Burger King (Rem.)
Myrtle Beach, SC
Photo courtesy Richard Weiss

Here you have it... a 1970's Burger King sign still standing proud. And as a bonus,  other than the blue roof,  it stands guard over a largely in intact 1970's Burger King. I wonder if they have fries from the pre-breaded era to complete the nostalgic feel? BK used to have good fries before that fad hit. Many thanks to Richard Weiss for info. 05-07

For years, this location was a favorite stop for roadside fans because it featured one of the last original Burger King "bun" signs anywhere in the country. While the main roadside sign has since been updated with the modern logo, there's still a surprise waiting around back. A smaller original Burger King sign remains tucked away in the rear parking lot, a rare survivor from the chain's early days.

Burger King (Rem.)
Myrtle Beach, SC
Photo courtesy Richard Weiss

Step inside and things feel pleasantly old-school as well. The dining room has managed to avoid the ultra-modern makeover found at many fast-food restaurants, giving the place a comfortable, familiar feel that's becoming harder to find.

UPDATE: The restaurant remains open today. although it's been remodeled. Although the main sign has been modernized, word is the original vintage sign still survives in the back parking lot. 08-26

Cook Out
Charlotte, , NC
Photo courtesy Richard Weiss

Here are pictures of a place called Cook Out. This particular one was off I-85 at the north border of Charlotte (Across from Bubba's to be exact). Pretty much a local chain as far as I can tell. They are not super common but you do see them from time to time. All I saw were carry out only except for the one in Salisbury, The place was good, burgs and chicken on a grill. I can tell you this, big or small the south knows how to make a good burger. Many thanks to Richard Weiss for info. 07-08

Pull off the interstate in North Carolina and sooner or later you'll probably run across a Cook Out. When this photo was taken, though, the chain was still something of a Carolina secret. You'd spot one every now and then along the highway, but they hadn't spread across the Southeast the way they have today. This location sits just off I-85 on Charlotte's north side, making it the kind of place that's hard to resist after a few hours on the road. 07-08

Cook Out
Charlotte, , NC
Photo courtesy Richard Weiss

The building isn't fancy, and that's part of its charm. Most Cook Out locations were designed for drive-thru or walk-up service, so don't expect a big dining room. Instead, you'll find a steady line of cars, the smell of burgers cooking over an open flame, and plenty of people grabbing a quick meal before heading back onto the highway.

The food quickly earned a loyal following. Char-grilled burgers, barbecue, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, and mountains of fries all came at prices that were easy on the wallet. Then there were the famous Cook Out Trays, where you could mix and match enough food to satisfy just about any appetite. Don't leave without checking out the milkshake menu either. With dozens of flavors to choose from, deciding which one to order might take longer than waiting for your food.

UPDATE: This Cook Out is still serving customers today and remains a popular stop just off Interstate 85. 08-26