Raising Cane’s to Open First Location in Kentwood

News Summary

A new Raising Cane’s restaurant is under construction at 3650 28th St. SE, Kentwood, set to open by December 2025. This marks the chain’s first presence in West Michigan, replacing a former Outback Steakhouse. The contemporary eatery will feature a dual drive-thru, indoor seating for 45, and outdoor patio space. With the intent to create around 55 job opportunities, Raising Cane’s aims to cater to local residents with its signature chicken fingers and create a favorable dining experience that aligns with the community’s growth plans.

Kentwood – A new Raising Cane’s restaurant is currently under construction at 3650 28th St. SE, Kentwood, and is expected to open by December 2025. This location will mark the chain’s first presence in West Michigan, adding to its existing locations in Michigan, including East Lansing, Canton, and Ann Arbor.

The selected site for the new restaurant is strategically located near Trader Joe’s and close to the city of Grand Rapids. It will replace a former Outback Steakhouse, which was demolished in spring 2024. The Outback Steakhouse, built in 1974, occupied a space of 6,700 square feet, while the new Raising Cane’s will be designed to fit into a smaller footprint of 3,428 square feet.

The Kentwood Planning Commission approved a special land use permit for the restaurant in November 2024, allowing for a contemporary eatery that aligns with the city’s growth plans. Raising Cane’s is known for its focus on chicken fingers, distinguishing it from other fast-food chains such as Chick-fil-A, which also serves chicken-based menu items.

To enhance customer service, the new Raising Cane’s will feature dual drive-thru lanes capable of accommodating up to 12 vehicles at one time. Additionally, the restaurant will offer on-site parking and indoor seating for 45 customers, along with an outdoor patio that can accommodate around 16 patrons. Planning for the new site includes a dual entrance to the parking lot and the incorporation of improved landscaping to enhance the overall aesthetic appeal.

With the opening of this location, Raising Cane’s aims to provide around 55 job opportunities for local residents, contributing to employment within the community. Once operational, the restaurant will maintain hours from 9:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, making it a late-night dining option for those in the area.

The menu at Raising Cane’s prominently features its signature chicken fingers, along with sides like Texas toast, fries, and coleslaw, appealing to a broad audience that enjoys simple yet flavorful fast food. The company has indicated plans for future expansion within Michigan, indicating a growing demand for its offerings in various locations throughout the state.

This upcoming opening reflects the ongoing trend of fast-casual dining experiences in Kentwood, providing residents and visitors with diverse dining options. As Raising Cane’s expands its footprint in Michigan, it aims to cater to the local community’s appetite for its popular chicken finger meals.

The establishment of the Raising Cane’s in Kentwood underscores the supportive environment for new businesses in the area, promising an exciting addition that aligns with the community’s values and preferences.

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HERE Resources

Kentwood Welcomes Raising Cane’s First West Michigan Location

Additional Resources

• MLive: What’s Being Built by Trader Joe’s?
• Wikipedia: General Information
• Fox17: Raising Cane’s Coming to Kentwood
• Google Search: Raising Cane’s
• WZZM13: Raising Cane’s Coming to West Michigan
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Raising Cane’s
• Mix 95.7: Kentwood Raising Cane’s Opening
• Google News: Fast Food Restaurants