For those waiting for a Cook Out to open in Washington, that wait could be getting shorter.

Washington’s Planning Board, during its meeting Tuesday, reviewed the site plan for the proposed Cook Out on Carolina Avenue between Down East Motors and El Tapatio restaurant.

“As you’ve probably seen by now, they’ve cleared the property, and as far as we know, they’re awaiting word from us to proceed,” said Glenn Moore, a city planner, to the board. “It’s gone to the technical review committee and received approval. There were no outstanding comments or any issues from any of the board members. I think the biggest thing was the relocation of a fire hydrant that was kind of in the way of the plan proposed here.”

For at least three years, the city has been aware of a developer’s plans for the Cook Out. Negotiations between the developer and N.C. Department of Transportation regarding setback requirements were a factor in the project being delayed.

Board member Jane Alligood asked if the developer “got straight with the DOT, so there’re setback is now 50 feet instead of 100?”
Moore replied, “They actually took a very long process and purchased that abandoned right of way. It’s very lengthy process, and that might have been what slowed them down.”

Board member Dot Moate noted this Cook Out will have an inside seating area, something many older Cook Out sites do not have. They have drive-through and walk-up service only.

Obtaining a building permit would be a next step toward building the restaurant, according to John Rodman, the city’s director of community and cultural resources.

Cook Out has sites in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky and Maryland. Cook Out’s corporate office is in Thomasville. The chain originated in Greensboro. Morris Reaves is owner and founder of Cook Out. His son, Jeremy Reaves, serves as Cook Out’s chief executive officer.