If you thought Raising Cane’s was already everywhere, buckle up — December 2025 is going to be wild. The chicken‑finger chain is dropping 14 new restaurants across the U.S. in one month, including a major first: a location inside a theme‑park complex. This rapid expansion isn’t random — Cane’s is pushing hard to lock down a spot among America’s top 10 biggest restaurant brands. Scroll on to see where the new Cane’s are opening and why it matters.
Big Picture: Cane’s Growth Is Accelerating Fast
Even before December’s openings, Cane’s was on a tear. The chain recently surpassed KFC to become the third‑largest chicken chain in the U.S. by sales, with more than 900 restaurants and $5.1 billion in system sales last year. That meteoric rise helped fuel a record‑breaking 2024 — when the brand added 118 new locations — and now 2025 is shaping up to beat that.
Bold Expansion Plans: 1,600+ Restaurants Ahead
Cane’s isn’t playing small. The company has laid out ambitious plans to hit 1,600+ locations nationwide by the end of the decade. That push could shift the brand from fast‑food newcomer to major player alongside big names like McDonald’s or Starbucks. To support that growth, Cane’s is even expanding its support infrastructure — moving into a much larger support center in Texas to accommodate thousands of staff.
What’s Different: Simple Menu, Big Appeal
Unlike many fast‑food chains that chase trends, Cane’s has stuck to a lean menu: mainly chicken fingers, crinkle fries, Texas toast, coleslaw — and its signature Cane’s Sauce. That consistency looks like a feature, not a bug. By avoiding flashy seasonal menus or rotating items, Cane’s keeps operations simple — a key factor behind its rapid scaling and strong same‑store performance.
December’s Big List: 14 New Locations
Here are the December openings:
Tennessee: Memphis
California: Redding; Canoga Park; first‑ever theme‑park location at Universal CityWalk, Universal City
Florida: 2 in Orlando
Georgia: Cumming
Illinois: Peoria
Indiana: Indianapolis
Iowa: Sioux City — first time Cane’s lands in that market
Maryland: College Park
Massachusetts: Worcester
Nevada: Las Vegas
New Jersey: Edison
Why the Universal CityWalk Spot Matters
Cane’s first move into a theme‑park complex is huge. That means visibility to millions of tourists and crossover customers who may not know the brand yet — a big win for national exposure and buzz. It’s a signal: Cane’s isn’t just chasing suburban suburban drive‑thrus anymore — they want premium locations and maximum foot traffic.
New Markets + Reinforcing Old Ones
Opening in Sioux City, Iowa marks Cane’s expanding into fresh territory. That’s crucial for nationwide growth rather than over‑saturation in already‑hungry markets. But many other spots target existing hot zones — amplifying Cane’s presence in states already receptive to its vibe.
Behind the Scenes: Growing Infrastructure
With such rapid expansion, Cane’s isn’t winging it. The chain is preparing by boosting staffing, support centers, and logistics. That’s a smart move if it wants to handle 1,600+ restaurants without collapsing under its own growth.
Market Dynamics: Chicken Wars Heating Up
The rise of Cane’s isn’t happening in a vacuum. It’s part of a larger shift in fast food: chicken chains are growing fast as demand for finger‑food and fast‑casual simplicity rises. Burgers are steady, but fried chicken is getting the spotlight. Cane’s streamlined menu and aggressive expansion strategy have helped it leapfrog competitors like KFC, Wingstop, and others.
What It Means for Fans (And Skeptics)
If you love Cane’s — expect more locations, shorter travel times, and better access. For skeptics: more openings might mean faster service but also pressure to maintain quality. Rapid expansion always carries that risk. And for both — the new theme‑park location may expose Cane’s to travelers who haven’t tried it yet, potentially increasing its fan base globally.
Cane’s Isn’t Just Growing — It’s Charging Full Speed
Raising Cane’s December rollout isn’t a small ripple — it’s a tidal wave. Between new markets, a first‑ever theme‑park spot, and bold goals for 1,600+ restaurants, this fast‑fingered brand is squaring off to become a major force in U.S. fast food. If you’ve eaten at Cane’s — tell us: did the hype match the chicken fingers? And if you live near one of these new spots — will you be first in line? Tell us in the comments.
