Popular chain with focus on chicken fingers, community involvement, prepares for Oct. 29 grand opening in Costa Mesa

It’s been a long time coming, but chicken finger lovers in Southern California can finally circle their calendars for the arrival of the state’s first Raising Cane’s.

The rapidly growing chain’s newest restaurant, located at 3150 Harbor Blvd. in Costa Mesa, is preparing for its grand opening this Thursday, Oct. 29. Local residents should not be surprised if loyal fans of the Louisiana-based chain – affectionately known as “Caniacs” – decide to campout overnight to be the first in line for their favorite chicken finger meals.

Grand opening festivities begin at 9:15 a.m. with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Stephen Mensinger, other local dignitaries and Raising Cane’s executives.

First-time visitors will be treated to traditional cheers and other high-energy chants to launch the location in unique Cane’s fashion, compliments of its 65-70 newly hired crewmembers. Doors open to the public at 10 a.m.

The Estancia High School Band and Cheerleaders are scheduled to perform outside the new restaurant from 10 -11 a.m.

As if that’s not enough, the first 20 paying, dine-in customers ages 13 and older will receive Free Cane’s for a Year! In addition, the first 100 paying, dine-in customers ages 13 and older will receive a free Cane’s Costa Mesa T-shirt, along with a voucher for a free Box Combo – containing four fresh, never ever frozen chicken fingers, Texas toast, secret recipe Cane’s sauce, coleslaw, crinkle-cut fries and a drink – that may be redeemed on a subsequent visit.

“I could not be more excited and proud to have the opportunity to introduce Raising Cane’s to my home state,” said General Manager Shannon McNally, who was born and raised in Orange County. “What’s really cool is that even though this is our first restaurant in California, the Caniacs have already started coming out of the woodwork, asking when they can finally get their chicken finger fix. They’re just as excited for us to open our doors as we are!”

Founded by Todd Graves in 1996 and named for his yellow Labrador, Raising Cane’s recently earned the distinction of being among the top four quick service restaurant chains in the nation for 2014, according to the authoritative Sandelman & Associates Quick-Track study, based on food quality, customer service, cleanliness and other important factors. The company is renowned for its ONE LOVE® – quality chicken finger meals.

“I worked as a boilermaker in Los Angeles more than 20 years ago to raise the money to open my first Raising Cane’s, so this is like coming full circle for me,” said Graves, Founder, CEO, Fry Cook & Cashier. “I’ve been looking forward to breaking into the California market for as long as I can remember, and I can’t tell you what a thrill it is to finally bring our ONE LOVE to the residents of this beautiful area. My crew and I are equally excited about getting actively involved in Costa Mesa and the surrounding communities in the years to come.”

In addition to its focus on chicken fingers, Raising Cane’s is renowned for its commitment to active involvement in its local communities. In recent weeks, the restaurant has supported several area organizations, including the Fur-Ever Home animal rescue program, the Orange Pet Hospital, the Newport Mesa Schools Foundation, the Costa Mesa Chamber’s Public Safety BBQ, the Lion’s Club Casino Night Fundraiser, the Walk for Independence for Project Independence and Costa Mesa High School.

And on Friday, Oct. 16, McNally and her crewmembers volunteered at Estancia High School, cleaning up the football stadium shared by four major high schools and the local Pop Warner league.

“It’s incredible how many truly amazing charities, service organizations and schools are within just minutes of our restaurant, and we are so proud to support them,” said McNally. “But here’s the cool thing: We’re just getting started! We intend to do so much more in Costa Mesa and beyond as Cane’s continues to grow throughout Southern California.”

Hours of operation at the new Costa Mesa restaurant are Sunday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. The Golden State’s first Raising Cane’s marks the 242nd restaurant in the chain’s nationwide system.

ABOUT RAISING CANE'S®:

Founded by Todd Graves in 1996 in Baton Rouge, La., RAISING CANE'S CHICKEN FINGERS has more than 240 restaurants in 20 states with multiple new restaurants under construction. The company has ONE LOVE®—quality chicken finger meals—and is continually recognized for its unique business model and customer satisfaction. Raising Cane’s vision is to have restaurants all over the world and be the brand for quality chicken finger meals, a great crew, cool culture and active community involvement.

More information is available at raisingcanes.com.

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