Raising Cane’s threw the ultimate conference this week with a bash headlined by global super stars Snoop Dogg and Katie Ledecky. Restaurant Leaders and guests in attendance were honored with the chance to dip their toes in golden sand on a trip that celebrated the golden chicken empire built by owner and founder Todd Graves.
Along with Raising Cane’s co-CEO and COO AJ Kumaran, the nine-time Olympic gold medalist Ledecky and the Emmy-award-winning rapper and producer Snoop Dogg took the meaning of work trip to a whole new elevated level at the event properly titled Canecún.
Year in the making, the days were filled with inspirational fireside chats and a phenomenal beach performance. To recognize, reward and celebrate its leaders, Raising Cane’s hosted more than 3,000 Raising Cane’s leaders and their significant others at Moon Palace Resort in Cancun from Sunday to Wednesday in an industry-defining conference that was centered around relaxing and having a good time.
Set to operate more than 875 Restaurants and eclipse nearly $5B in sales by the end of the year, Cane’s owes it all to its leaders who are driving the business forward every day. Attendees for the all-expenses-paid trip included all Restaurant Leaders, Business Unit, and Restaurant Support Crew along with their spouses or significant others.
“Canecún is all about celebrating, recognizing, and rewarding our Crew. Not only celebrating where we’ve been, but where we’re headed, because I believe we’re just getting started,” said Graves. “When I first started Cane’s 28 years ago, I would have never imagined it would grow to where we are today. It’s the same Crew that was with us all those years ago that we’re here celebrating today, and it’s amazing to see the amount of lives Cane’s has changed. We currently employ nearly 65,000 Crew and are proud to offer industry-leading benefits, support, and compensation to each of them, simply because it’s the right thing.”
Snoop Dogg also took time to also about entrepreneurism, work ethic, leadership, family, and success. While on stage, Graves presented Snoop, who is a huge Bruce Lee fan, with Bruce Lee’s famous nunchucks from Enter the Dragon as a gift of appreciation for coming to Cancun to both inspire and entertain Cane’s leaders.
Graves and Snoop’s friendship dates back many years, notably with Snoop kicking off Cane’s “Drive-Thru Series” with a surprise and delightful appearance at a Raising Cane’s in Arkansas. Since then, Snoop has been in Cane’s marketing campaigns and Graves’ shows Restaurant Recovery and Secret Sauce. Graves was also featured in Snoop’s movie “The Underdoggs” and partnered with Snoop on a variety of ventures. Most recently, Graves donated $100,000 to Snoop Youth Football League and also announced a yearly, recurring donation going forward.
“A great leader loves to listen and knows how to receive information and put things in perspective. You need to be able to listen to those who have helped make you successful,” said Snoop. “Leaders don’t dictate – they delegate.”
The nine-time Olympic gold medalist Ledecky spoke to leaders about inspiration, motivation, and chasing a dream. Ledecky also confirmed that she’d compete in the 2028 Olympics and that her favorite cheat meal was Raising Cane’s.
“Cane’s has built a community that has the ability to bring smiles to people’s faces through meals, and I hope no one ever takes that for granted and that you can reflect on the people that have been a part of your journey. I know how much you all strive for excellence every day, and I can relate to that,” she stated. “I’ve learned a lot throughout my four Olympics, and I continue setting goals and pushing myself to become better. The goals I set are unlike any other athlete’s goals, and seeing those goals and achieving those goals is very powerful. I’ve learned a lot throughout the years – how to be resilient, adapt, pass hurdles, and most of all, lessons in gratitude and what a privilege it is to compete and do what I do.”
These special moments were only topped by what was a wild and thrilling night on the beach with a drone and firework show and concert curated from the music master Snoop Dogg.
Photos Courtesy: Raising Cane’s
