📍 Gastonia, North Carolina • 2 Stores in Town • 12 More Nearby • 2026
Cook Out Gastonia NC — 2 Locations, Hours & Menu (2026)
Gastonia has two Cook Out restaurants: 2113 S. Union Rd. on the south side at Hudson Blvd., and 2810 E. Franklin Blvd. on US-29/74 in east Gastonia. Kings Mountain, Lincolnton, Denver and a dozen Charlotte-area stores are all within about 23 miles.
Most Cook Outs open 10:30 AM and serve until about 3 AM, 4 AM Fri–Sat. Cookout Tray about $7.39–$7.99.
This guide covers both Cook Out restaurants in Gastonia and the twelve closest stores in Kings Mountain, Lincolnton, Denver, Shelby, Huntersville and Charlotte. It explains which Gastonia store is closer to your part of Gaston County, how to reach each one from I-85, US-321 and US-29/74, what time they close, and what to order.
Last verified: October 2026 | Sources: Cook Out store locator (October 2026), AARoads US-29/74 Gastonia guide, Wikipedia NC-274
How Many Cook Out Locations Are in Gastonia, NC?
Gastonia has two Cook Outs: 2113 S. Union Rd., Gastonia, NC 28054, and 2810 E. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia, NC 28056. Those are the only Gastonia addresses on Cook Out’s store locator as of October 2026, and no new store is listed as coming soon within 30 miles.
Some older pages list three Gastonia stores, including addresses on Cox Road, 2100 E. Franklin Blvd. and 1801 Union Rd. Those addresses do not match Cook Out’s locator. The two real stores are at 2113 S. Union Road (the store Cook Out calls “Hudson Blvd”) and 2810 East Franklin Boulevard.
The Union Road store is the pick for south Gastonia, Crowders Creek and the roads toward Clover and York County, South Carolina. The Franklin Boulevard store is better for east Gastonia, Cramerton, Lowell, McAdenville and anyone coming off I-85 near New Hope Road.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Gastonia stores | 2 (2113 S. Union Rd. and 2810 E. Franklin Blvd.) |
| Next closest store | Kings Mountain, 711 York Rd., about 8.3 miles west |
| More stores within about 23 miles | 12 |
| Coming soon nearby | None listed within 30 miles |
| Open Cook Outs in North Carolina | 144 |
Where Are the Cook Out Locations in Gastonia and Nearby?
Gastonia’s two Cook Outs are on South Union Road and East Franklin Boulevard. Twelve more are within about 23 miles across Gaston, Cleveland, Lincoln and Mecklenburg counties. Addresses come from the Cook Out store locator, October 2026. Distances are measured from central Gastonia.
| Area | Stores | Cities | Main roads |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inside Gastonia | 2 | Gastonia | I-85 • US-29/74 (Franklin Blvd.) • NC-274 (Union Rd.) • US-321 |
| West & North: Kings Mountain, Shelby, Lincolnton, Denver | 4 | Kings Mountain, Lincolnton, Denver, Shelby | I-85 • US-74 • US-321 • NC-73 |
| West & South Charlotte | 4 | Charlotte | I-85 • I-485 • South Tryon St. (NC-49) |
| Central & North Charlotte, Huntersville | 4 | Charlotte, Huntersville | I-77 • I-85 • I-277 |
1. Inside Gastonia — 2 Cook Out locations
Union Road carries NC-274 south from downtown Gastonia toward the South Carolina line, and the Cook Out sits where it meets Hudson Boulevard, about 2 miles from the city center. Franklin Boulevard is the US-29/74 commercial strip that runs east from downtown toward Cramerton; the Cook Out there is about 3.4 miles out, in the busy shopping corridor near New Hope Road (NC-279) and I-85.
Cook Out Gastonia – Union Rd.
2113 S. Union Road, Gastonia, NC 28054
On Union Road (NC-274) at Hudson Blvd. in south Gastonia
Cook Out Gastonia – Franklin Blvd.
2810 East Franklin Blvd., Gastonia, NC 28056
On US-29/74 in east Gastonia, near New Hope Road (NC-279)
2. West & North: Kings Mountain, Shelby, Lincolnton, Denver — 4 Cook Out locations
Kings Mountain is the closest store outside Gastonia, about 8 miles west on I-85. Lincolnton is up the US-321 freeway, Denver is on NC-73 on the west side of Lake Norman, and Shelby is out US-74 in Cleveland County.
