The Ultimate Chicken Fingers Experience: Why Raising Cane's Deserves a Spot on Your Plate
I had never heard of Raising Cane’s until I saw an advertisement for the restaurant on Instagram. It looked delicious, but I never tried it. By luck, when we were on vacation in Doral, Florida, I noticed there was a Raising Cane’s just two blocks away from where my in-laws lived. So, one evening, around 5:30 PM, I told my wife I would be right back with a surprise. I walked to Raising Canes. The first thing I noticed was the unusually long line of cars stretching down the road waiting for the drive-through. I have never seen so many cars waiting for a drive-through.
Raising Cane’s Experience
When I entered the restaurant, it was packed with patrons sitting and eating. I got in line. There was about 15 people ahead of me in line – the line moved very fast. While I was examining the menu, I was a bit confused that the only protein on the menu was chicken fingers.. Then I realized the chicken fingers can be ordered alone, or in a sandwich – toasted bun, Cane’s sauce and lettuce – or with a side of Texas Toast. The combo meals looked amazing, and I knew the combos would work for each person waiting at the house.
I ordered:
- 1 Three finger combo
- 2 Caniac combos
- 3 Sandwich combos
The food was ready surprisingly fast. I brought it home and we started eating. My sandwich was delicious and I found the Cane’s house sauce delicious. My wife, who rarely eats fast food, ate her entire sandwich combo and commented the food was good. I did not have to tell the kids to eat one time, because they ate so well. The fries were delicious. I became an instant fan of Raising Cane’s. Apparently, the ice tea is special, but I never got around to trying that.
Just a side note – I went back, about a week later, on a Friday night around 9 PM, the drive-through and restaurant were slammed. I understand the hype and why the owner Todd Graves has a net worth of more than 7 billion dollars. The food is delicious and the service is great.
History
Raising Cane’s was founded in 1996 by Todd Graves and Craig Silvey in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Silvey would eventually sell all his shares, so Graves is the sole owner. The idea for the restaurant came during a college business plan course, where Graves pitched the concept of a restaurant specializing in high-quality chicken fingers. Though initially met with skepticism, Graves persisted, working as an Alaska fisherman (where he saw men die) and in an oil refinery as a pipefitter to save up money to open his first location. He had a vision and nothing would stop him until he made his dreams a reality.
The first Raising Cane’s restaurant opened near Louisiana State University, and it quickly became popular for its simple yet delicious menu. The name “Raising Cane’s” was inspired by Graves’ yellow Labrador Retriever, Cane, who became the restaurant’s mascot. Over the years, the chain has expanded rapidly across the United States and internationally, building a loyal customer base thanks to its focus on quality and simplicity. Canes has over 700 stores and more than 50,000 employees.
What to Expect at Raising Cane's
- High-Quality Chicken Fingers: Raising Cane’s focuses on doing one thing exceptionally well—making chicken fingers. Their chicken is fresh, never frozen, and marinated to ensure maximum flavor and tenderness. The chicken fingers are hand-breaded and cooked to order, giving them a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
- Simple Menu: The simplicity of Raising Cane’s menu allows them to perfect their offerings. With just chicken fingers, fries, coleslaw, Texas toast, and their signature Cane’s Sauce, they can focus on consistently delivering high-quality food.
- Signature Cane’s Sauce: One of the key reasons for Raising Cane’s popularity is their signature Cane’s Sauce. This tangy, slightly spicy dipping sauce is a closely guarded secret recipe and a perfect complement to the chicken fingers, making the meal even more enjoyable.
- Consistency: Raising Cane’s prides itself on consistency. No matter which location you visit, you can expect the same level of quality and flavor. This reliability keeps customers coming back for more.
- Customer Experience: From friendly service to a clean and inviting atmosphere, Raising Cane’s is committed to providing an excellent customer experience. The staff is known for their hospitality, which enhances the overall dining experience.
Raising Cane’s success lies in its focus on quality, simplicity, and consistency, making it a must-try for anyone who loves chicken fingers.