Raising Cane's Opens First Charlotte-Area Location, Draws Huge Crowds

Over 250 people braved the cold to line up for the grand opening of the new Raising Cane's restaurant in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

On Tuesday, Raising Cane's, a popular chicken finger chain from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, opened its first location in the Charlotte, North Carolina area in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Over 250 customers waited in long lines in the cold weather to be among the first to try the restaurant's chicken tenders and signature dipping sauce. The opening drew a mix of local residents as well as parents who came with their teenage children who had heard about Raising Cane's on social media.

Why it matters

The opening of the new Raising Cane's location highlights the growing popularity of the chicken finger chain, which is known for its loyal customer base, especially among younger consumers who have helped drive its rise through social media. The long lines and enthusiasm for the opening also reflect the continued demand for new dining options in the Charlotte region.

The details

The new Raising Cane's restaurant opened at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, with customers lining up as early as 8:30 the previous night to be among the first to try the food. The restaurant is the fourth Raising Cane's location in South Carolina and the first in the Charlotte area. Customers were drawn by the chain's reputation for juicy, crunchy chicken tenders and its signature dipping sauce, which some have described as addictive. The opening was so busy that the drive-thru line backed up through the entire shopping center by mid-morning.

  • Raising Cane's opened its first Charlotte-area location on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
  • Customers began lining up as early as 8:30 p.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026, the night before the grand opening.

The players

Raising Cane's

A popular chicken finger restaurant chain based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, known for its loyal customer base and signature dipping sauce.

Frances Craig

A mother from Lincolnton, North Carolina who drove nearly an hour with her son to be among the first customers at the new Raising Cane's location.

Fischer Smith

Craig's seventh-grade son who was excited to be one of the first customers at the new Raising Cane's restaurant.

Derek Steele

A customer from Rock Hill, South Carolina who arrived the night before the opening to be one of the first in line.

Shynita Ramos

A mother from Rock Hill who came to the opening in place of her teenage daughter who wanted to go but couldn't miss school.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This has been on his bucket list ever since they announced that Cane's was coming to Rock Hill. So (Fischer) wanted to get here in plenty enough time to try and be the first ones in line.”

— Frances Craig, Mother (heraldonline.com)

“This is the closest to waiting in line I was ever going to get.”

— Derek Steele, Customer (heraldonline.com)

“There's crack in the chicken. I don't know what else to tell you. The chicken is that good.”

— Derek Steele, Customer (heraldonline.com)

“Worth the trip.”

— Kay Jones, Customer (heraldonline.com)

What’s next

The new Raising Cane's location is expected to continue drawing large crowds in the coming weeks as word spreads about the opening.

The takeaway

The opening of the first Raising Cane's restaurant in the Charlotte area highlights the continued demand for new dining options, especially among younger consumers who have helped drive the chain's growth through social media. The long lines and enthusiasm for the opening demonstrate the loyal customer base Raising Cane's has built across the country.