The Secret Menu Item a Cane’s CEO Won’t Eat
The Raising Cane’s Menu: A Focus on Simplicity and Quality
Raising Cane’s is well-known for its minimalistic menu, which features a limited selection of items. Customers can choose from chicken fingers (either loose or served on a bun as a sandwich), fries, coleslaw, Texas toast, Cane’s sauce, and drinks. This streamlined approach is intentional, as explained by co-founder and CEO Todd Graves in an exclusive interview. “I just believe in doing one thing and doing it better than anybody else, or at least striving to, and focusing on that and being good at what you’re good at,” he said. This philosophy has led to the chain’s signature chicken being so popular among customers.
However, even the CEO himself doesn’t enjoy every item on the menu. Graves prefers to skip the coleslaw and opt for extra Texas toast instead. His go-to order is a box combo with additional sauce, which he finds more satisfying. During an interview with Instagram creator Joe Bonham, Graves admitted his dislike for the side dish. “I don’t like coleslaw, man … trade it out for toast,” he said. When asked why coleslaw was included on the menu, Graves suggested it was largely due to necessity. “I wanted, like, a vegetable component to the meal, right? Coleslaw’s a Southern thing … but I don’t care for it.”
Customer Reactions to the CEO’s Comments
Fans of Raising Cane’s have responded to the CEO’s comments with mixed opinions. Some praised him for his honesty, appreciating that he included coleslaw on the menu even though he doesn’t personally enjoy it. Others agreed with him, sharing that they also skip the coleslaw. One Instagram user wrote, “I’m so happy you can trade out coleslaw. Otherwise it would go directly in the [trash Emoji].”
Some customers expressed a desire for a different accompaniment in place of coleslaw. One user suggested, “should be pickles instead of slaw,” while another wrote, “potato salad would be way better.” On the other hand, some customers openly shared their love for the side. “I go double slaw,” one person admitted. “Coleslaw best side with any fried chicken. I said what I said,” another added. Some even substitute the fries and toast for a triple-dose of slaw.
What Makes Raising Cane’s Coleslaw Special?
For those who haven’t tried it, Raising Cane’s coleslaw is described as “crisp, creamy, and freshly prepared” on the website. While the specific ingredients aren’t disclosed, it appears to consist of green and red cabbage, shredded carrots, and a mayonnaise-based dressing. The company confirms that the slaw contains egg, which strongly suggests the use of mayonnaise. It has a zingy, refreshing flavor with a touch of sweetness, similar to most Southern-style coleslaws.
Making this coleslaw at home is relatively simple if you’re interested in trying a version of the classic recipe. Preparing some before your next visit to the drive-thru means you’ll have slaw ready to serve for a crowd when you return.
Final Thoughts
The Raising Cane’s menu continues to be a topic of discussion among fans and critics alike. While the focus on simplicity and quality has contributed to its success, the inclusion of certain menu items—like coleslaw—has sparked varied reactions. Whether you’re a fan of the slaw or prefer to swap it out for something else, there’s no denying the appeal of Raising Cane’s unique approach to fast food.
