Raising Cane's opens Lincoln Park spot amid Chicago expansion plans
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The new Lincoln Park Raising Cane's location. Photo: Courtesy of Raising Cane's
The new Lincoln Park Raising Cane's opens Tuesday, marking the chicken finger restaurant's next phase in Chicago.
The big picture: The Texas-based restaurant chain is planning a huge expansion in the Chicago area, competing with other established fast food chains and independent local restaurants such as Chick-fil-A, Harold's Chicken, Roost and Fry the Coop, among others.
The latest: The new restaurant, at 2376 N. Lincoln, is just the beginning of the chain's plans for 2025, which also includes its first stand-alone drive-thru, on Taylor Street in the South Loop, expected later this winter.
- The chain already operates 31 locations in the Chicago area, including in Rogers Park, Wrigleyville and the Loop.
What they're saying: "Chicago is an incredible city with a vibrant food scene and a strong sense of community — qualities that align perfectly with Raising Cane's values," Cane's Jason Zwerin tells Axios.
The intrigue: In 2024, reports swirled that a Cane's restaurant was poised to take over the former Little Goat Diner in the West Loop, although some complained about bringing fast food and neon signage to Randolph Street.
- A Raising Cane's representative confirms it will open in that location later in 2025.
Yes, but: Cane's has adjusted its traditional fast food in Lincoln Park, setting up shop in a converted corner building. It's done this in other big markets as well, replacing the red, white and blue decor with more urban designs, like at their restaurant in the Back Bay neighborhood in Boston.
The other side: Last year, Fry the Coop owner Joe Fontana protested plans for the new Lincoln Park Raising Cane's, imploring consumers to support local businesses. Fry the Coop is right around the corner from the new restaurant.
- Also, a planned drive-thru Raising Cane's in Roscoe Village was scrapped after residents pushed back complaining of congestion and pollution issues.
By the numbers: Raising Cane's is one of the fastest-growing chains in the U.S., operating in over 30 states with plans to add over 100 restaurants this year nationwide.
- Cane's CEO Todd Graves wants to hit $10 billion in sales by 2030.
- In 2023, it earned $3.8 billion.
- The company continued growing in 2024, including turning in its first $1 billion quarter.
What's next: Locations in River North, Chatham and Chicago Ridge are also planned for later this year and next.
The bottom line: The Raising Cane's expansion could remake the fast food landscape in Chicago for years to come.