Cook Out Is Coming to 4th Street North in St. Petersburg — Real 2026 Update From the Site

If you’ve driven along 4th Street North recently, you’ve probably noticed the boarded-up former Boston Market building at 9595 4th Street North and wondered what’s happening there. I recently drove by myself and took photos, and as of early 2026, no visible construction has begun — which has sparked plenty of questions locally.

Here’s the confirmed status of the long-anticipated Cook Out location in St. Petersburg, along with why developments like this matter for buyers, sellers, and investors watching the St. Pete real estate market.

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Where the New Cook Out Will Be Located

📍 9595 4th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL

The site sits directly on 4th Street North, one of St. Petersburg’s most important commercial corridors, connecting:

• Downtown St. Petersburg

• Gateway & Carillon

• Feather Sound

• North Pinellas County

This stretch of road consistently attracts national brands due to its traffic volume, visibility, and proximity to residential neighborhoods — all factors that also influence nearby home values.

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Why the Building Still Looks Inactive (January 2026)

If you were expecting demolition or exterior renovation by now, you’re not wrong to be surprised. Here’s what’s actually happening behind the scenes.

✅ Permits Are Filed and Active

• An approximately $800,000 build-out permit was filed with the City of St. Petersburg in mid-2025

• A general contractor, Venture Construction Co., has already been assigned

⏳ Construction Has Been Delayed

As of January 2026:

• The building remains boarded up

• No major exterior work has begun

• The project is still officially listed as “Coming Soon”

This type of delay is common with commercial redevelopment projects in St. Petersburg, especially when companies are coordinating design updates, inspections, and long-term rollout plans across multiple Florida markets.

Important note: There is no indication the project has been canceled.

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Expected Opening Timeline for Cook Out in St. Pete

While Cook Out has not announced a firm opening date, current projections point to a 2026 opening.

For context:

• Cook Out in Pensacola is already open

• Another Cook Out location at 5501 E Fowler Avenue in Temple Terrace is actively under construction

St. Petersburg’s location appears to be progressing more slowly, but it remains fully permitted and owned by the company.

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Property Details & Investment Signals

The company reportedly purchased the 3,193-square-foot property for approximately $2.6 million in September 2024.

That level of investment strongly suggests:

• Long-term confidence in St. Petersburg

• A strategic play for late-night and drive-thru traffic

• Belief in continued population and housing demand

National brands typically follow rooftops — and St. Pete keeps adding them.

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Why Restaurants Like Cook Out Matter for St. Petersburg Real Estate

As a St Petersburg Realtor, I pay close attention to projects like this because commercial development often predicts residential momentum.

New restaurant investment can:

• Increase neighborhood desirability

• Support nearby home values

• Improve convenience and lifestyle appeal

• Attract additional retail and service businesses

This is especially true along corridors like 4th Street North, where buyers frequently ask about walkability, dining options, and future development.

If you’re curious how these trends affect home values, you may also like:

• 👉 https://avalongrouptampabay.com/top-10-non-flood-zone-neighborhoods-in-st-petersburg/

• 👉 https://avalongrouptampabay.com/st-petersburg-realtor-guide/

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Part of a Bigger National Trend

Cook Out’s expansion into Florida mirrors a broader trend of regional restaurant brands moving into fast-growing Sun Belt cities.

National analysts have noted that expanding metros like St. Petersburg are magnets for retail investment due to strong population growth and housing demand. A recent Forbes analysis highlights how secondary Florida cities are increasingly outperforming larger metros for retail expansion and long-term growth, reinforcing why brands continue to bet on markets like St. Pete.
(External source: Forbes)

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What You’re Seeing at the Site Today

If you drive by now, here’s what to expect:

• Boarded-up windows

• No exterior renovation yet

• No demolition underway

That may not look exciting — but the paperwork confirms the project is still officially moving forward.

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Final Thoughts: Still Coming, Just Taking Longer

The Cook Out planned for 4th Street North in St. Petersburg is still happening, even if progress feels slow on the surface. With permits filed, a contractor assigned, and ownership secured, the project remains on track for a 2026 opening.

For locals watching St. Pete’s growth — and for buyers and sellers tracking where the city is headed — this is one more sign that 4th Street North remains a key commercial and residential growth corridor.

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FAQ: Cook Out on 4th Street North, St. Petersburg

Is Cook Out still coming to St. Petersburg?

Yes. City permits, ownership records, and contractor assignments confirm the project is still active as of January 2026.

Where will the St. Petersburg Cook Out be located?

The restaurant is planned for 9595 4th Street North, in the former Boston Market building.

Why hasn’t construction started yet?

While permits are approved, exterior construction has been delayed — a common occurrence with commercial redevelopments.

When is Cook Out expected to open in St. Pete?

Most projections currently suggest an opening sometime in 2026.

Does new restaurant development affect home values?

Yes. New retail and dining options often increase neighborhood desirability and can positively influence nearby residential property values.