As a foodie (a food writer and content creator that is) I’ve always wanted to attend a food-related grand opening celebration. Whether it was for a fast food spot or a brand-new Trader Joe’s location, I’ve always just thought they seemed like a lot of fun. Here in Orlando, there’s always something new opening, but I truly never found that perfect fit. A spot that made the grand opening a true foodie event. That is until Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers invited me out to the grand opening of their third location in the Orlando area.
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, a Louisiana-based chain, has a cult-like following. This chain serves up a handful of carefully curated menu items. Chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, coleslaw, Texas toast and their iconic Cane’s Sauce. While to those outside the know it may seem crazy, these chicken fingers have some dedicated fans. And when it comes to a grand opening, they show up.
I arrived at the grand opening event around 8:45 a.m. Already there were hundreds of people waiting online for the restaurant to open the doors. The first hundred people waiting in the line received badges that proudly displayed their number. Number one, Adam Zapf, an Orlando local from St. Louis, Missouri, got this Raising Cane’s in Kissimmee at 6:30 p.m. the night before just to make sure he would be the first customer at this new location.
Raising Cane’s super fan waits overnight to be first in line
“I arrived at 6:30pm the day before the grand opening,” Zapf shared, “I had seen that there was a soft opening that was being held, so I went to the restaurant to check and see if they were still doing the official opening the next day. Once they confirmed that, I decided to set up everything right then and there!”
Zapf says that he’s been living in Orlando for about five years. All this time he has been wishing a Raising Cane’s would be built in Florida close by.
“Although it seems crazy – and it was – this was always an odd goal of mine,” Zapf told EYNTK Info. “For this year, I’ve really been trying to go out of my comfort zone and do things that challenge myself and seem fun! While 15 hours of waiting for chicken was crazy, I can honestly say that the experience was a great time, and now I’m left with some awesome memories to tell friends and family one day!”
Of course, as Zapf explained, it’s not just the delicious, golden brown chicken fingers paired with that creamy, tangy, peppery sauce that keeps people coming back for more. It’s the brand itself that never misses out on a chance to celebrate its community.
At this grand opening, the DJ was already spinning tunes bright and early. Red and yellow balloons adorned the entire establishment. On top for all to see, a huge inflatable of Raising Cane’s mascot, Raising Cane, the Labrador Retriever of owner Todd Graves who became the face of the brand back in 1996 when the first location opened. The energy was incredible the second I stepped into that parking lot, and I knew the morning was going to be amazing.
Raising Cane’s grand opening celebration
During the grand opening celebration, team members from the location were recognized for their hard work. A donation was also made to the beloved local charity, Give Kids the World Village. Mascots from around Orlando showed up to keep the party going, and prizes were given out left and right. The first 100 people in line received specialty t-shirts made just for the location. Plus 20 people won free Raising Cane’s for an entire year – and I was one of them!
I never win anything. But, I simply slipped my name into the raffle and ended up being one out of the 20 selected to win free Raising Cane’s for a year, which is given on a convenient gift card. Now, for the next year, I’ll receive 3 free Box Combos a month, which means a lot of Raising Cane’s to savor and share!
Opening the doors for the first time
Once the doors opened, the team did a great job controlling the chaos as the crowd of people outside made their way in for their long-awaited chicken fingers. The first guest, Zapf, was able to run through a tunnel of team members before being greeted at the register. He was presented with a Raising Cane’s gift basket, a free meal and a single dollar bill, which he signed before it was hung in the location.
Exploring the restaurant, I wasn’t surprised to see nods to the community all around in the decor and memorabilia. Each Raising Cane’s location is created to specifically represent the community it’s in, which is a reflection of its deep commitment to the community as a whole.
My go-to Raising Cane’s order
When it was finally my turn to order, I was truly salivating. I didn’t know how I would feel about chicken fingers for breakfast before I got there. Once I smelled them cooking though, I was ready for my go-to order – the Box Combo with a mixture of unsweet tea and their freshly squeezed daily lemonade.
My Raising Cane’s hack? Cutting the Texas toast opening and layering it up thick with coleslaw, french fries, a chicken finger and a heavy pour of Cane’s Sauce. It’s the perfect bite, trust me.
If you’ve never been to a Raising Cane’s before, take it from this foodie, plan a trip. The menu is not simple, but classic. It’s crave-able comfort food in its purest form, and I promise if you make the trip once, it won’t be your last.