Cook Out Kings Mountain
711 York Rd, Kings Mountain, NC 28086
About 8.3 miles west on York Road (NC-161) in Kings Mountain
Cook Out Lincolnton
1437 E. Main Street, Lincolnton, NC 28093
About 15 miles north on East Main Street, via the US-321 freeway
Cook Out Denver
7519 Hwy 73, Denver, NC 28037
About 17 miles northeast on NC-73 in eastern Lincoln County
Cook Out Shelby
308 Earl Road, Shelby, NC 28150
About 19.6 miles west on Earl Road in Shelby
3. West & South Charlotte — 4 Cook Out locations
Cross the Catawba River on I-85 and the first Charlotte stores are on the west side of the city. Freedom Drive and South Tryon Street are 17 to 18 miles from Gastonia; Steele Creek’s York Center Drive store is about 17 miles away by I-485.
Cook Out Charlotte – York Center Dr.
13317 York Center Dr, Charlotte, NC 28273
About 16.6 miles southeast in Charlotte’s Steele Creek area
Cook Out Charlotte – Freedom Dr.
2540 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, NC 28208
About 17.5 miles east on Freedom Drive in west Charlotte
Cook Out Charlotte – South Tryon St.
4374 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28217
About 17.9 miles east on South Tryon Street (NC-49)
Cook Out Charlotte – Park Rd.
10645 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28210
About 21.5 miles southeast on Park Road near Pineville
4. Central & North Charlotte, Huntersville — 4 Cook Out locations
These stores are 19 to 23 miles from Gastonia. They make sense if you are already heading into uptown Charlotte, north toward Lake Norman, or to the University area.
Cook Out Charlotte – Sunset Rd.
4333 Sunset Road, Charlotte, NC 28216
About 19 miles east on Sunset Road in north Charlotte
Cook Out Charlotte – Charlottetowne Ave.
715 Charlottetowne Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204
About 20 miles east, just southeast of uptown Charlotte
Cook Out Huntersville
425 Huntersville Gateway Blvd., Huntersville, NC 28078
About 21.6 miles northeast on Huntersville Gateway Blvd.
Cook Out Charlotte – Sugar Creek Rd.
1301 Sugar Creek Road, Charlotte, NC 28262
About 22.4 miles east on Sugar Creek Road in northeast Charlotte
Which Gastonia Cook Out Is Closest to Me?
South and west Gastonia are closest to Union Road. East Gastonia and the towns along US-29/74 toward Charlotte are closest to Franklin Boulevard. Use the table below as a starting point, then check your map app if you live between the two.
| If you are in… | Closest Cook Out | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Gastonia | Union Rd. or Franklin Blvd. (similar) | South on Broad St./Union Rd., or east on Franklin Blvd. |
| South Gastonia, Crowders Creek, NC-274 toward Clover SC | 2113 S. Union Rd. | Union Road north |
| West Gastonia, Bessemer City | 2113 S. Union Rd. or Kings Mountain | Franklin Blvd. to Union Rd., or I-85 west |
| East Gastonia, Eastridge Mall area | 2810 E. Franklin Blvd. | Franklin Blvd. (US-29/74) |
| Cramerton, McAdenville, Lowell | 2810 E. Franklin Blvd. | US-29/74 west |
| Belmont, Mount Holly | 2810 E. Franklin Blvd. or west Charlotte | I-85 or US-29/74 |
| Dallas, Gaston College | 2810 E. Franklin Blvd. | NC-279 (New Hope Rd.) south |
| Stanley, Lincolnton | 1437 E. Main St., Lincolnton | US-321 north |
| Kings Mountain, Crowders Mountain State Park | 711 York Rd., Kings Mountain | I-85 or US-74 |
Belmont and Mount Holly sit right between Gastonia and Charlotte, so the Franklin Boulevard store and the west Charlotte stores on Freedom Drive and South Tryon Street can be similar drives depending on traffic over the Catawba River.
Is There a Cook Out Near I-85 in Gastonia?
Yes. The Franklin Boulevard store is the easier stop from I-85: use exit 20 (New Hope Road, NC-279) and head south to US-29/74. The Union Road store is a few miles south of the interstate via US-321 or downtown.
I-85 runs along Gastonia’s north side between Charlotte and Kings Mountain. Exit 20 drops onto New Hope Road, which crosses Franklin Boulevard about half a mile south of the interstate. Exit 21 (Cox Road) serves the Eastridge Mall area and connects back to Franklin Boulevard as well. From either exit, the Franklin Boulevard store is a short drive.
