By NIK ROBERTS
Guest Columnist
Editor’s note: Nik Roberts attended the Opening Day celebration last Thursday of the new Raising Cane’s chicken restaurant near the Hamilton Town Center in Noblesville. Keep reading to see his glowing recommendation of the food and atmosphere.
I have personally seen people raving about Raising Cane’s on Facebook. After three years of being teased with pictures of their juicy fried chicken and freshly toasted garlic bread, we finally have a Raising Cane’s in Noblesville! It’s at 13020 Campus Pkwy. That’s at the corner of Cabela Parkway just north of the Hamilton Town Center.
Upon entering the restaurant, you are greeted with three giant disco balls and loud groovy music. Founder Todd Graves said he wants everyone to be in a good mood with the atmosphere of his chicken restaurant. It definitely gave a great first impression to boogie along the big line on opening day.
While I was in line, I bumped into Christopher DeHarde, who has been a Raising Cane’s Caniac Card Member since 1996. He even got it at the original location in Baton Rouge, La. Chris told me it’s time for Indiana to have more Cane’s, and he is happy to get one in his hometown of Noblesville.
Reporter photo by Nik Roberts
“Fresh hot chicken for Nik” is yelled over the counter and it is time to finally try this rising-in-popularity chicken tender.
Upon the first bite, I am almost brought to tears. It isn’t just good – it tastes exactly like my mother’s chicken growing up at home.
I expected a signature taste. Instead, I got great juicy homemade tenders. I wasn’t disappointed, especially when I dipped it in their signature Cane’s Sauce. There’s where the flavor kicks in. It’s kind of like a tangy, seasoned sauce that is perfect for the subtle, homemade-tasting tenders. Not to mention that crispy, tasty garlic bread, of which I recommend getting an extra slice when you order because once you get your food, you’re not going to want to get back in that line!
Raising Cane’s chicken fingers come in four options: a “Kids Combo” with one tender, “The 3 Finger Combo,” “The Box Combo” with four fingers, and “The Caniac Combo” with six tenders. They also offer a chicken sandwich featuring Cane’s Sauce. Not only would I recommend it, but I have also been back a second time since opening day, and it was just as good.
The only thing I would tell you before going is to get an extra tender or two than you usually would, as they are on the smaller side in the tender universe.
Reporter photos by Nik Roberts