Raising Cane's Just Opened On Hillsborough St!?

Raising Canes outside view.

A new Raising Cane's restaurant has officially opened on Hillsborough Street, bringing the popular chicken-finger chain to one of Raleigh's busiest corridors near NC State University. The restaurant, located at 2420 Hillsborough St., opened on January 27th and immediately drew large crowds of students, residents, and curious customers. Lines wrapped around the building during its grand opening celebration, which featured giveaways and promotional prizes for early visitors, including a chance to win a year of free Raising Cane's. Raising Cane's is known for its streamlined menu centered around chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, Texas toast, coleslaw, and its signature Cane's Sauce. Unlike many fast-food competitors, the company focuses on a limited selection, which executives say allows for consistency and speed of service. The chain has developed a loyal following nationwide. NC State students expressed excitement about having another late-night dining option within walking distance of campus. Several said they had previously traveled to other cities, such as Chapel Hill, North Carolina, to visit the restaurant.

Locals view and explore Rasing Cane.

"It's nice to have something open later," said Maya Thompson, a junior majoring in communications. "After night classes or study sessions, there aren't always a lot of places nearby. This gives us another reliable spot to grab food without going too far, and then to make it all better, it's Raising Cane's." The restaurant's arrival also brings employment opportunities to the area. College students often seek part-time work that fits around class schedules, and a business located within walking distance of campus provides flexibility and convenience. Alyssa Grant, a senior studying business, said, "A lot of students look for part-time work close to campus, and having a new restaurant here means it's a possibility some students don't even have to drive to work, they can literally just walk, helping you save gas/money for your car, which is important to college students".

The new restaurant occupies the former site of the Varsity Theatre, a long-standing Hillsborough Street landmark. Developers preserved elements of the historic landmark, such as the marquee, blending the building's past with the chain's modern design. The updated space also includes a rooftop patio, offering additional seating for customers in an area where indoor dining space can be limited during peak hours. As Hillsborough Street continues to grow alongside NC State's expanding student population, the arrival of Raising Cane's represents more than just another fast-food restaurant. For students, it offers convenience, as it's easily walkable between classes, study sessions, and late-night outings. It also provides affordable meal options at a time when many college students are carefully managing tight budgets. Beyond food, the restaurant offers part-time job opportunities that allow students to earn income without traveling far from campus, and it has been a great addition to Hillsborough Street.

References

1. Hillsborough Street Community Service Corporation. (2026, January). Raising Cane’s grand opening celebration. https://www.hillsboroughstreet.org

2. Technician Staff. (2026). Raising Cane’s eyes winter opening as it seeks to preserve Hillsborough Street history. Technician Online https://www.technicianonline.com

3. Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers. (n.d.). Our story. https://www.raisingcanes.com