RAISING CANE’S had made an art out of fast-food chicken fingers (Raising Cane’s image).

By Jim and Marilyn Tortolano

We don’t usually do chain restaurants in Chow Lines unless there’s something original or interesting about them. Such terms can apply to Raising Cane’s, a fast foot chicken finger restaurant that’s landed in Stanton and is bringing “cane-mania” with it.

Located at 12775 Beach Boulevard just north of Garden Grove Boulevard, this latest iteration of the popular eatery has a very narrow menu: just chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, Texas toast and cole slaw.

But like its next-door neighbor, a new In-N-Out hamburger joint, it has made its reputation by doing one thing very well. 

The chicken fingers are tender and tasty, never overdone or mushily undercooked. A wide assortment of soft drinks and teas (including sweet tea) are available. Cane’s fries are first quality and the service is friendly and quick. You can order your food in a variety of combinations depending on how much chicken you want.

The Stanton location is always well-staffed, and even if the dining room – there’s also a double-row drive-in lane – is packed you’ll get your food hot and a lot faster than you expected.

MARILYN enjoying the crinkle-cut fries at the Stanton location (OC Tribune photo).

Another appealing aspect of the place is the upbeat vibe and the charming origin story. Todd Graves, who founded the chain, literally built the first store – along with help from friends – with his bare hands near the entrance to Louisiana State University. It opened in 1996 and was named after his ever-faithful yellow Lab, “Raising Cane,” who is prominently featured in the decor of the place.

This newest store – there are others in Orange, Anaheim and Costa Mesa – is located in a new foodie hotspot. On the former Village Center site, which straddles Stanton and Garden Grove, we now have the In-N-Out, the Raising Cane’s and a Panda Express. Soon the 22 and Beach Center will add a large food hall.

All those places to eat hearty are raising the profile of that intersection as a premier place to eat fast and fine.

Raising Cane’s in Stanton is open 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. For more, go to www.raisingcanes.com.