Raising Cane’s is set to open its first restaurant in Rockford on Tuesday, April 15, marking a major milestone for the popular chicken finger chain. Located at 6445 E. State St., the new restaurant will offer exciting promotions and community engagement as part of its grand opening.
Opening Celebration
As part of the grand opening, 20 lucky customers will win free Cane’s for a year. In addition, the restaurant plans to contribute to the local community by partnering with schools, sports teams, and non-profit organizations through fundraising opportunities and sponsorships. This commitment highlights Raising Cane’s dedication to supporting the areas it serves.
Opening Ahead of Schedule
Originally slated for an October opening, the new Rockford location is now set to open ahead of schedule. The restaurant is being built at the corner of State and Trainer Roads, on the site where Stone Eagle Tavern operated for 15 years before closing in February 2024. After the tavern’s lease expired, the property owner sold the site to Raising Cane’s, and the previous building was demolished to make room for the new 3,225-square-foot restaurant.
Expansion and Growth
Raising Cane’s experienced a record year of growth in 2024, opening 118 locations across the country. The Rockford location is one of six new stores slated to open in April. With more than 800 locations nationwide, Raising Cane’s continues to expand its reach. The closest Raising Cane’s to Rockford is located at 2411 Sycamore Road in DeKalb.
What to Expect from the Rockford Location
Hours of Operation
Raising Cane’s in Rockford will be open seven days a week, operating from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Staffing
Approximately 55 employees will work at the Rockford location, with an average of eight employees per shift.
Quick Service
Raising Cane’s is known for its fast service, with an average order time of just two minutes and 28 seconds. The quick service is facilitated by the restaurant’s simplified menu, which focuses on chicken fingers with a variety of sauces and sides.
Efficient Drive-Thru
To manage traffic efficiently, especially during peak hours, employees will assist with orders ahead of the menu boards and deliver orders to cars in the drive-thru. The company also plans to use off-duty police officers during the initial opening period to help manage traffic flow.
Jeremy Carter, the city’s traffic and development engineer, stated that the plans show any potential traffic backup will be contained to the restaurant’s site.
The Menu
Founded in 1996 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, by Todd Graves, Raising Cane’s specializes in chicken. The menu includes chicken fingers, fries, coleslaw, Texas toast, and a sandwich made with three chicken fingers.
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