Not since In-N-Out has Boise craved a fast-food chain so much. It’s finally here
Start flocking to Meridian, chicken finger junkies.
Your beloved fast-food chain has set its opening date — finally.
Raising Cane’s plans to welcome customers starting Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 2712 N. Eagle Road, near the intersection with Ustick Road, according to a press release. The restaurant is scheduled to open at 9 a.m., according to a Raising Cane’s representative. Fans in the Boise area have waited years for the Louisiana-based chain’s chicken fingers and signature sauce.
The Cane’s entry into Idaho probably won’t uncork a frenzy on the earth-shaking level of In-N-Out Burger’s arrival (also in Meridian, before it expanded to Boise and Nampa). During that December 2023 brouhaha, Idahoans camped overnight and lined up outside, braving “near freezing temperatures,” The Washington Post noted in bemused national news coverage of the rapturous response.
Still, Cane’s will create a stir. Next to In-N-Out, no other restaurant chain in recent memory has drawn the same anticipatory excitement in Idaho. There might even be enthusiasts who drive from other parts of the state — including Twin Falls, where Raising Cane’s also has been building a restaurant. That location, at 1823 Blue Lakes Blvd., and another in Coeur d’Alene, at 201 W. Neider Ave., are slated to open in winter or spring of 2026, according to the company representative.
Founded in 1996, Raising Cane’s is one of the fastest-growing chains in America. It opened 118 restaurants in 2024. There are more than 900 total; Idaho will be Raising Cane’s 43rd state.
Still, among poultry purveyors, Cane’s will be fashionably late to the party in the Boise area. Chick-fil-A has been a longtime force here. More recently, Guthrie’s, Slim Chickens, Dave’s Hot Chicken and Houston TX Hot Chicken have set up shop in the valley.
Has Boise’s fast-food coop already gotten too crowded for Cane’s? Unlikely.
As the powerhouse chain likes to say, “One love.”
Raising Cane’s is looking to hire more than 150 employees, according to the press release, for jobs such as cashier, fry cook and customer service representative. Job interviews will take place Oct. 20-26 at Hyatt Place, 1775 S. Silverstone Way in Meridian, and Oct. 27-Nov. 3 at the Raising Cane’s restaurant in Meridian.
“Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online at jobs.raisingcanes.com prior to walking in,” according to the release. “However, walk-ins are welcome to ask for an application from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily during the open application period.”
This story was originally published October 14, 2025 at 9:07 AM.