Raising Cane's Expands to Western New York with Amherst Location

National chicken finger chain takes over former Red Lobster site on Maple Road.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 1:56pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a stack of golden-brown chicken tenders surrounded by various dipping sauces, all illuminated by dramatic lighting to convey a sense of premium quality and craftsmanship.Raising Cane's signature chicken tenders and sauces take center stage in this premium studio still life, capturing the chain's focus on high-quality ingredients and culinary craft.Dallas Today

Raising Cane's, a national chain known for its chicken fingers and sauces, is expanding into the Western New York market by opening its first location in Amherst. The new restaurant will take over a former Red Lobster building on Maple Road, which has been vacant since the seafood chain closed the site in 2024.

Why it matters

The arrival of Raising Cane's marks the continued growth and evolution of the Amherst restaurant scene, as national chains seek to establish a presence in the affluent suburb. This expansion also reflects broader shifts in the casual dining industry as some chains contract while others expand to new markets.

The details

Kasada LLC purchased the 8,321-square-foot former Red Lobster building for $2.5 million in mid-January. The new Raising Cane's location will be just across the street from the recently opened 7Brews cafe. Founded in 1996 in Baton Rouge, Raising Cane's now has over 900 locations across 40 states. The chain is known for its chicken fingers, fries, and variety of signature sauces.

  • Raising Cane's is set to open its first Western New York location later this spring.
  • The former Red Lobster site on Maple Road has been vacant since the seafood chain closed the location in May 2024.

The players

Raising Cane's

A national chain best known for its chicken fingers and sauces, founded in 1996 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The company recently shifted its headquarters from Baton Rouge to Plano, Texas.

Kasada LLC

The real estate investment firm that purchased the former Red Lobster building on Maple Road in Amherst for $2.5 million in order to bring Raising Cane's to the area.

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What’s next

Raising Cane's is expected to open its new Amherst location later this spring, marking the chain's first foray into the Western New York market.

The takeaway

The arrival of Raising Cane's in Amherst reflects the continued evolution and growth of the suburb's dining scene, as national chains seek to establish a presence in the affluent community. This expansion also highlights broader shifts in the casual dining industry as some chains contract while others look to expand to new markets.