Todd Graves’ Business Impact
For years, New Orleans has been celebrated for its rich culture, music, and, of course, its legendary food. However, Raising Cane’s founder Todd Graves wants to add something else to that reputation: a thriving business environment. From starting a single chicken fingers restaurant to becoming a household name, Graves has turned his entrepreneurial journey into a force that now goes beyond businessit’s a movement to prove that New Orleans can be an economic powerhouse.
The Man Behind Raising Cane’s
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of biting into a crispy Raising Cane’s chicken finger, you have Todd Graves’ vision to thank for that moment of bliss. Graves launched his now-iconic company in 1996 with a simple ideafocus on just one thing and do it better than anyone else. That “one thing” was high-quality chicken fingers, and more than two decades later, it has turned into a multi-billion dollar empire. Graves started with a loan and a dream, working grueling hours to build Raising Cane’s from the ground up. While competitors expanded their menus to include burgers, salads, and other fast-food staples, Graves stuck to what he knew best: premium chicken fingers, Texas toast, and the undeniably addictive Cane’s Sauce.
A King Among Entrepreneurs
Recently, Graves was named the king of the Krewe of Endymion for the 2025 Mardi Gras celebrationan honor that speaks volumes about his place in the community. But beyond the beads and the parades, this title holds deeper meaning. Graves isn’t just celebrating New Orleans culturehe’s showing the world that success and entrepreneurship can thrive in a city mostly recognized for its festivities. Graves himself emphasized this when speaking to Fox Business: “It’s so important for me to showcase that businesses can thrive here in this amazing city.” And he’s not just talking the talkhe’s leading by example.
Investing Back Into His Community
Graves’ impact isn’t just measured in chicken fingers servedit’s seen in the jobs created, the economic growth sparked, and the community projects he funds. He believes in New Orleans, and he’s making sure the city benefits from his success. Through his various initiatives, he’s been a champion of local businesses, demonstrating that the Big Easy can also be home to serious entrepreneurial ventures. Some of his major contributions include:
Graves isn’t just proving that business can thrive in New Orleanshe’s making sure other businesses have the support they need to grow too.
The Bigger Picture
New Orleans has long been stereotyped as a place for celebration rather than innovation. Yes, it throws some of the most spectacular parties in the world, but that doesn’t mean serious business can’t happen there too. Graves is challenging outdated perceptions by showing that a major corporation can flourish in New Orleans just as easily as in any big business hub. His success is proving that the city can be more than just a tourist attractionit can be a center for innovation, investment, and economic growth. And let’s be honestwhat better way to showcase business success than with the smell of fresh chicken fingers in the air?
The Legacy of Todd Graves
With Raising Cane’s continuing to expand across the country, Graves’ influence is only growing. What started as a single restaurant has become a national brand, adored by millions. But beyond the perfectly cooked chicken and the signature sauce, Todd Graves’ real legacy might just be his role in transforming New Orleans into a respected business hub. So, the next time you enjoy Raising Cane’s, rememberit’s more than just great chicken. It’s proof that passion, persistence, and staying true to your roots can rewrite expectations. And if Todd Graves has anything to say about it, the business world better start paying attention to New Orleans.
