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CLEMMONS — Cook Out is coming to Clemmons.

The news is official, according to the signage already in place in the former location of Habit Burger Grill in the Publix-anchored shopping center at the corner of Peace Haven and Lewisville-Clemmons roads.

It also is listed on the company’s website among its lineup of restaurants with the specific address of 3125 Gammon Lane and the words “Coming Soon!”

However, a company official said she couldn’t give an answer when asked for comment about when that might happen or any other details about the transaction.

It’s been known for quite some time that Cook Out was a likely destination in the village at some point for the popular restaurant, which has a strong presence in the Triad, including seven restaurants in Greensboro, five in Winston-Salem, two in High Point and one each in Kernersville and Walkertown.

With the calendar flipping from July to August, there’s no indication of any renovations. There is still a Habit Burger sign in the window of the existing single drive-thru lane. Most Cook Out locations feature dual drive-thru lanes.

The interior for the former restaurant had 70 seats along with a small patio and additional seating outside.

Habit Burger, a chain originating in California, was presented as having a “gourmet” burger, when it came to Clemmons in 2019 with its website touting “The Love of the Craft,” which means always chargrilling its burgers over an open flame and using only the best ingredients. It closed late last year.

Along with all the long-standing national fast-food restaurants, Dairi-O, a local chain known for its burgers, hot dogs, ice cream and family atmosphere and has expanded its footprint in N.C., was a big hit upon its arrival at the end of 2015 along Lewisville-Clemmons Road just down the way from the new Cook Out.

And a couple of years later, the Chick-fil-A franchise came to Clemmons in 2017 with much fanfare. It was a noteworthy addition down the strip on Lewisville-Clemmons Road with former Clemmons planner Megan Ledbetter stating, “It was the only time in my career after a zoning approval that the council clapped.”

Five Guys, another burger place with a following, was the latest to join the local restaurant scene late last year. 

Cook Out got its official start in 1989 with the first location in Greensboro on Randleman Road. The first Cook Out in Winston-Salem arrived in 1998 on Peters Creek Parkway.

In 2010, Cook Out expanded beyond North Carolina with the opening of a location in Spartanburg, S.C. There are now more than 300 restaurants in 10 states, primarily throughout the Southeast.

Known for its trays/combos and fresh burgers, Cook Out’s biggest calling card is undoubtedly its milkshakes, with a separate category on its website listing 40 or so fancy milkshakes, which includes fresh watermelon in July and August, and fresh eggnog in December.