Raising Cane’s, the rapidly expanding Louisiana-based chicken finger chain, has cultivated a devoted following with its simple menu and signature sauce. But even the CEO, Todd Graves, has his preferences – and one menu item doesn’t develop the cut. Graves revealed in a recent interview that he routinely orders his Box Combo without the coleslaw, opting instead for extra toast. The seemingly minor detail offers a glimpse into the personal tastes of the man behind the $2.3 billion empire and highlights the customization options available to customers.
The revelation came during a conversation with Joe Bonham, a TikTok content creator known for his “Financial Flex” series, in a video posted in March. When Bonham inquired about Graves’ go-to order, the CEO responded without hesitation: “Box Combo, no slaw, extra toast, extra sauce.” He explained his aversion to the side dish, stating, “I don’t like coleslaw, man, that’s why you can trade it out.” Graves added that he initially included coleslaw in his order, hoping for a vegetable component, but ultimately found it unappealing.
From Humble Beginnings to Billion-Dollar Success
Graves founded Raising Cane’s in 1996 near the Louisiana State University campus in Baton Rouge, driven by a simple concept: quality chicken fingers. According to reporting by Business Insider, the early days were marked by financial struggles and numerous rejections from banks. He secured a $150,000 loan by presenting a detailed business plan to his grandmother, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Today, Raising Cane’s boasts over 900 locations nationwide, according to a June report by CNBC, and has become the third-most-popular chicken restaurant in the United States, trailing only Chick-fil-A and Popeyes, as reported by QSR Magazine. The company’s success is particularly notable given its relatively limited menu – focusing on chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, Cane’s sauce, Texas toast, and coleslaw (which, apparently, isn’t for everyone).
Revenue Growth and Expansion Plans
Raising Cane’s isn’t just popular; it’s growing rapidly. In 2024, the company reported a 33% year-over-year increase in revenue for the first six months of the year, reaching $2.3 billion, Bloomberg reported. This growth has fueled ambitious expansion plans, with new restaurants opening across the country.
The company remains privately held, but its financial performance has attracted significant attention. Graves’ personal net worth is estimated at $11.1 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, reflecting the remarkable success of his venture. The company’s ability to maintain its brand identity and quality while scaling rapidly is a key factor in its continued growth.
The Rise of Chicken in the Fast-Food Landscape
Raising Cane’s success is also occurring within a broader trend: the increasing popularity of chicken in the fast-food industry. In 2024, McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski stated that the chain’s chicken products were generating as much revenue as its beef offerings, as reported by Business Insider. This shift reflects changing consumer preferences and the versatility of chicken as a protein source.
The demand for chicken has prompted other fast-food chains to invest heavily in their chicken offerings, leading to increased competition and innovation. Raising Cane’s, with its focused menu and loyal customer base, is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.
The standard Box Combo, which Graves modifies by omitting the coleslaw, includes four chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, Cane’s sauce, a piece of Texas toast, coleslaw, and a drink, and typically costs around $13. The ability to customize the order, as Graves demonstrates, is a key element of the Raising Cane’s customer experience.
Looking ahead, Raising Cane’s is expected to continue its expansion, bringing its signature chicken fingers to new markets. The company’s next financial update, anticipated in early 2025, will provide further insight into its continued growth trajectory. What started as a little business fueled by a grandmother’s belief has become a major player in the fast-food industry, one coleslaw-free Box Combo at a time.
What are your thoughts on Raising Cane’s and its rapid growth? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.
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