Raising Cane’s
Interested in selling your Raising Cane’s NNN property or Raising Cane’s ground lease property and wondering what you can get for it in today’s changing market?
Contact us for a complimentary broker opinion of value for your off-market Raising Cane’s NNN property for sale or Raising Cane’s ground lease property for investment, specifically tailored to support your 1031 exchange requirements. This valuable assessment will provide you with the clarity needed to make informed decisions regarding the sale of your Raising Cane’s NNN property or the inclusion of a Raising Cane’s ground lease property in your investment portfolio. As specialists in working with 1031 exchange buyers seeking off-market Raising Cane’s, we are dedicated to delivering competitive offers with reduced fees to help you maximize your investment returns.
Number of locations
As of 2025, Raising Cane’s operates over 800 restaurants across the United States, with continued rapid expansion into both new and existing markets. The chain has recently accelerated growth in:
High-traffic suburban corridors
Major urban markets
College towns
Drive-thru-only and high-capacity locations
Raising Cane’s is one of the fastest-growing QSR brands in the U.S.
Revenue and income
Raising Cane’s is privately held, but industry estimates report:
Systemwide sales exceeded $3.5 billion in 2024.
Average-unit volume (AUV) is among the highest in the chicken QSR category, averaging $4.5 million to $6 million per store, depending on market.
Some high-performing locations (Las Vegas Strip & major metros) exceed $10 million+ annually.
The brand’s simple menu, fast throughput, and dominant drive-thru traffic support strong, consistent unit economics.
Future plans
Big Growth Initiatives
Raising Cane’s continues to expand aggressively with a vision for more than 1,500 restaurants worldwide.
1. Strong U.S. Expansion
The company is opening 100+ new restaurants per year, focusing on:
High-growth suburban areas
Dense urban markets (NYC, Chicago, LA, DC)
College campus zones
Premium retail corridors
2. New store formats
Raising Cane’s is modernizing with:
Drive-thru-only locations
High-throughput double & triple-lane drive-thru designs
Urban flagship locations
Smaller footprint dining rooms in dense cities
These formats improve speed, sales capacity, and operational efficiency.
3. International Expansion
Raising Cane’s began expanding globally with new stores in:
The Middle East
Asia (launch planned for late 2025/2026)
Select international partnerships
4. Supply Chain & Technology Upgrades
Heavy investment continues in:
Integrated digital ordering
Improved kitchen automation
Mobile ordering enhancements
Drive-thru speed & accuracy systems
Supply chain diversification for growth
5. Brand Experience & Marketing
Raising Cane’s maintains one of the strongest cult followings in fast casual/QSR through:
Social media engagement
Celebrity partnerships
College sports sponsorships
Youth-oriented marketing platforms
Corporate vs. franchise
Raising Cane’s is a private, founder-led company, started by Todd Graves in 1996.
Raising Cane’s uses a hybrid model:
Majority of locations are corporate-owned
A smaller percentage are franchise-owned, often in early-development or special-market regions
However, Raising Cane’s has gradually reduced franchise activity, keeping tighter control over operations and brand consistency.
Additional Information About Raising Cane’s Properties
- Founded in 1996, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Famous for its chicken fingers, Cane’s Sauce, Texas toast, and crinkle-cut fries
- Extremely high drive-thru volumes
- Strong reputation for speed, simplicity, and consistency
- Headquarters: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Known for its “One Love®” tagline — focused solely on chicken fingers
History of Raising Cane’s
Raising Cane’s began when founder Todd Graves submitted a business plan for a chicken-finger-only restaurant — which was rejected multiple times. Undeterred, he worked various jobs (including commercial fishing) to raise capital and opened the first Raising Cane’s in 1996 near Louisiana State University.
The brand grew rapidly due to its:
Simple menu
High-quality product
Fast operations
Strong campus and community loyalty
By the 2010s and 2020s, Raising Cane’s became one of the fastest-growing QSR chains in America, regularly topping customer satisfaction and operational-efficiency rankings.
Today, Raising Cane’s is known for record-breaking drive-thru speeds, massive urban flagship stores, celebrity partnerships, and strong financial performance supporting scalable expansion.
Why Invest in Ground Lease and NNN Lease of Raising Cane’s?
Investing in Raising Cane’s ground lease and triple net (NNN) lease properties offers compelling reasons:
1) Raising Cane’s NNN Property Investment: Stable, increasing income
Raising Cane’s strong AUV and rapid expansion make its NNN and ground lease properties highly desirable for investors seeking predictable, long-term income.
2) Raising Cane’s NNN Property Investment: Strong tenant performance
The brand’s high per-unit sales, strong customer loyalty, and fast drive-thru throughput reduce credit and vacancy risk.
3) Raising Cane’s NNN Property Investment: Low management responsibility
Most Raising Cane’s NNN and ground leases are absolute or true NNN, meaning:
Tenant handles taxes
Tenant handles insurance
Tenant covers maintenance
This creates a passive, hands-off investment.
4) Raising Cane’s NNN Property Investment: Favorable lease terms
Properties typically include:
15–20+ year base leases
Built-in rent escalations
Corporate guarantees (in many cases)
5) Raising Cane’s NNN Property Investment: Real estate value
Raising Cane’s selects prime retail sites, often on:
Hard corners
Major signalized intersections
High-traffic commuter corridors
These locations maintain long-term real estate value and broad buyer demand.
Pros and Cons of Raising Cane’s Ground Lease and NNN Lease Investment
Pros:
- High-performing, rapidly growing national brand
- Strong AUVs support long-term tenancy
- Minimal landlord responsibilities
- Long-term leases with rent escalations
- Strong drive-thru sales model
Cons:
- Renewal risk after the initial lease term
- Heavy reliance on continued operational performance
- Chicken QSR segment is competitive
- Limited control over store operations or modifications
- Cap rates may compress due to high investor demand
Thorough due diligence and careful evaluation of location quality, lease structure, tenant strength, and long-term investment strategy are essential when considering a Raising Cane’s NNN or ground lease property. Consult experienced real estate professionals and financial advisors to ensure the investment aligns with your portfolio goals, risk tolerance, and 1031 exchange requirements.
MarketWatch: Raising Cane’s
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