"The very first Raising Cane's location is known as The Mothership. Here, traces of founder Todd Graves' work can still be seen. The disco ball Graves installed, the table where he carved his name, and the lumber he purchased locally to build the restaurant attracts enthusiasts of the fried chicken chain. A hand-painted mural Graves found while constructing the restaurant remains on the wall."
"Located not far from the Louisiana State University campus, this first Raising Cane's is a testament to Graves' work ethic and willpower. After the business idea was given a B- by a professor and Graves struggled to find financial backing, the man took it upon himself to work as a fisher and boilermaker, ultimately saving up the money to get the business started."
"Even with a limited menu, Raising Cane's first location and its delicious crispy chicken has consistently attracted crowds of college customers - and it isn't only hungry students clamoring to feast on crispy pieces of meat. Named after Graves' dog, Raising Cane's now boasts hundreds of locations in more than 40 states, and the brand has turned Graves into a wealthy restauranteur."
The Mothership, Raising Cane's first location near LSU, retains physical traces of founder Todd Graves' hands-on work, including a disco ball, a carved table, locally purchased lumber, and a hand-painted mural. Graves financed the restaurant after a professor graded the idea a B- and lenders declined, working as a fisher and boilermaker to save startup funds. Upon opening, demand for the chicken tenders kept the restaurant cooking until 3:30 a.m., establishing late-night hours that persist at the Highland location. The brand retains a deliberately limited menu—chicken fingers, fries, coleslaw, and Texas toast—prioritizing quality over expansion. Raising Cane's has since expanded to hundreds of locations across more than 40 states.
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