Raising Cane’s is ahead of schedule on its plans to open its first Rockford restaurant
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Raising Cane’s is ahead of schedule on its plans to open its first location in the city.
The fast food chain that specializes in chicken fingers initially targeted an October 2025 opening when it went through the city’s zoning process last year. Now, it expects to be able to open at 6445 E. State St. by late spring. The company is beginning to hire leadership positions in Rockford.
“The restaurant is slated to open late spring of this year and will make its debut by offering a few lucky customers free Cane’s for a year, community givebacks, and more,” a Raising Cane’s representative said in an email to the Rock River Current. “As part of Raising Cane’s commitment to the communities it serves, the new Rockford restaurant will engage with local schools, sports teams, and nonprofit organizations through fundraising opportunities and sponsorships.”
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Crews demolished the former Stone Eagle Tavern at the corner of East State Street and Trainer Road last summer to make way for the 3,225-square-foot restaurant and drive-thru. The restaurant exterior and drive-thru lane is now taking shape at the site.
Raising Cane’s has posted two jobs on its website, for restaurant manager and restaurant leader. The restaurant is expected to employ approximately 55 people in Rockford, an average of eight employees per shift.
It will be open seven days a week, operating from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
It will have employees with tablets ahead of the menu boards during peak hours in order to increase traffic efficiency along the busy roadway.
The company previously said its average time for service is two minutes and 28 seconds.
Raising Cane’s was founded in 1996 in Baton Rouge, Louisana, by Todd Graves.
The restaurant is focused solely on chicken with a menu that includes chicken fingers, fries, coleslaw and Texas toast. There is also a sandwich made with three chicken fingers.
There are more than 800 Raising Cane’s across the country. The nearest one to Rockford is at 2411 Sycamore Road in DeKalb.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
