News Summary
The former Hardee’s location at 1413 Charleston Highway is being transformed into a new Cook Out restaurant. This exciting development comes after the Hardee’s building was demolished, with construction actively taking place. The new Fast-Casual dining spot, strategically located near Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, is scheduled to open soon. With the growing popularity of Cook Out in South Carolina, locals and visitors alike are eager for this new dining option.
Exciting Changes Ahead for West Columbia
If you’re driving down Charleston Highway in West Columbia, you might have noticed some buzz about a former fast-food spot. The old Hardee’s located at 1413 Charleston Highway is set to transform into a vibrant Cook Out restaurant, and anticipation is building among locals and food lovers alike!
A New Arrival on the Block
For several years, the Hardee’s had sat empty, drawing little attention. This iconic burger joint closed its doors over five years ago, leaving a vacant eyesore. Recently, the building was demolished to clear the way for something new and exciting! As of February 10, 2025, construction crews have cleared the site, and it’s truly starting to look like something special is on the way. Cook Out’s website even lists the new location as “coming soon,” but we’re still waiting for that big announcement about when they will officially open their doors.
Location, Location, Location!
What’s even more interesting is where this new Cook Out will be situated. It’s conveniently placed right next to a Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers restaurant—talk about a spot to satisfy all your cravings! Just picture it: you could finish a mouth-watering burger from Cook Out and head over for a delightful frozen treat. It’s a food lover’s dream come true!
Charleston Highway serves as a major route for commuters making their way between downtown Columbia, Cayce, and the Columbia Metropolitan Airport. With approximately 26,000 cars breezing through daily, you can bet this new Cook Out will see plenty of hungry faces!
Joining the Rising Trend
This new establishment won’t just be any Cook Out; it will be the eighth location in the Midlands area. Seems like everyone in South Carolina is catching onto the Cook Out craze, with over 30 locations spread throughout the state and more than 350 restaurants nationwide. If you’re a fan of char-grilled burgers, barbecue sandwiches, and a seemingly endless array of milkshake flavors, then you’ll want to keep an eye out for opening day!
The nearest existing Cook Out is on Harden Street in Five Points, a popular gathering spot among college students looking for an affordable meal after class. As more locations spring up, it seems like everyone will soon have the chance to explore and enjoy what Cook Out has to offer.
The Bigger Picture
The development for Cook Out follows discussions from about a year ago that hinted at potential plans for this location. This kind of growth is always exciting to see, especially as it speaks to the evolving landscape of West Columbia. Just nearby, Zaxby’s, a popular chicken chain, has recently reopened at 821 Knox Abbott Drive after undergoing five months of renovations, giving residents even more reasons to celebrate. Foodies will surely have a blast exploring all the new dining options popping up around the area!
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, the transformation of the former Hardee’s into a Cook Out is just one of many exciting changes taking place in West Columbia. As we await further updates on the opening date, local diners can look forward to indulging in delicious char-grilled meals and sweet milkshakes at their newest spot. Keep those appetites ready because a world of tasty possibilities is just around the corner!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Restaurants Coming to Lexington: Wingstop and Modern Steakhouse
New Eateries Open in Lexington, SC
Columbia, S.C. Embraces 2025 Food Trends
JCE SEO Web Design & Digital Marketing Launches New Services for San Antonio Businesses
Columbia and West Columbia Issue Boil Water Advisories
Columbia Says Goodbye to The Strudel Shop
Winter Storm Impacts Columbia, SC: Snowfall and School Closures
New Restaurant Openings in Lexington Boost Dining Scene
Sweet Izzy’s Ice Cream Shop Opens in Chapin
Chapin, SC Welcomes Sweet Izzy’s Ice Cream Shop
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Cook Out Fast Food in West Columbia
- The State: Exciting Changes Ahead for West Columbia
- WLTX: Multi-Alarm Fire at Maurice’s Piggie Park
- WIS TV: Maurice’s Piggie Park BBQ Fire
- Columbia Missourian: Mizzou QB Cook Out vs Oklahoma
- Wikipedia: Fast Food
- Google Search: Cook Out restaurant
- Google Scholar: Fast Food Economy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fast Food
- Google News: West Columbia Food News
Author: STAFF HERE Chapin
CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
