Every other week, something else seems to be stealing our attention online. When there is news, boy, does it travel fast these days? Raising Canes has shot to fame online. My daughter came rushing to introduce me to the phenomenon due to my love for chicken. Obviously, given my nerd, I went scouring the internet for some background information on the franchise. When it comes to fried chicken and burgers, I take things very seriously. So, I was unimpressed when she replicated the sauce for our evening meal using one of the TikTok tutorials. That being said, the experience was worthwhile in getting her in the kitchen. So, I have taken the time to answer many questions about Raising Canes by using every source on the internet.
Who & What is Raising Canes
Much of the online fraternity assumes that Raising Canes is wholly incorrect. The business was actually established in 1996, when I was around thirteen. Being in the UK at that time, I had only ever really heard of KFC and, to some extent, Popeyes. I have been surprised to learn that Raising Canes has already surpassed 800+ stores across the United States.
A little research has shown that the original name discussed for the chicken brand was Sockeyes. The website claims that a friend of Todd Graves, Cane’s owner, advised him otherwise. I imagine competition with Popeyes being an actual commercial directive to rename. Raising Cane is the name of the dog that was with them on the construction site, which I think is pretty cool. Despite not being a dog lover, I can appreciate the effort to keep an emotional connection with a business.
Louisiana is known for making some of the best fried chicken in the world. I have been following cookout, BBQ, and US cooking videos since the internet began. I have always wanted to try Louisiana chicken. The closest I have is supermarkets’ cheap replicas with the Nashville chicken packets.
Is Raising Canes going to be Raising Canes UK
There has been much speculation, especially since the viral videos this past twelve months. TikTok generally claims that the first launch of Raising Canes UK is imminent. That is despite an official statement that there are no plans, as yet, for Canes UK to be launched. All said, it is highly likely that Raising Canes UK is on the horizon. Logically, a company should capitalize on social success to the furthest corners of its reach. As one of the largest commercial countries in spending per capita, the UK is a commercial icon.
In the past few years, corporate foodie brands have opened, initially in London. Popeyes Chicken, Jollibee, and Taco Bell have all ventured the seas to land in London. Raising Canes will have eyes on the UK market; to suggest otherwise is ludicrous. McDonalds is being villainised and enduring consistent failures of product launches like the McRib. The food market in the UK has shown consistent growth post covid. There seems to be an unprecedented level of breach of the playing field. Social media has balanced an equilibrium that promotes even the most minor brands. For once, we are in an era where you can believe if you serve good food, you will be found.
Maybe the era of billboards and who can shout the loudest will benefit brands like Raising Canes. The blank canvas that is the UK food market could be screaming for Canes UK to bring their offerings.
The Raising Canes Menu
As a consumer I like variety. But, every now and then, I think that if you do something well, then just stick to what you do. Raising Canes do chicken fingers. Even though they do have the random sandwich on the US menu, the only difference is they put fingers in a bun! I silently applauded when I checked out the menu online, and my mouth watered a bit. A recipe that has gone the best part of thirty years is coated on those chicken fingers. Speculation as to whether or not Cane is good should be nullified by the longevity in the business. To only offer chicken fingers and a sauce, it must be good.
About that Canes Sauce
When you see recipe websites throwing up copycat sauces you know there must be something about it. When my daughter ventured into the kitchen for the first time in so long, I knew TikTok was making a lot of noise. Her sauce had more ingredients than some of the sauces my Granny taught me from St Lucia. If you know Caribbean food, you know everything but the kitchen sink goes into it. As it happens, her version of the sauce tasted poor. I think the top-ranking website let ChatGPT do too much (if you know SEO, then you know)!
Having read virtually every recipe online, I think I can agree on one thing: It is mayonnaise-based. For me, it looks like a proprietary burger sauce. Perhaps they have managed to tweak it slightly through the years to suit the chicken. But you won’t go far wrong if you grab a burger sauce from the shelf and mix a pepper sauce into it.
So what are the foodies saying
Since starting Cheeseburgerme, I have gained a newfound respect for those who educate us. It is fair to say that writing is a labour of love; writing about food is a passion. I love to read what others think of food I have tried or want to try.
UD Review gave Canes a stinking review. Mediocre chicken and bland sauce are two of the headlines that stuck out to me after reading their review. The wind was taken out of my sails to some extent ,having read the review.
Conversely, The Universe, stated that they are the best chicken fingers they have tried to date. These two contrasting reviews elucidate the perpetual fact that food is subjective. Needless to say that if Canes UK is a goer, I will be one of the first to be on the premises. Whether or not the Tailgate arrives (feeds up to 33), remains to be seen. As long as I am not dieting ill be ordering a Tailgate if it does arrive, I hate going back to counter asking for more!
Raising Canes UK Locations (Potentially)
It goes without saying that if Canes comes to the UK, London will be the first port of call. Independent brands are becoming more recognised for quality food in London. I would love to see a franchise like Canes raise the bar of corporate entities once again. In London Jollibees seems to be attracting a lot of footfall when I have been around. After experiencing Jollibees in Manila, it is not a place that I would like to go to but hey, each to their own.
Manchester could also be a very viable place of residence for Canes. The foodie scene in Manchester has gained traction recently, and I love watching videos from Manchester creators.
Ultimately, it is essential to remember that fried chicken is synonymous with a lesser-income demographic in the UK. You can pick up a three-piece, fries, and a drink at your local GFC, RFC, CFC, or whatever the local chicken shop is called. To some extent, it makes me sad that one of my favourite foods gets pigeonholed. But, it is the truth. You are unlikely to find a Canes pop up in your local Esher, alongside an overpriced Chinese or Thai. So, if you are excited about the arrival, get ready to book your ticket to Central London or Manchester.
