Raising Cane’s, the famous fast-food chain known for its mouthwatering chicken fingers, has garnered a massive following of loyal fans over the years. Here are some lesser-known facts about this restaurant chain that only true fans know.
1. They Have an Elusive Secret Sauce Recipe
One of the highlights of any trip to Raising Cane’s is their signature Cane’s sauce. Its sweet and tangy flavor adds the perfect kick to their chicken fingers, leaving customers craving more. However, the secret recipe remains a closely guarded secret. Only the restaurant’s general managers have access to the elusive sauce recipe, making it a well-protected secret within the company.
2. It Started as A College Assignment Turned Restaurant Concept
The inception of Raising Cane’s can be traced back to a college assignment. Founder and CEO Todd Graves, while studying at Louisiana State University, partnered with classmate Craig Silvey to develop a business plan centered around a restaurant concept that exclusively sold chicken fingers. Despite receiving a low grade for the project, Graves believed in his idea and pursued it after graduation.
3. The Owner Had to Work in Alaska for Seed Money
Turning his dream into reality required significant funds, and Graves was met with rejection from multiple banks in Louisiana. Undeterred, he took matters into his own hands and worked tirelessly in various jobs to earn the necessary seed money. After working as a boilermaker in Los Angeles, Graves discovered an opportunity to make even more money by working on fishing boats in Alaska for 2 years.
4. The Restaurant Was Named After a Pet
When it came to naming his chicken finger joint, Graves initially considered “Sockeye’s” after the type of salmon he caught in Alaska. However, a friend suggested using the name of Graves’ loyal yellow Labrador Retriever, Cane. The dog often accompanied Graves to the construction site of the first Raising Cane’s location, eventually becoming a beloved mascot. Inspired by the dog’s loyalty and presence during the early days of the restaurant, Graves embraced the suggestion, and Raising Cane’s officially got its name.
5. It’s Inaugural Restaurant is Called The Mothership
The first Raising Cane’s location, situated just outside Louisiana State University’s North Gate, holds a special place in the hearts of the company and its fans. Fondly referred to as “The Mothership” by Graves, this inaugural restaurant opened its doors in August 1996. The response from LSU students was so overwhelming that the team had to extend its hours to accommodate the demand, closing at 3:30 a.m. Since then, The Mothership has maintained its late-night schedule on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays as a tribute to its grand opening and to cater to the late-night cravings of college students.
6. You Can Customize Your Order
While Raising Cane’s menu is known for its simplicity, fans have discovered a secret to personalize their meals. Most combo meals come with fries, Texas Toast, and a cup of coleslaw. However, many customers opt to swap out the coleslaw for additional fries or extra toast. This customization hack has become so popular that videos mocking friends who choose the coleslaw have surfaced on social media. Raising Cane’s embraces these modifications and encourages customers to tailor their orders to their liking. As long as the same number of sides is ordered, swapping options comes at no additional charge, giving customers the freedom to create their perfect meal.
7. It’s Very Popular in the Middle East
While Raising Cane’s has expanded across the United States, it has also found success in an unexpected market—the Middle East. The chain opened its first international location in Kuwait City, Kuwait, in 2015. Adapting to local customs, Raising Cane’s ensured that every aspect of the restaurant complied with Islamic law. This meant sourcing halal-compliant products and maintaining strict standards. Since then, the chain has expanded further in the region, with locations in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. However, one notable difference in the international expansion is the absence of the beloved Cane, the Labrador Retriever mascot, due to cultural sensitivities regarding dogs as pets in the region.
8. No Layoffs During the Pandemic
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many businesses had to make difficult decisions, including laying off employees. However, Raising Cane’s managed to avoid major layoffs and maintained the majority of its workforce. Despite facing a decline in profit margins, CEO Todd Graves made it a priority to retain his employees. With the goal of emerging from the crisis with the same dedicated crew, Graves and the company weathered the storm. By April 2020, Raising Cane’s profit margins began to rebound and return to pre-pandemic levels. Not a single employee among the chain’s extensive staff of approximately 23,000 lost their job due to the pandemic.
9. Raising Cane Faces Stiff Competition
Raising Cane’s, known for its delectable chicken fingers and unique sauce, faces competition from several fast-food chains that specialize in similar offerings. While each competitor has its own strengths and loyal customer base, here are some of its biggest competitors:
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A is a major competitor for Raising Cane’s due to its focus on chicken-based menu items, including its renowned chicken sandwiches. Chick-fil-A has built a strong reputation for its quality ingredients, attentive customer service, and commitment to closed-on-Sundays policy, which resonates with many customers. With a diverse menu that includes a variety of chicken options, salads, and breakfast items, Chick-fil-A offers a broader range of choices compared to Raising Cane’s.
Zaxby’s
Zaxby’s is another notable competitor in the chicken finger market. Known for its chicken finger meals, wings, and signature sauces, Zaxby’s offers a similar concept to Raising Cane’s. Zaxby’s stands out with its extensive menu options, including salads, sandwiches, and milkshakes, providing customers with a wider variety of choices. Additionally, Zaxby’s has a strong presence in the Southeastern United States, competing directly with Raising Cane’s in specific regions.
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
Popeyes gained significant attention for its chicken sandwich, sparking a frenzy and direct competition with other fast-food chains, including Raising Cane’s. While Popeyes offers a broader menu beyond chicken fingers, its focus on chicken-based meals, including its signature spicy chicken, appeals to similar taste preferences as Raising Cane’s. Popeyes’ distinct Cajun-inspired flavors and competitive pricing have helped solidify its position as a key competitor in the fast-food chicken market.
Wingstop
Although Wingstop primarily specializes in wings, it competes with Raising Cane’s by offering similar flavor profiles and a dedicated focus on chicken. Wingstop boasts a wide array of wing flavors and styles, appealing to those seeking a variety of spicy, tangy, or savory options. With its emphasis on wings and accompanying sides like fries and dips, Wingstop provides a different dining experience compared to Raising Cane’s, but the overlap in chicken-focused offerings makes it a noteworthy competitor.