Raising Cane’s Opens First Central Jersey Restaurant in Edison, Plans Eight More State Locations

Raising Cane's will open its first Central Jersey restaurant on Dec. 9 at 1031 Route 1 in Edison. The Louisiana chicken finger chain picked this date after establishing six South Jersey spots over the past year.

The 3,300-square-foot building has two drive-thru lanes, indoor seating and a patio. A bank stood at this Edison Crossroads shopping center site before. Opening day will bring food giveaways, donations to area groups, and other perks.

"As part of Raising Cane's commitment to the communities it serves, the new Edison restaurant will engage with local schools, sports teams, and non-profit organizations through fundraising opportunities and sponsorships," a media representative said.

The chain will launch its first North Jersey restaurant in late winter or early spring 2026 at 643 Route 46 in Fairfield. That spot will take up a 3,300-square-foot drive-thru restaurant where a Houlihan's once stood.

Founded in 1996, this fast-casual brand serves chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, Texas toast, coleslaw, and its signature "Cane's Sauce." The company runs more than 900 spots across the nation and ranks among the fastest-growing restaurant brands around.

The chain opened 118 new spots in 2024. It expects to add nearly 100 more in 2025. This growth backs the company's goal of reaching 1,600 restaurants nationwide in coming years.

Since opening its first New Jersey spot in Burlington last year, the brand has added outposts in Washington Township, Marlton, Cherry Hill, Deptford, and Glassboro. All six current spots operate in South Jersey.

The company expects to reveal its first Jersey Shore spot by late 2026 at Brick Plaza in Brick. Other area outposts in the works include a Watchung spot at Blue Star Shopping Center and a Hamilton Township site at Route 33 and the Paxson Avenue Extension.

The expansion brings the total planned New Jersey presence to at least 11 spots across the state. The chain's menu focuses on a limited selection of items centered around its chicken finger offerings.