For a parent, dining out with kids is always a difficult decision. Where to go? What will they eat this time? Will the restaurant be accommodating to families or turn their noses as if your family is ruining thier sales? Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers attempts to defy the odds of fast food family dining.
I recently had the opportunity to visit one of the two locations here in the valley, located at I-17 and Peoria Ave. From the moment I hit the parking lot, I was impressed. Located near the Metro Center, Raising Cane's has an impeccably clean and accessible parking lot. The staff was amazing and pleasant when I entered the restaurant. They welcomed me and I consistently heard them call back to the chefs when new customers hit the parking lot. This type of service ensures that a customer does not wait fifteen minutes for their fresh, piping hot food as they do at other competitors.
One may still wonder, however, what sets Raising Cane's apart from other fast food restaurants neaby? To start, the restaurant began as a college student's failed business assignment. The first restaurant opened at the gateway to LSU and includes over 100 stores, in 16 states now. In addition to their rising success, everyone is passionate about giving back to the community. Annually, an organization is selected to receive 100% of the profits that are taken in on one holiday. Recently, the Las Vegas and Phoenix markets donated 100% of their Labor Day profits to a battered women's shelter. The owners and management do not want to be just another restaurant, but they want to make an impact in the community. Locally, high schools have partnered with the restaurants and hosted numerous fundraisers to suppor their events.
At this location, excellence begins with manager, Jason Zwerin, who works side by side with the team members. Everyone is genuinely interested in the quality of the food and not the quantity that they sell. When asked by a customer "where are the specials," the cashier responded "there are no specials...everything is special!" This is something you don't hear at KFC, Church's, or Popeye's.
What do they serve? was the number one question on this examiner's mind. I was surprised to learn that chicken fingers were the only thing on it! Like In-n-Out, Raising Cane's has a simple menu. While speaking with Manager Jason he shared these facts about Raising Cane's:
- Fresh, never frozen chicken tenderloins are used
- All chicken is marinated for 24-hours prior to cooking
- All lemonade is fresh, squeezed daily by team members
- Chicken is served with a special 'cane sauce' made daily on site
Another plus (if these are not enough) is that a family can spend under $20 feeding a family of four. The average price of 1 of 4 combos is $5.99. Kids meals are $3.99.
Customers can expect great music, like Rhianna an Bruno Mars and an amazing slogan: 1 Love. The slogan is a representation of the simplicity of their menu. They have 1 love-chicken tenders. A disco ball is sure to capture the attention of any child (and adult), as is the personal service and interest the team members and management show in their customers.
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers currently has two locations in the valley: I-17 & Peoria and 44th St. & Thomas. Later this year another store is set to open at ASU in Tempe. This menu is perfect for someone in a hurry, a college student on the go, or a busy mom looking for a healthier meal option for her kids.
For more information about Raising Cane's, locations and the future openings, visit ilovecanes.com
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