For the Union Road store, take I-85 exit 17 (US-321) south through downtown, then follow Union Road (NC-274) south. Union Road keeps going toward the South Carolina state line, so this store is also the natural stop if you are coming up from Clover or the Lake Wylie side.
| Road | Best Cook Out | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| I-85 eastbound (from Kings Mountain) | 711 York Rd., Kings Mountain, or Franklin Blvd. | Kings Mountain comes first; Gastonia is about 8 miles later |
| I-85 westbound (from Charlotte) | 2810 E. Franklin Blvd. | Exit 20 or 21, then Franklin Blvd. |
| US-321 (Lincolnton – Gastonia – York SC) | 2113 S. Union Rd. or Lincolnton | Stay on US-321 through downtown and turn onto Union Rd. |
| US-29/74 (Franklin Blvd.) | 2810 E. Franklin Blvd. | The store is right on the strip |
| NC-274 (Union Rd.) | 2113 S. Union Rd. | Store is on the road itself at Hudson Blvd. |
| NC-279 (New Hope Rd.) | 2810 E. Franklin Blvd. | Turn at US-29/74 |
Which Cook Out Is Near Gaston College, Belmont Abbey and CaroMont?
Gaston College students in Dallas and Belmont Abbey College students in Belmont are closest to the Franklin Boulevard store. Night-shift staff at CaroMont Regional Medical Center can reach either Gastonia store in a short drive.
Gaston College (Dallas). The main campus is north of Gastonia in Dallas. Head south on NC-279 (New Hope Road) and turn onto Franklin Boulevard for the East Franklin store.
Belmont Abbey College. Belmont is east of Gastonia along I-85 and US-29/74. Franklin Boulevard is the closest Gastonia store; west Charlotte stores are a similar drive across the river.
CaroMont Regional Medical Center. Gaston County’s main hospital is in Gastonia. With most Cook Outs serving until about 3 AM, both Gastonia stores work for late breaks between shifts.
CaroMont Health Park. The ballpark sits on Franklin Boulevard near downtown. After a game, the East Franklin store is straight out US-29/74.
Crowders Mountain State Park. The park is west of Gastonia near Kings Mountain. After a hike, the Kings Mountain store on York Road is the nearest Cook Out.
Schiele Museum. The natural history museum is in Gastonia, a short drive from either store.
What Time Does Cook Out Close in Gastonia?
Most Cook Outs, including the Gastonia stores, open at 10:30 AM and stay open until about 3 AM Sunday through Thursday and about 4 AM on Friday and Saturday. Hours vary by store and can change, so call or check the locator before a late drive.
| Day | Typical hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday | 10:30 AM – about 3:00 AM | Drive-thru and walk-up window |
| Monday – Thursday | 10:30 AM – about 3:00 AM | Late-night is the busiest stretch on weekends, not weeknights |
| Friday | 10:30 AM – about 4:00 AM | Extended weekend close at most stores |
| Saturday | 10:30 AM – about 4:00 AM | Expect lines after midnight |
| Holidays | Varies | Many stores close or shorten hours on major holidays; call ahead |
Most Cook Outs have no indoor dining room. You order at the drive-thru or the walk-up window, and both Gastonia stores work that way. Lines at the drive-thru build quickly after midnight on weekends, so walking up can be faster if there is a window.
Cook Out accepts cash and cards. If a store is closing for weather, a holiday or staffing, the change usually shows up on the store listing and local social media first.
What Should I Order at Cook Out in Gastonia?
Start with a Cookout Tray: one entree, two sides and a drink for about $7.39–$7.99. Add a milkshake for about $3.99. The menu and prices are close to the same at both Gastonia stores, but prices can vary a little by location.
The tray is the best value on the menu. Entrees include burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, chicken strips, quesadillas, wraps and barbecue. Sides include fries, onion rings, hushpuppies, cheese bites, chicken nuggets, slaw and chili cheese fries. There are more than 40 milkshake flavors, plus floats and Cheerwine.
- Cookout Tray (entree + 2 sides + drink): about $7.39–$7.99
- Jr. Cookout Tray: from about $5.29
- Milkshakes (40+ flavors): about $3.99
- Big Double burger, Cook Out Style (chili, slaw, onions, mustard): a menu staple
- Cheerwine and Cheerwine floats: on the drink and shake menu at most stores
Read the full Cook Out menu with prices, or see the tray menu, milkshake flavors and secret menu.
How Does Cook Out Compare to Gastonia’s Local Favorites?
Gastonia has its own drive-in and barbecue traditions, and Cook Out fits right into them: cheap trays, chili-and-slaw burgers and thick shakes, served late. What Cook Out adds is the hours. Few local spots are open after midnight.
