Dear Cook Out, what gives? Sincerely, 1.1 million Birmingham metro citizens

Birmingham, Alabama, Dear Cook Out, What Gives? Sincerely, 1.1 million Birmingham metro citizens
Photo via Cook Out’s Facebook page

The citizens of Birmingham, from Mayor Randall Woodfin to one hungry UAB student, are hurting. The source of our pain? You, Cook Out. You’ve jilted us. Worse, you flaunt your rejection by continuing to expand in other cities across Alabama. Enough of this. I won’t have the Magic City moping around like a teenager without a prom date.

I love 40-plus milkshake flavors as much as the next person (quite possibly more). But newsflash, prom’s more fun when you go stag. 

Birmingham, Alabama, Dear Cook Out, What Gives? Sincerely, 1.1 million Birmingham metro citizens
Oh really, it’s Tray Tuesday, Cook Out? Thanks for rubbing it in. Photo via Cook Out’s Facebook page

Cook Out, do you realize how many eligible restaurants we have on our dance card in this city? Zagat named Birmingham one of the 30 Most Exciting Food Cities in America in 2017, for Pete’s sake. Yet we pine for you and your burger trays and North Carolinian mystique.

It’s Your Loss, Cook Out

We won’t find you in the ultimate guide to the 10 best milkshakes in Birmingham anytime soon. And when my husband and I debate the various merits of burgers from Chez FonFon, Back Forty, Five Guys and others (that actually happens), you won’t be part of the conversation.

Why? Because. You’re. Not. Here.

Birmingham, Alabama, Dear Cook Out, What Gives? Sincerely, 1.1 million Birmingham metro citizens
We saw you celebrating National Drive-Thru Day on social media on July 24. How did you expect us to feel? Photo via Cook Out’s Facebook page

We understood a little when you chose Tuscaloosa first in 2016. But then you chose Opelika, Troy, Jacksonville, Huntsville, Auburn and, most recently, Montgomery. Ouch. How could Birmingham be so far down on your list, Cook Out?

Birmingham, Alabama, Dear Cook Out, What Gives? Sincerely, 1.1 million Birmingham metro citizens
Oh, you actually have a map showing us how far down we are on your list. Rude. Map via Cook Out’s Facebook Page

Birmingham Restaurant Week is coming up, Cook Out. So we’ll be out there. Eating. Rekindling our love for old favorites. Discovering new tastes. Maybe we’ll forget you altogether. But wait…

I Take It Back

Please come to Birmingham, Cook Out. We love you.

Tweet: Mayor @WoodfinForBham tweeted about it more than once and created a hashtag. @cookout_for_uab created an entire account dedicated to the cause. @TerriBhamNow wrote a #BhamNow article. Can we get some love in the #MagicCity @Cookout? #CookOutBham Retweet y'all!   http://bit.ly/2vo0sOW
Rushing Waters
Rushing Waters
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