What’s all the hype about? Stanislaus’ first Raising Cane’s opens in Modesto
The gospel of “One Love” and fried chicken has landed in Modesto.
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers opens its first Modesto and Stanislaus County location Monday, Dec. 19, on Pelandale Avenue. The much-anticipated arrival of the fried chicken chain is expected to bring big crowds and hungry diners. Founded in 1996, the company has expanded from its Louisiana roots and built a loyal fan base over the years lovingly called “Caniacs.”
So what’s all the hype about? And what, exactly, is a chicken finger?
Well, to answer the latter, Cane’s uses only chicken tenderloins — strips of white meat taken from around the chicken breast. They’re commonly known as chicken tenders, particularly when breaded and deep fried. What makes those at Raising Cane’s different is that it uses fresh, never frozen chicken tenders. The chicken is fried to order each time. And Cane’s serves only chicken tenders, period.
So no chicken breast, no drumsticks, no wings. Just chicken fingers served in one of four combos (there’s also a kids meal). The combos come with three, four or six fingers or as a sandwich, and all served with crinkle-cut fries, Cane’s signature sauce and a drink. The larger combos also include coleslaw and Texas toast. Prices for the meals range from $9.79 to $16.35.
And that’s it, folks. That’s the menu.
That’s also where the company’s slogan “One Love” comes from. It does one thing, chicken fingers, with love, said Cathy Albyn, Raising Cane’s area lead of marketing.
“It’s our ‘One Love,’ it’s what we do. We do it better than anyone else. Everything is made fresh, made to order. That’s what our ‘One Love’ is,” she said.
The intentionally simple menu has gained a cult following, which is supported by the company’s loyalty program, called the Caniac Club, which offers specials and deals. Opening day Monday will be ushered in with prizes and giveaways. The company has invited community groups to take part in the festivities. Albyn said they expect people to line up early for its free Cane’s-for-a-year giveaway and other specials.
The Modesto location will have late-night hours all week. The site will be open until 2 a.m. Sunday to Thursday, and until 3:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Moriah McMillan, Raising Cane’s regional leader of marketing, said those hours are to allow first responders, health care workers, other shift employees and night owls to be able to get their chicken finger cravings filled.
In the dining room, the company has used several Central Valley touches to personalize the space. On the ceiling are three disco balls, a Raising Cane’s signature, as is the velvet painting of Elvis Presley in one corner. Much of the rest of the wall art is made up of Modesto memorabilia and tributes to local celebrities, including George Lucas and Jeremy Renner. It also has local high school yearbooks and Modesto Bee plaques.
“We build the perfect box for them in the (kitchen) so they can have the perfect experience up front. We’ve got disco balls. We’ve got great music. Our temperature is set just so,” Albyn said. “We want people to come, have the craveable chicken meal and have a great experience with it.”
The Modesto site is the company’s 75th in California. Overall, the chain has almost 700 locations worldwide, most of which are company-owned except for a few on military bases and international locales. The Modesto store has opened with 140 on staff, and McMillan said they’re still hiring (apply at jobs.raisingcanes.com).
New workers were busy with their three-day training the weekend before opening, complete with chants and slogans espousing the “One Love” spirit. The restaurant — built from the ground up in the former Pier 1 space — has indoor and outdoor dining, as well as a drive-thru.
Another Raising Cane’s is planned in Ceres on Hatch Road in front of the former Kmart. That development is still in the works and eventually will include a new Public Storage self-storage facility, Dutch Bros Coffee and more.
Raising Cane’s, at 3801 Pelandale Ave., Suite F1, is open 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, visit www.raisingcanes.com.
This story was originally published December 19, 2022 at 6:00 AM.
