On February 28, 2023, Raising Cane’s opened up on the University of Illinois campus in Champaign.  It originated in 1996 and is one of the most notable fast food chains in the country  known for their fried chicken. The chain is also known for “keeping it simple”, without offering much other than chicken fingers and some side dishes.  Below are some reviews from students at Central who give their thoughts on it.

Senior Alex Curry mentions how she likes that it’s a good mix of original foods with the chicken, fries, and Texas toast, and how it makes for a good homely meal.  “I usually get the three-finger combo, which is three chicken fingers, fries, Texas toast, cane sauce, and a drink, and that is good for me.”  Although she loves Raising Canes overall, she does mention that she wishes they had chicken and waffles on their menu.  “Slim chicken’s chicken and waffles are fine, but I think if Raising Canes had it, it would be ten times better.”

Senior Allison Hobson also expresses her love for Raising Canes, specifically noting how good the sauce and the chicken is.  “I feel like a lot of fast food chicken is really hit or miss with how it is cooked or fried, but Raising Canes always seems to be consistent,” she says.  She also mentions how the Texas toast is a nice touch since not that many chicken places have it.  However, she does mention how she wishes there was a little more variation in the menu.  “I wish they had something like ice cream or salads, just to make it more fun, but it’s definitely a business choice to stick to the basics.  I think their focus on the basics shows, though, because it’s always consistent.”

Freshman Alice Bell mentions how she doesn’t particularly like Raising Cane’s, and how the chicken “doesn’t have that much flavor”.  She says the lemonade is really good, but the chicken is just “dry and flavorless”.

Sophomore Chloe Flynn similarly isn’t a fan of Raising Cane’s, however, she particularly doesn’t like the new restaurant on campus. “The food doesn’t taste as good as down south.”  Her usual order is chicken fingers, fries, canes sauce, and sweet tea.

Sophomore Jack Levitan has mixed feelings about Raising Canes.  He says, “I like it overall, but I think there are some things they could change such as the fries.  They are very soggy and one sauce for a meal is not great.”  He also mentions his favorite things on the menu are the bread and sauce.

My own take on Raising Canes is that it’s okay, but not great.  Their chicken is pretty good, but I would like it if it was a little more on the crispy side.  I think the fries are pretty bland, and the Cane’s sauce is okay, but the lemonade is really good.  They don’t need to be overly extravagant but I do wish they had a little more variation in their menu.  I particularly wish they had ice cream/milkshakes; that’s always a bonus for me when going out to eat at restaurants.