Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers to Unveil First Chicago Restaurant Next Week

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, the Baton Rouge, Lousiana-based fast-food chain with more than 360 locations nationwide is about to open its first Chicago location. The chain calls its rabid fanbase “Caniacs,” and they should be lined up next week at 6568 N. Sheridan Road near Loyola University’s Rogers Park campus. Opening day is Tuesday, March 6 and it’ll host giveaways for fans.

The chain entered the Chicago market last year with the opening of its North Riverside location. Raising Cane’s continued its suburban expansion by opening locations in Evergreen Park, Harwood Heights, Oak Lawn, and Naperville.

Like all popular regional chains which open new restaurants away from its base, the first Raising Cane’s opening in Chicago is generating excitement. So what makes this chain special? The Takeout sent special correspondent Dennis Lee — who makes pizzas at Paulie Gee’s in Logan Square (when he’s not exploring and enjoying food adventures) — to seek out those answers. Lee declares that Raising Cane’s serves the “best fast food chicken fingers out there.” He enjoyed the juicy, white meat tenderloins that are fried in canola oil. The Cajun-spiced Cane’s Sauce does well to complement the breading and fries, Lee wrote.

Raising Cane’s doesn’t stray away from its strengths with a simple menu of chicken fingers, a sandwich, and sides like crinkle-cut fries, coleslaw, and Texas toast. Party trays of chicken fingers are available for takeout.

Will Raising Cane’s arrival be a game changer for Chicago? Find out next week.