Raising Cane's
Raising Cane's is a fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in chicken finger meals. Founded in 1996 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the company has grown to over 800 locations across 41 states, known for its simple menu and signature Cane's sauce.
The Story
Raising Cane's Restaurants, LLC, doing business as Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers, is an American fast-food chain specializing in chicken finger meals. Founded in 1996 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the company has grown to over 900 locations across the United States and internationally, known for its simple menu focused on chicken fingers, fries, coleslaw, Texas toast, soft drinks, and its signature Cane's Sauce.
The company was founded by Todd Graves and Craig Silvey, who opened the original restaurant, nicknamed "The Mothership", near the North Gate of Louisiana State University. The business plan was initially rejected by numerous investors, so Graves and Silvey earned the startup capital through manual labor jobs and an SBA loan. The company is named after Graves's yellow Labrador, Cane, and the brand has continued to use Labrador mascots throughout its history.
Under Graves's leadership, Raising Cane's expanded steadily across the South and then nationwide. AJ Kumaran joined as chief operating officer in 2014 and became co-CEO in 2017, helping guide the chain's aggressive growth phase. The company has maintained a focused menu strategy, refusing to add burgers or other proteins, and has built a cult-like following. As of 2025, Raising Cane's generates $5.1 billion in annual revenue, employs over 65,000 people, and ranks as the third-largest quick-serve chicken chain in the United States behind Chick-fil-A and Popeyes.
Key Facts & Metrics
Products & Services
Cane's FC Crewneck
Sport-inspired crewneck sweatshirt with bold red striping and an easy, relaxed fit. Made from comfortable fabric suitable for everyday wear and branded for Raising Cane's fans.
Raising Cane's Gift Card
Official Raising Cane's gift card redeemable at participating U.S. restaurant locations. Available in custom denominations through the brand's online store and is ideal for chicken finger meals, sauces, and catering orders.
Company Timeline
1996 — Founded by Todd Graves and Craig Silvey
Todd Graves and Craig Silvey founded Raising Cane's in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The original restaurant, nicknamed "The Mothership", opened on August 28, 1996, near the North Gate of Louisiana State University.
2014 — AJ Kumaran joined as COO
Seasoned restaurant executive AJ Kumaran joined Raising Cane's as chief operating officer, bringing decades of industry experience to the leadership team.
2017 — Kumaran promoted to co-CEO
AJ Kumaran joined Todd Graves as co-CEO, establishing a shared leadership structure that helped guide the company's next phase of expansion.
2021 — Corporate staff supported restaurants during labor shortage
In response to a nationwide worker shortage, Raising Cane's dispatched hundreds of corporate employees to work in its restaurants as cooks and cashiers while continuing to hire 10,000 new employees.
2025 — 900+ locations and $1.1 billion revenue
Raising Cane's reached over 900 locations across the United States and internationally, generating $1.1 billion in annual revenue and ranking as the third-largest quick-serve chicken chain in the U.S.
Episodes Featuring Raising Cane's
Advice Line: Tapping AI as a Resource for Your Business
Guy Raz hosts a special Advice Line episode where six founders reveal how they weave AI into their businesses. From Modi Toys to Raising Cane's, these entrepreneurs share concrete examples of automation and analysis that freed them to focus on what humans do best. No hype, no buzzwords—just practical insights you can apply.
Advice Line with Todd Graves of Raising Cane's
Todd Graves of Raising Cane's joins fellow founders on David Burmeister's Advice Line to share hard-won lessons on scaling without losing soul. Three callers face growth dilemmas: Evan Sledge wrestles with scaling Whiskey Morning Coffee without sacrificing quality, Shane Lyons looks to expand Vesti while staying true to its mission, and Todd Graves reveals how Cane's built a billion-dollar chain by refusing to compromise on chicken, sauce, and culture. Each walks away with practical strategies for growing without selling out. This masterclass in disciplined expansion comes from a founder who turned one Baton Rouge chicken finger joint into 1,500+ locations.
