Raising Cane's Opens in Seattle
The fast-food chain Raising Cane's opened its first Seattle location in the University District. The grand opening drew large crowds, with some customers waiting in line overnight for the restaurant known for its chicken fingers.
- The Seattle restaurant, which opened on February 17, 2026, is located at 4345 University Way NE in the former American Apparel building, a space that had been vacant since 2017. - This marks the third Raising Cane's location in Washington state, following openings in Vancouver in 2024 and Spokane in 2025. - The grand opening celebration included a "Lucky 20" drawing where 20 customers won free Raising Cane's for a year, and the first 100 people to purchase a combo meal received a commemorative hat. - The chain has plans for further expansion in Washington, with future restaurants planned for Lynnwood, Covington, and Silverdale. - Founded in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1996 by Todd Graves, the chain is known for its very limited menu, which consists of chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, coleslaw, Texas toast, and a signature dipping sauce. - The business idea initially received the lowest grade in a college business plan class, and Graves had to work as a boilermaker and commercial fisherman to raise the initial capital. - As of 2025, Raising Cane's is ranked as the third-largest chicken chain in the U.S. by annual sales, behind only Chick-fil-A and Popeyes. - The company has experienced rapid growth, with over 800 locations across 41 states, and achieved its first $1 billion quarter in 2024.
