If all goes according to plan, Southwest Florida will be getting its first taste of Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers.
The rapidly growing fast-food chain is named on a Lee County development order application for the property at 13186 S. Cleveland Ave. in Fort Myers.
That site — at the northwest corner of U.S. 41 and Cypress Lake Terrace — was once the home to Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon, which had stood vacant for nearly two decades.
The 1.15-acre property adjacent to Blaze Pizza has recently been cleared.
As it stands now, according to the Lee County communications department, “There is a fee pending payment and the application cannot be accepted for review until the applicant provides a title certification or title opinion meeting requirements of (the Lee County Land Development Codes).”
In the meantime, we will remain hopeful that sooner or later we’ll count down the days until we’re able to drive up to U.S. 41, turn onto Cypress Trace Drive, pull up to one of the two drive-thrus at the 3,055-square-foot building and order a Box Combo with extra Cane’s sauce.
Todd Graves founded Cane’s (and named it after his Labrador retriever, Raising Cane) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1996. As of August this year, there were 879 locations in 43 states and more on the way.
Despite a limited chicken-finger-centered menu, Canes has thrived. Hand-battered and fried chicken fingers, tangy and slightly spicy sauce, Texas toast, coleslaw and crinkle fries pretty much make up the entire menu. Even the chicken sandwich is made of three chicken fingers as opposed to one chicken patty. There are 3, 4 and 6-piece and kid combos available.
Cane’s has a growing legion of fans, including us. Like we said, we’re counting down the days.
Go to raisingcanes.com for more.
And let’s not forget Dave’s Hot Chicken
Cane’s isn’t the only chicken joint coming to Fort Myers.
As previously reported, Dave’s Hot Chicken, known for its Nashville-hot style, is expected to open late this year off Dani Drive.
A lease was signed for the wildly popular street-food turned fast casual restaurant to have a spot in the same plaza as Crumbl and Chicken Salad Chick, on the east side of 6 Mile Cypress Parkway.
“We’ve heard from the community time and time again that Dave’s Hot Chicken needs to be in Southwest Florida, and Fort Myers was the best fit to start,” Ian Lieberman, co-owner (along with his brother Adam) of FTS Services, said in an August news release.
“This area is growing rapidly, and the community has been asking for this brand. We’re committed to delivering the bold flavors and mind-blowing experience that Dave’s is known for, while creating a neighborhood spot locals can be proud of.”
Dave’s specializes in Nashville-style hot chicken tenders, sliders and bites that come in single sizes and hot boxes to feed a crowd.
Chicken is spiced to order with varying degrees of spice levels, from no spice on one end to Reaper (which comes with a waiver releasing and holding Dave’s, its affiliates, and employees harmless from any claims related to consuming it, including injury, property damage, distress or death).
Sides include Kale Slaw, mac & cheese and seasoned fries and cheese fries. Shakes can be ordered top-loaded with Lucky Charms, Oreos and M&Ms.
Four friends founded Dave’s Hot Chicken with $900 in a Los Angeles parking lot with portable fryers and folding tables in 2017.
Word quickly spread and the rights to more than 1,020 franchise locations in the U.S., Europe, the Middle East and Canada have been sold. More than 70 locations will open this year.
There are currently nine locations in Florida, with the closest two in Tampa. Learn more at daveshotchicken.com.
Robyn George is a food and dining reporter for The News-Press. Connect at rhgeorge@fortmyer.gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: First Dave’s Hot Chicken, now Raising Cane’s is coming to Fort Myers. Here’s where
Reporting by Robyn George, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Fort Myers News-Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
