STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Staten Island residents eager for their first Raising Cane’s restaurant will have to wait significantly longer than expected. The popular chicken finger chain, which initially planned to open this summer, has pushed its debut to 2027, according to a company representative.
In an official statement, a Raising Cane’s representative announced, “Pending city approval, Raising Cane’s is slated to bring our ONE LOVE – Craveable Chicken Finger Meals – to Staten Island at 2456 Richmond Ave. in summer 2027.”
The company signed a contract in May 2024 for the New Springville location, which will occupy a former strip mall space at 2456 Richmond Ave. The site, previously home to Furniture To Go, FedEx shipping center, and Coco Nails & Spa, currently sits vacant and overgrown.
What’s in a name?
Raising Cane’s made its first New York City appearance in June 2023, opening an 8,000-square-foot flagship restaurant in Times Square’s historic Paramount Building at 1501 Broadway. This location marked the beginning of an ambitious expansion plan, with 25 restaurants planned across New York City’s boroughs and surrounding areas over three years.
Raising Cane’s is a fried chicken chain known for its hand-battered chicken tenders, marinated for 24 hours and cooked to order by trained “Bird Specialists.” The brand prides itself on freshness — no heat lamps — and a simple, focused menu.
Founded by Todd Graves in 1994, the idea began as a college project that was initially dismissed by professors and banks. Graves worked various jobs, including commercial fishing, before securing an SBA loan and opening the first location in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on August 28, 1996.
The name “Raising Cane’s” comes not from the biblical phrase “raising Cain,” but from Graves’ yellow Labrador, Raising Cane. The original name was going to be “Sockeye’s,” inspired by his fishing days…