Raising Cane's Eyeing Expansion to Capital Region

Popular chicken finger chain plans new restaurant in Colonie, NY

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:09pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a single Raising Cane's chicken tender repeated in a grid pattern, conceptually representing the excitement around the restaurant's planned expansion into the Capital Region.The potential arrival of Raising Cane's in Colonie, NY has locals eagerly anticipating the chain's signature chicken tenders and dipping sauce.Hartford Today

Paperwork has been filed with the Town of Colonie to replace a vacant 99 Restaurant location with a new 3,500-square-foot Raising Cane's restaurant. The proposed plans include two drive-thru lanes, around 50 parking spaces, and an outdoor patio, with the restaurant aiming to be open from 10am to 1:30am on weekdays and until 3:30am on weekends.

Why it matters

Raising Cane's has developed a loyal following for its fresh, hand-battered chicken tenders and signature dipping sauce, but the popular chain has yet to expand into the Capital Region of New York. This new location would bring the brand's unique menu and experience to the local community.

The details

The new Raising Cane's would be located at 107 Wolf Road in Colonie, replacing the former 99 Restaurant. The proposal includes demolishing the existing structure and building a 3,500-square-foot restaurant with two drive-thru lanes, around 50 parking spaces, and an outdoor patio area. The restaurant is seeking approval to operate from 10am to 1:30am Sunday through Thursday, with extended hours until 3:30am on Fridays and Saturdays.

  • The Colonie Planning Board is expected to review the proposal on April 14, 2026.
  • No target opening date has been announced yet for the new Raising Cane's location.

The players

Raising Cane's

A Louisiana-based fast-casual restaurant chain known for its fresh, hand-battered chicken tenders and signature dipping sauce.

Town of Colonie

The local municipality where the proposed Raising Cane's restaurant would be located, responsible for reviewing and approving the development plans.

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What they’re saying

“Finally! You won't have to drive to New York City or Hartford, CT to get that famous Raising Cane's secret sauce.”

— Kent J. Edwards, Reporter

What’s next

The Colonie Planning Board will review the proposal for the new Raising Cane's location on April 14, 2026. If approved, the restaurant will then need to go through the full permitting and construction process before announcing an official opening date.

The takeaway

The potential arrival of Raising Cane's in the Capital Region is an exciting development for local chicken finger enthusiasts, who will soon have access to the chain's popular menu and unique dining experience without having to travel outside the area.