Gaston County loves slaw-topped sandwiches, and R.O.’s Barbecue in Gastonia is famous for its slaw sandwich and its tangy slaw. Cook Out’s “Cook Out Style” burger, with chili, slaw, onions and mustard, is in the same Carolina tradition. The difference is the price and the hours: a full Cook Out tray costs less than many single sandwiches, and the window is still open at 2 AM.
| Craving | Cook Out pick | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Carolina-style burger | Big Double, Cook Out Style | Chili, slaw, onions and mustard |
| Barbecue | BBQ sandwich or BBQ tray | Chopped pork with slaw |
| Late-night snack | Cheese bites or hushpuppies | Cheap tray sides |
| Dessert | Milkshake or Cheerwine float | 40+ flavors, about $3.99 |
Where Are More Cook Out Guides Near Gastonia?
Charlotte is the biggest nearby market, with stores on every side of the city. Shelby, Concord and the Lake Norman towns have their own guides too.
Charlotte. Cook Out Charlotte guide: the closest Charlotte stores to Gastonia are on York Center Drive, Freedom Drive and South Tryon Street.
Shelby. Cook Out Shelby guide: Earl Road, about 20 miles west on US-74.
Mooresville. Cook Out Mooresville guide: West Plaza Drive near I-77 on Lake Norman.
Concord. Cook Out Concord guide: stores near the speedway and Concord Parkway.
Hickory. Cook Out Hickory guide: up US-321 past Lincolnton.
South Carolina. Cook Out South Carolina guide: for trips south on I-85 or US-321.
All locations. Cook Out locations finder and the North Carolina guide.
Hours. Cook Out hours guide for holidays and late-night details.
Cook Out Gastonia FAQs
Answers to the questions people ask most.
How many Cook Out locations are in Gastonia, NC?
Gastonia has two Cook Outs, according to Cook Out’s store locator in October 2026: 2113 S. Union Rd., Gastonia, NC 28054, at Hudson Boulevard on the south side, and 2810 E. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia, NC 28056, on US-29/74 in east Gastonia. Addresses on Cox Road or at 1801 Union Road that appear on older sites are not on the locator.
Which Cook Out is closest to I-85 in Gastonia?
The East Franklin Boulevard store is the easiest from I-85. Take exit 20 (New Hope Road, NC-279) south to Franklin Boulevard, or exit 21 (Cox Road) through the Eastridge Mall area. The Union Road store is a few miles south of the interstate, best reached from exit 17 via US-321 and downtown.
What time does Cook Out close in Gastonia?
Most Cook Outs, including the Gastonia stores, open at 10:30 AM and close around 3 AM Sunday through Thursday and around 4 AM Friday and Saturday. Hours vary by store and can change on holidays, so check the store listing or call before driving over late at night.
Is there a Cook Out near Belmont or Cramerton?
Neither Belmont nor Cramerton has its own Cook Out. The closest store for both is usually 2810 E. Franklin Blvd. in east Gastonia on US-29/74. From Belmont, the west Charlotte stores on Freedom Drive and South Tryon Street, across the Catawba River, can be a similar drive depending on traffic.
Does the Gastonia Cook Out have indoor seating?
Most Cook Out restaurants, including the Gastonia stores, are built for drive-thru and walk-up ordering with no indoor dining room. Some stores have a few outdoor tables. Plan to eat in the car or take your food home, and use the walk-up window if the drive-thru line is long.
How much is a Cookout Tray in Gastonia?
A Cookout Tray costs about $7.39 to $7.99 and includes one entree, two sides and a drink. A Jr. Tray starts around $5.29, and milkshakes are about $3.99 in more than 40 flavors. Prices can differ a little between the Union Road and Franklin Boulevard stores and change over time.
Where is the closest Cook Out to Kings Mountain and Crowders Mountain?
Kings Mountain has its own Cook Out at 711 York Road, Kings Mountain, NC 28086, about 8 miles west of Gastonia on I-85. That is the closest store after a hike at Crowders Mountain State Park. From Bessemer City, the Kings Mountain store and the Union Road store in Gastonia are both reasonable drives.
Is a new Cook Out coming to Gaston County?
Cook Out’s store locator does not list any coming-soon store within 30 miles of Gastonia as of October 2026. New stores usually appear on the locator, in local development plans or in local news before they open. Until then, the two Gastonia stores and Kings Mountain are the only Cook Outs nearby on the Gaston side.
Find the Closest Cook Out in Gastonia
Gastonia’s two stores are on South Union Road and East Franklin Boulevard. Check hours before a late run, and use the directory for directions.