Cult Favorite Raising Cane's Draws Overnight Campers for SoCal Grand Opening

A devoted following for Raising Cane's manifested in a massive turnout for the fast-food chain's grand opening in Goleta, California, on October 12. The new location, the first in Santa Barbara County, saw eager customers camping out in the parking lot overnight for a chance to be first in line and win prizes.

The event officially began at 8 a.m. with music, merchandise giveaways, and a raffle for 20 winners to receive a year's supply of free chicken. The dedication of the fans was evident as some, like Dos Pueblos High School student Rex Belvins, arrived 11 hours prior to the opening to secure their spot.

Belvins, who was first in line, expressed his excitement, stating, "I'm just so excited. It's been great already; I get to hang out with my best friend outside of Raising Cane's. First in line, and I win, this is just amazing."

UC Santa Barbara student Jordan Nicodemus, who arrived at 7 a.m., was also among the raffle winners. "This opening is the best day of our lives, and we did not think we were gonna win this," Nicodemus said, adding that she was thrilled to no longer have to travel to Santa Maria for the popular chicken fingers. She plans to patronize the new location at least weekly.

Another student, Brett Becker, admitted his primary motivation was the chance to win free food. "Because we're all college students and don't really want to be spending too much on food. So free Cane's for a year was something you can't pass up," he told Noozhawk.

The celebratory atmosphere was met with a protest from PETA, whose representatives advocated for animal rights. "If we wouldn't deep fry a dog, we shouldn't be deep frying a bird because dogs and birds both have families and friends," PETA senior campaigner Mason Melito stated, emphasizing the sentience of animals.

The new Raising Cane's is located at 7000 Hollister Ave. in Goleta. An additional location is planned for E. Main Street in Ventura.