BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 28: David Ortiz, Jrue Holiday and Todd Graves attend the celebration of Raising Cane's "Golden Birthday" with opening of new gold restaurant on August 28, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for Raising Cane's)
Raising Cane’s made a shining example of how to throw a party this week when the world-famous franchise rang in 28 years of doing business.
The glorious August 28 birthday was celebrated by gifting customers with 828 golden giveaways worth more than $100K during the special opening of the 828th restaurant. Making the day even more glorious was the company’s pledge to sparkle in a golden year of moments beginning with a pledge to give back $28M to local communities throughout the coming months.
“Twenty-eight years ago, I had a dream to open one restaurant in my hometown of Baton Rouge and I never could have envisioned us being here today on August 28 opening our 828th restaurant,” Graves reflected. “I walked into this golden restaurant and got choked up seeing our crew because it’s the same great people who work here today that worked here 28 years ago and our values haven’t changed.”
Raising Cane’s at 101 Arch Street opened doors on this bright morning with a location designed to look like a golden treasure chest full of wonder and excitement. Utilizing more than 10,000 square feet of gold chrome automotive vinyl, the gold exterior and interior mesmerized loyal fans waiting in line to be the first to enter doors to see firsthand golden walls, disco balls, seating, counters, floors, and a gold cabinet housing exclusive merch. The golden birthday cake replica of Cane III, created by Cake Boss Buddy Valastro sat in a corner of the restaurant to top off one of the sweetest days in the franchise’s history.
To be inside the coveted location was nothing short of spectacular. The gold shimmered in the eyes of revealers who came to fully experience the entrepreneur magic of Graves, who with this celebration sits on a throne of success held up by the principles of believing in the American dream.
Standing before a delighted crowd of hundreds to cut the ribbon and swing wide open the doors of a breathtaking accomplishment, Graves and his trusty and iconic pup gathered with “Big Papi” David Ortiz and Jrue Holiday on a stage built for the man with the Midas Touch.
“We’re so appreciative that Todd chose Boston to open this new location,” said Ortiz. “Raising Cane’s has been getting it done for 28 years and Todd has created a dynasty with this brand. The reason why people keep coming back to Cane’s is because of tradition – they keep getting it done and opening more and more Restaurants to continue serving the best chicken I’ve ever had.”
JVKE performed his hit song “Golden Hour” before the proud owner clipped the ribbon and golden confetti blasted into the air with the joyful effect of looking like millions of stars sparkling in the air. The cheers and applause pierced the air with a delicious melody that was served up with chants for the famous athletes and Graves on the stage as much as for another business coming to Boston.
Beantown became Chickentown for the day where some individuals at the party were one of 28 lucky winners of Free Cane’s for a year while others smiled as they dipped chicken fingers into the best secret sauce on the planet.
“This is so crazy. I still can’t believe it,” enthusiastically stated Rafaela Shanahan a local college student who took home a prize after waiting in line since early in the morning. “I used to drive 40 minutes each way with my brother to get Cane’s where we grew up. It was always worth the drive. And now this! I had to be here today.”
Grateful chicken finger lovers galore took home more than just gifts, though. They left the restaurant with the hope of witnessing more golden moments like this. Adored for food as much as standards of practice, Raising Cane’s proved once again on this sunny day in Boston that the richness of caring about millions of consumers, employees, and community equally makes a business far wealthier. Billions of dollars may be made, but the grandiose admiration and loyalty are truly priceless.
Graves poignantly unveiled, “I believe I was put on this earth to make chicken fingers and help people by instilling values in them that follow them long after their time at Cane’s.”
Raising Cane’s across the country will still be celebrating as lucky fans can get their hands on one of 828 giveaways – worth more than $100K – available through www.RaisingCanesBirthday.com including:
A golden ticket to Baton Rouge to meet Graves and tour Raising Cane’s first Restaurant “The Mothership”
Gold bars, coins, and nuggets ranging from one to 10 ounces (yes, real gold!)
Golden necklaces
Golden Vans shoes
Additional “golden year” celebrations across the country will include celeb appearances, limited edition golden Cane plush puppies, giveaways, surprise performances, and more.