News Summary
Raising Cane’s is set to open its first location in West Michigan in Kentwood, taking over the site of a former Outback Steakhouse. The 3,400 square-foot restaurant aims to provide a quick-service dining experience specializing in chicken fingers and will feature dual drive-thru lanes and outdoor seating. This opening comes as part of Raising Cane’s plan to expand its presence across Michigan, with about 20 new locations anticipated in the near future.
Kentwood, Michigan
Raising Cane’s is set to open its first West Michigan location in Kentwood on November 18, 2025. The new restaurant will be situated at 3650 28th Street SE, the former site of an Outback Steakhouse.
The Outback Steakhouse, which closed in February 2024 as part of a nationwide shutdown of 41 locations, was targeted due to factors including older leases, sales decline, and traffic issues. The new Raising Cane’s will occupy a more compact space of 3,400 square feet, in contrast to the Outback’s 6,700 square feet.
Raising Cane’s design will feature dual drive-thru lanes capable of accommodating approximately 12 vehicles at a time. In addition to drive-thru service, the establishment will provide on-site parking, seating for 45 inside, as well as 16 additional seats on an outdoor patio. The final site plans include a dual entrance to the parking lot and improved landscaping.
Significance of the Location
Currently, the nearest Raising Cane’s locations are in East Lansing, Mishawaka, IN, and Michigan City, IN. The company has ambitious plans to open approximately 20 new locations across Michigan over the next decade.
Project Details
The estimated cost for building the new Kentwood Raising Cane’s is $3.8 million. Upon its opening, the restaurant is expected to employ around 55 workers to help facilitate operations.
Raising Cane’s uniquely specializes in chicken fingers, fries, coleslaw, and Texas toast offered in both meal and sandwich forms, catering to families including children. The restaurant will operate from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. on Sundays through Thursdays and from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Approval and Development Process
A Special Land Use and Site Plan Review for the new Raising Cane’s was previously approved by the Kentwood Planning Commission in November 2024. Demolition of the former Outback Steakhouse began earlier this year to pave the way for the new establishment.
Conclusion
The opening of Raising Cane’s is anticipated to enhance dining options in Kentwood, fulfilling the local demand for quick-service chicken meals. As the community awaits the new location, residents are optimistic about the employment opportunities and the potential boost to the local economy.
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Additional Resources
- WZZM13: Kentwood Raising Cane’s Opening
- Fox17: Raising Cane’s Coming to Kentwood
- WoodTV: 28th Street Raising Cane’s Opening
- MLive: Demolition for Raising Cane’s
- Fox17: Kentwood Culinary Developments
- Wikipedia: Kentwood, Michigan
- Google Search: Raising Cane’s restaurants
- Google Scholar: Restaurant Development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fast Food Industry
- Google News: Kentwood Raising Cane’s
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
