cook Out at 1251 West Main St (24153), on the US-11/460 retail strip about a mile east of I-81 exit 137. Cook Out bought the former Atlantic Union Bank property there and built the restaurant on that site. It is the closest store for Roanoke College, downtown Salem and the west end of Roanoke County.
Does the Roanoke Cook Out have indoor seating?
Most Cook Out restaurants, including the Roanoke stores, are built around a drive-thru and a walk-up window and do not offer indoor dining. Plan to eat in your car or take your food home. Double-check the specific store if you need seating, since layouts vary across the chain.
How much is a Cookout Tray in Roanoke?
A Cookout Tray costs about $7.39 to $7.99 in 2026 and includes one entree, two sides and a drink. A Jr. Tray starts around $5.29, and milkshakes are about $3.99 with more than 40 flavors. Prices can vary a little by store, so the menu board at Hershberger Rd or Franklin Rd has the final word.
Where is the nearest Cook Out to Smith Mountain Lake or Franklin County?
The closest is the Rocky Mount store at 12 Powder Creek Ln, Rocky Mount, VA 24151, off US-220 in the Franklin County seat. It is about 18 miles south of downtown Roanoke in a straight line. From most of Franklin County, it is a shorter trip than driving into Roanoke.
Find the Closest Cook Out in Roanoke
Pick Hershberger Rd for the north side, Valley View and the airport, or Franklin Rd for southwest Roanoke, Grandin and the Route 419 corridor. Hours vary by store, so check before a very late run.