The History of Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers

Determined to turn his dream into reality, Graves took on the challenge of financing his vision. To save money, he worked as a boilermaker in California and a commercial fisherman in Alaska. These backbreaking jobs enabled him to earn and invest the funds he needed to build his first restaurant. That unwavering dedication paid off in 1996 when the first Raising Cane’s opened near the LSU (Louisiana State University) campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Interestingly, the restaurant's name was inspired by Todd Graves' loyal Labrador Retriever, Raising Cane. The dog became the restaurant’s mascot, and even today, Raising Cane’s features the logo of a silhouetted Labrador.

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Raising Cane’s is largely associated with Todd Graves as the driving force behind its success. While Todd Graves took on the lion's share of effort to launch the business, his close friend Craig Silvey also played an important role in its creation. Silvey worked with Graves to develop the business plan and the operational foundation of Raising Cane’s.

Together, the two aimed to create a brand that didn’t try to do everything but excelled at one thing—making the best chicken fingers around. Their focus on simplicity, paired with high-quality ingredients and superior service, was a breath of fresh air in a landscape dominated by menu-overloaded chains. Graves and Silvey’s visionary approach became the bedrock of Raising Cane’s success.

When it comes to franchising, Raising Cane's is different from many other fast-food giants. The company has historically been selective about who can own and operate a Cane's franchise. Todd Graves has emphasized maintaining brand integrity and upholding the company’s high standards. This means Raising Cane's primarily focuses on corporate-owned stores, with limited opportunities available for independent franchisees.

For those interested, franchisees are required to meet several strict criteria, including substantial financial investment and alignment with the Cane’s mission of quality and simplicity. The brand prioritizes partners who are fully committed to maintaining Cane's dedication to top-notch service and product consistency.

Although Raising Cane's is selective about partnerships, its limited franchising model has helped preserve its unique identity while fostering a culture of excellence. This strategy also allows the company to maintain direct control over most of its operations, ensuring consistency across locations.

While Raising Cane's started as a local Louisiana eatery, it quickly expanded its reach outside the state—first to neighboring regions, then across the United States. The brand opened its 500th location in 2018, becoming a major competitor in the fast-food industry.

Today, Raising Cane’s operates internationally, with locations in countries like Kuwait, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. Its focus on densely populated markets and high-trafficked areas has made it a favorite destination for millions worldwide. The company's success abroad highlights the universality of its concept—high-quality chicken fingers served simply and quickly.

Surprisingly, Raising Cane’s has stayed away from the aggressive acquisition model many fast-food chains adopt to diversify or grow rapidly. The company has succeeded by remaining singularly focused on its core product. Instead of acquiring other chains, Raising Cane’s has consistently poured its resources into improving operations, opening new locations, and building brand awareness. This "focus on focus" has set Raising Cane's apart from many fast-food competitors and contributed to its long-standing reputation for excellence.

Raising Cane’s is celebrated not just for its delicious chicken fingers, but also for its unique culture and commitment to community. Here are some fun facts that make Cane’s even more special:

Raising Cane's has come a long way from its Louisiana roots to become a global authority on chicken fingers. By focusing on simplicity, quality, and excellent customer service, it has secured a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of fast-food enthusiasts everywhere.

If you haven’t gotten the chance to try Cane’s famous chicken fingers yet, what are you waiting for? Stop by your nearest location or head to their website to find the closest restaurant.