Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers announced the opening of its new location in Columbia on S. Providence Road Nov. 9 at 9 a.m.

On their grand opening day, Raising Cane’s held a ribbon-cutting ceremony filled with contests and giveaways, according to a Nov. 2 press release from Champion Management, the restaurant’s public relations team. The first 100 dine-in customers ages 13 and older got a free Raising Cane’s t-shirt. From 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., customers could also enter a contest to be one of 20 people selected to win free Raising Cane’s for one year. Throughout the day, Raising Cane’s also hosted a prize wheel.

“We’re beyond excited to open our doors in Columbia,” manager Jarrett Smith said in Champion’s press release. “I grew up in CoMo and am proud to open a restaurant that I have no doubt will become an integral part of our close-knit community.”

Raynesha Green, MU senior and Raising Cane’s enthusiast, said events –– such as the ceremony, prizes and contests on their opening day ––– will draw the Columbia community to the restaurant.

“[This restaurant] is just another opportunity to show Columbia as its own city,” Green said. “People always associate Columbia with Mizzou and forget that it’s actually its own place. People live here. There are locals, and they probably wanted something different too. This will be something exciting for them and their kids and their families.”

Another way Raising Cane’s plans to be a part of the Columbia community is through its numerous job opportunities, specifically its financial benefit to working college students. Students can join a fresh work environment and also work close to campus nearly any time of day. Dustin Shearer, vice president of company restaurants at Raising Cane’s, said the restaurant’s late-night hours are important for building a strong connection with the community. 

“We want to make sure that we’re giving the opportunity for the community to work with us,” Shearer said. “Being opened up later, as long as we’re having customers, gives that opportunity for us to employ more.”

Their hours of operation are Sunday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to midnight, and Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. These times provide convenience for busy students to eat Raising Cane’s for breakfast, lunch, dinner or even a late-night snack. 

Convenience does not stop at just their hours. A simple menu keeps decisions easy and speeds up service.

“When I go to Cane’s [in Kansas City, Missouri] I already know what I’m gonna get,” Makayla Green, MU freshman and Raising Cane’s fan, said. “I know that their Texas toast is to die for — it is so good. Their french fries — they’re so good. I’ve never [been] to Cane’s and had a bad experience. I’ve always gone there and gotten exactly what I ordered.”

As Makayla Green hints at, Raising Cane’s consistent level of quality service across college towns and the U.S. is key to their success.

“​​It’s almost predictable,” Shearer said. “You know what time you’ll get there. You’ll know how long it takes. And typically, it’s very fast. We do one thing, and we do it better than anyone else. I think it’s great for college students and everybody else because it’s a quality chicken finger meal.”

For many avid enthusiasts of the business, seeing a Raising Cane’s built in Columbia is producing a buzz of anticipation.

“I’ve been wanting Cane’s for the longest [time], and I don’t like that I have to go home [to St. Louis] to get it,” Reggie Coleman, MU junior and Raising Cane’s fanatic, said. “I know that once the Cane’s is built, it’s going to be convenient for me, and it’s going to be convenient for so many other people that just want chicken strips.”

Many people of Columbia and stakeholders alike said they can’t wait for opening day. Ayanna Taylor, MU junior and Raising Cane’s fan, only expressed one minor concern.

“If it’s going to be anything like the ones in [St. Louis], it definitely will have a line,” Taylor said. “There’s never a time I’ve come into Cane’s and it didn’t have one. Now, they still were quick. I’ve never waited more than five minutes to get through the drive-thru to get my food and then leave. But like, who doesn’t love chicken tenders?”

Despite this, Shearer said he is confident Raising Cane’s will flourish in this college town.

“I think we are a great organization,” Shearer said. “I think we thrive where the communities love us.”

Edited by Shannon Worley | sworley@themaneater.com