Cane III: The Beloved Mascot of Raising Cane's
Cane III was seemingly destined for stardom, a realization that struck her owner, Todd Graves, founder and CEO of Raising Cane’s, years ago at Mardi Gras. Graves recalls a moment reminiscent of Mufasa presenting Simba, lifting the then-puppy for all to see. “I lifted her up and all these people got up. They’re all clapping, and she just sat there, looking at everyone. All that roaring, and she just sat there,” Graves recounts. “I was like, ‘Okay, she’s maybe going to be the best [mascot] we’ve ever had.’”
The Rise of a Canine Celebrity
Beyond the restaurant's signature fried chicken tenders, Cane III has become a major attraction. Customers adore her, she's a favorite among celebrities (“She resonated with Snoop [Dogg],” Graves notes, mentioning her tendency to follow him), and she boasts a significant social media presence with over 100,000 followers on Instagram. A true Sagittarius, celebrating her ninth birthday on November 27th, Cane III thrives in the spotlight and readily charms those around her. Graves shares that she's frequently recognized in public and always eager to offer affection.
A Legacy of Canes
Cane III continues a tradition established by Cane I and Cane II, each contributing a unique element to the company's identity. Cane I, the dog the restaurant is named after, was a lively and playful companion who enjoyed dressing up and bringing laughter to others. The restaurant's name itself was almost different. Graves initially considered “Sockeye’s” inspired by his commercial fishing days, but a friend wisely suggested “Raising Cane’s.”
Continuing the Tradition of Comfort and Care
After Cane I’s passing, it took a few years before Graves’ wife, Gwen, surprised him with a puppy to carry on the legacy. Cane II provided a calming presence and served as a certified pet therapy dog, frequently visiting children's hospitals. “My favorite memories with [Cane II] were going to children’s hospitals with her and my wife. Cane II could jump in bed with a child on IVs (and sometimes feeding tubes), and she would know to jump on the edge of the bed and scoot up. It was just amazing to watch,” Graves reflects.