When will Raising Cane’s in Rockford open?

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Raising Cane’s has set an official date for its opening in Rockford.

The restaurant plans to open Tuesday, April 15.

The chicken finger chain is expected to receive its temporary occupancy permit this week, according to Nelson Sjostrom, the city’s construction and development services manager. That’s a key step that allows the company to begin using the building while the final landscaping is complete.

“Raising Cane’s new Rockford restaurant is slated to open Tuesday, April 15, offering 20 lucky customers free Canes for a year, community givebacks, and more,” a Raising Cane’s representative told the Rock River Current via email. “As part of Raising Cane’s commitment to the communities it serves, the new restaurant will engage with local schools, sports teams, and non-profit organizations through fundraising opportunities and sponsorships.”

Construction of the restaurant at 6445 E. State St. has been ahead of schedule. Raising Cane’s initially targeted an October 2025 opening when it went through the city’s zoning process a year ago. It pushed that forward at the start of the year, saying a late spring opening was the new goal.

Construction teams 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. Stone Eagle, a locally-owned restaurant, had remodeled a former Cheddar’s franchise space with its own signature decor, including seven limestone eagles. The restaurant closed after 15 years in business in February 2024 after its lease expired and the owner opted to sell to Raising Cane’s.

The restaurant is expected to employ about 55 people and operate seven days a week. The restaurant will be open seven days a week. The hours are 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday with extended hours on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.

The restaurant will have employees with tablets ahead of the menu boards during peak hours in order to increase order efficiency and manage traffic along the busy East State Street corridor. 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. It 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.

Raising Cane’s had a record year for growth in 2024, opening 118 restaurants across the country. There are now more than 800 Raising Cane’s in the U.S. 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