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Answering the Tough Questions: Cane’s
Raising Cane’s is a beloved member of our community. Started by a former LSU student, Cane’s first restaurant is still operating right outside the gates of LSU (and it made the list of recommendations of restaurants near LSU). They’ve been operating out of Baton Rouge for the past twelve years—since day one. I was very surprised to learn that they’ve recently decided to move their main operations to Plano, Texas (Plano Star-Courier; Dallas Business Journal). At first, I was shocked, but then I was upset. I felt betrayed and abandoned. They’re taking a lot out of our economy—the economy that helped start the company. And with them goes at least 35 jobs. I’ve already received word from people who’ve been directly affected by this. They’re hurting the same community that Todd Graves, the founder, raves about on their about page. He said: “The community response was overwhelming and I wanted to make sure Cane’s gave back to the community that was supporting my dream.” (RaisingCanes.com) It’s been great having Cane’s in the community, and they did give back, but now they’re baselessly inflicting a severe wound upon this community. Needless to say, I am confused and bewildered.
The articles I’ve read say that it’s because it’s a more central location for their business, but I can’t imagine that this is the real reason. After all, Baton Rouge supports a fortune 500 company and another fortune 1000 company, which is a lot bigger than Cane’s approximate $100 million enterprise.
I reached out to the company via Twitter. I asked them twice to respond to this and give me something—anything. I received nothing but an emphatic “No, please don’t boycott us.” So, now it’s time for me to publicly call them out. This is absurd, Cane’s, and if you expect my continued passionate patronization, then you at least owe me an explanation.
So, Cane’s, how are you going to ameliorate this situation?
Note that this is officially coming from the enterprise of the Baton Rougean and not just me. As Baton Rouge’s first and only hyperlocal news site, it is our duty to give the community a public voice—something that traditional news bureaus either can’t or won’t do. Someone must stand up for the injustices inflicted upon our community when no one else will. And yeah, maybe those words are a little harsher than this situation calls for, but I’m just setting up our official policy for the future when something else happens. I’m not saying anything negative about Cane’s. In fact, I love Cane’s and this might legitimately be a shrewd business decision, I really don’t know. It’s just not excusable to extract 35 jobs from a community that you connect yourself with. It’s also not excusable that you do this and then proffer no explanation.
I’m with you. I understand wanting to expand, but I’ve heard some terrible stories about Todd Graves & how business is run. Could all be heresy, but still. I’ll spread the word to like minded people.
Definitely, and we totally encourage expansion and nationalization. Yet, it’s still inexcusable. We’re not against business, we’re just against bad business decisions.
Thanks for spreading the word, Ashton.
it’s odd that I got an email about your comment, but it’s not showing up on the site. just letting you know.
Anyway, I do sometimes wonder if Community Coffee would ever do this. I doubt it since they’ve been here for so many years, but I know they want to expand some. They know that people in Louisiana are responsible for their popularity & have a deep respect for them. I feel that Cane’s started that way, but saw an opportunity to expand. Todd Graves gives off the persona for being a philanthropist but has used LA as a means to an end. I just don’t see how they can justify such a drastic move. I guess I’m so used to every Cane’s being LSU-orientated so I can’t imagine how it’d work in another state. I believe that is what made them popular & without that, they won’t be as successful.
Had some problems with caching. It should be fixed now.
I can see CC’s moving their business outside of the state and, indeed, outside of the South. However, I think you’re right—I can’t see CC’s having as much hubris as Cane’s, especially since their image is connected with our state.
I think there is certainly a connection between Cane’s and LSU and, thus, Baton Rouge, but I think it’d also work well in any setting. But, I think you’re right: Graves has forsaken us.
like you said, i understand the idea of nationalization, but i also believe you have to stay true to your roots.
Extremely short version of what I’m trying to say to them.
Someone should open up another chicken place. Canes has gotten expensive over the years. I think now would be a good time for competition.
there was frickin chicken but they shut down. maybe i could start a chicken place/coffee shop.
Agreed. And I think Ashton should be the proprietor.