Is Raising Cane’s a franchise? Yes — but it’s not as simple as buying in like many other fast-food chains. While the company does offer Canes franchise opportunities, it’s very selective, with limited locations available for new owners.
The challenge? Many hopeful entrepreneurs see Cane’s success and think it’s an easy business to join, only to face strict requirements, high costs, and a tough approval process. That can be discouraging if you’re eager to be part of such a well-loved brand.
In this post, we’ll explain exactly how the Raising Cane’s franchise model works, the qualifications you’ll need, the investment required, and why Cane’s keeps its network so exclusive. By the end, you’ll know if owning a Cane’s is realistic for you — and what steps to take next.
So let’s dive deeper into this and understand things in detail.
How does Raising Cane Started?
Raising Cane’s was founded in 1996 by Todd Graves in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with a simple mission — serve the best chicken fingers and nothing else. No cluttered menu, no overcomplications, just a laser focus on quality, speed, and consistency.
From my own experience visiting multiple Cane’s locations, whether it was in Louisiana or Las Vegas, the food and vibe felt nearly identical. That’s no accident — the brand’s commitment to quality is unmatched.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1996 |
| Founder | Todd Graves |
| Headquarters | Baton Rouge, Louisiana |
| Speciality | Chicken fingers & Cane’s Sauce |
| Locations (2025) | 700+ in the U.S. & select countries |
| Brand Philosophy | Quality, simplicity, consistency |
These facts give you a snapshot of what Raising Cane’s is all about. It’s not just another fast-food chain — it’s a brand built on keeping things simple, doing them really well, and making sure every customer gets the same great experience whether they’re in Louisiana, Las Vegas, or even the Middle East.
Franchising History & Current Status
Canes franchise started offering franchises in 1996, right after opening its first restaurant. Back then, franchising helped the brand grow quickly and bring its famous chicken fingers to more cities.
Today, in 2025, things look different. The chain now has over 700 restaurants in the U.S. and a few other countries. Every month, more than 30 million people enjoy Cane’s meals — an impressive number for a place with such a simple menu.
Even with that success, Cane’s is not offering new U.S. franchises. All new restaurants are owned by the company itself. This way, they can make sure the food, service, and quality are always the same.
It’s like a chef who won’t share their secret recipe — Cane’s wants to keep full control over how every meal is made and served.
International & Legacy Franchises
Even though new U.S. franchises aren’t available, Raising Cane’s still has some restaurants overseas that operate under legacy franchise agreements. These are long-term deals made years ago, before the company shifted to mostly corporate-owned stores.
You can still find Cane’s franchises in countries such as:
- Kuwait
- Bahrain
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Lebanon
Right now, only about 3% of all Raising Cane’s restaurants around the world are franchised — the other 97% are owned and run by the company itself. This shows just how rare these opportunities are.
So, if you’ve ever dreamed of opening your own Cane’s, you’d need to explore markets outside the U.S., and even then, you’d have to wait for a rare opening or partner with an existing franchise group. In short, it’s a big dream — but not an easy one to make happen.
How Much Is a Raising Cane’s Franchise?
While Raising Cane’s isn’t offering new U.S. franchises in 2025, past figures can give you an idea of the investment it once required. Opening a Cane’s franchise wasn’t cheap — it was designed for serious investors with strong financial backing.
These numbers aren’t used anymore for new U.S. locations, but they give you a clear idea of what it used to cost if you wanted to open a Raising Cane’s franchise in the past. They’re helpful for understanding the brand’s history and how big an investment it once required.
| Cost Type | Historic Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $45,000 |
| Total Investment | $768,100 – $1,937,500 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of gross sales |
| Marketing Fee | 4% of gross sales |
| Min. Net Worth | $1.5 million |
| Min. Liquid Assets | $750,000 |
Back then, Cane’s was very selective — you needed deep pockets, business experience, and a passion for their brand culture.
What Are the Qualifications Required to Get a Raising Cane’s Franchise?
In the past, Raising Cane’s had very strict requirements for franchise owners. You needed a high net worth, plenty of cash on hand, and business or restaurant experience. These rules were meant to ensure that only qualified and experienced people could run a Cane’s location successfully.
- Minimum net worth: $1.5 million
- Liquid assets: At least $750,000
- Experience: Preferably in restaurant or multi-unit business management
I’ve seen people get excited about opening a Cane’s only to realize these requirements aren’t just high — they’re paired with a process that’s now closed in the U.S.
Application Process (Historic/International Only)
When Raising Cane’s used to take franchise applications, the process was clear but selective. First, you had to meet certain money and work experience requirements.
Then, you filled out forms, visited for a “Discovery Day,” and, if approved, signed the agreement. Even after that, Cane’s helped you with training, choosing the right location, and getting your restaurant ready to open.
- Meet financial & experience requirements
- Submit a formal franchise application
- Attend “Discovery Day” at headquarters (a behind-the-scenes tour and meeting with leadership)
- Sign the franchise agreement
- Receive support with site selection, training, and opening day
International chances for a Raising Cane’s franchise might still work in a similar way — but with even tougher rules. This means only a few people, usually those with strong finances and a record of running successful businesses, are likely to be chosen for a franchise in another country.
Why Raising Cane’s Prefers Corporate-Owned Stores?
The company thinks that managing its own restaurants is the best way to keep its quality and reputation safe. When Cane’s owns the stores, it can better control the food, service, and brand. This makes sure that no matter which Cane’s you go to, the taste and experience are always the same.
- Quality Control: Every location serves the same chicken fingers, same sauce, same crinkle-cut fries — no compromises.
- Brand Consistency: The culture, humor, and “One Love” motto are easier to preserve.
- Community Engagement: Corporate stores allow direct local involvement without outside management layers.
Conclusion
Is Raising Cane’s a Franchise?: We’ve talked about how Raising Cane’s grew from one chicken-finger shop in Louisiana to a global brand, its early days of franchising, and how it now focuses on company-owned growth and you can also learn about more about raising cane menu with prices.
If you want to own a Raising Cane’s in the U.S., now isn’t the right time — but there are plenty of other fast-food brands still offering franchise opportunities.
For now, the easiest way to enjoy Cane’s? Order a Caniac Combo, dip it in their famous sauce, and see for yourself why Todd Graves chose to keep the brand in the company’s hands.