Raising Cane’s (Cane’s) is defined by its signature chicken, warm toast, fries, and savory, tangy, slightly spicy dipping sauce. Students and teachers are in high spirits after waiting a long time for the opening of Raising Cane’s in Grand Rapids on Nov. 18th. Cane’s may just be a fast food place to some, but to others, it’s a place of delicious, unique food that fills the heart with joy.
The workers at Cane’s have been preparing for a while under the assumption that the new fast-food restaurant is going to be an immediate hit. Sophomore Janaiya Galarza works at the new Cane’s and has spent the past month training and prepping for the opening.
“[Preparing] was actually really hard,” Janaiya said. “We had to prep 300 boxes of Cane Sauce, and there were 50 cans of Cane Sauce in each box. We had to make, I think, 40 batches of lemonade.”
Even though prepping for the opening can be stressful, the community among the workers is special. Through Janaiya’s eyes, everyone gets along, and she’s already created so many amazing friendships.
“[My coworkers] always bring a lot of energy,” Janiya said. “It’s a very energetic and playful job…We do chants like at training, and the managers said ‘Where my dogs at,’ and we all [barked].”
Even with the workers being energetic and playful, they have good teamwork and can efficiently get food out to people. FHC Senior Max Reinhardt went to Cane’s on opening night, even though he had waited two hours; still, the food was quickly being made and handed out to people
“The food got out really fast,” Max said. “I would have been stressed out of my mind if I were working there, but they seemed fine with it.”
Cane’s seems to have a fairly successful opening, with all types of people excited to try it. FHC English teacher Jessi Dykstra is excited for this new addition to Grand Rapids.
“I was in Texas a year ago,” Miss Dykstra said. “It’s the first time I ever tried [Cane’s], and I immediately understood the hype.”
Dykstra is one of many who enjoy the special taste of Cane’s. Dykstra’s favorite part of the meal is the Texas toast.
“I was dreaming of the Texas toast that they give you,” Dykstra said, “For weeks after [I tried it for the first time], I almost planned a trip to, of course, visit my best friend, but also because I really wanted that Texas toast.”
For the longest time, the closest Raising Cane’s location to Grand Rapids was in Lansing, and it was hard for the people who really enjoyed Cane’s to have easy access. They often just had to eat Cane’s when going on trips; however, with the new Cane’s in Grand Rapids, that reality is changing. Everyone seems excited about this new addition, causing some pretty intense lines, which one of Janaiya’s coworkers experienced when she was working on the busy opening day.
“My co-worker said it was really crazy,” Janaiya said. “She said everybody there was fighting in line over spots because people wanted to get in. So people were standing outside literally from when she went there at 10 A.M. to when she left at 4 P.M.”
Most people who are excited to try it haven’t dared step near Cane’s due to the long lines and rushed food; however, the people who were able to get in on opening day found it to be a very exciting, happy, and lucky experience.
“I remember they gave us a menu,” Max said. “My friend asked one of the managers to sign the menu just for proof that he was there for opening day.”
Max was thankful for the opportunity to go on opening day; however, Dykstra is one who would rather wait and get the best experience possible later.
“I want to wait because I feel like it’s going to be so insane right now,” Dykstra said. “I want to make sure the food is good and not rushed, and I’m not waiting. So I will probably give it like a month and then go try it out.”
