Raising Cane’s has become the third-largest chicken restaurant chain in the U.S. by annual sales, overtaking KFC in 2024 with $5.1 billion in domestic revenue. This marks more than a twofold increase from its 2022 figures.
As of 2025, Raising Cane’s operates more than 900 locations across 42 U.S. states, up from around 500 stores in 2020. The company plans to exceed 1,000 locations by the end of the year, with 118 new stores opened in 2025 alone.
One key metric underscoring its success is average annual sales per store. Raising Cane’s locations generate an average of $6.6 million per year—trailing only Chick-fil-A ($9.3 million) but far ahead of McDonald’s ($4 million) and Taco Bell ($2.2 million).
Industry analysts credit the chain’s growth to its streamlined menu, which includes just chicken tenders, fries, toast, coleslaw, and its signature sauce. Despite offering no seasonal items or promotions, Raising Cane’s maintained steady demand, with foot traffic rising 10.8% year-over-year in 2024.
Another driver is its company-owned business model. Unlike competitors that rely on franchising, 97% of Raising Cane’s stores are company-owned. Experts say this allows for tighter quality control, leading to higher customer satisfaction.
Internationally, the brand has expanded into five Middle Eastern countries and is considering joint ventures or franchising for further overseas growth. Raising Cane’s has set a long-term goal of reaching $10 billion in annual revenue and breaking into the top 10 U.S. restaurant brands overall.
BY WONHEE CHO [cho.wonhee@koreadaily.com]
