Raising Canes Chicken Fingers has announced it’s opening day for the new location on Hillsborough St. near NC State

NC State students are about to face the tender wars head-on.

Raising Canes, an insanely popular chicken-finger restaurant from Baton Rouge, has plopped down on Hillsborough St, next to Mitch’s Tavern, in the old Varsity Theatre. And WRAL is reporting that they’ve just announced that they will be opening their doors on January 27th.

This is right across the street from NC State’s campus, so it’s going to be very convenient for students. It’s worth noting that everywhere Raising Canes has gone, they’ve been met with massive lines for weeks upon opening. WRAL is expecting the same at this location.

But this is Bojangles’ country, and NC State fans are loyal to the North Carolina chicken chain.

This is Raising Canes first foray into Raleigh, and it will be interesting to see how they are received.

We here at PackInsider.com grew up on the supreme dinner, french fries and sweet tea combo during the week, and the tailgate special on Saturdays in fall. So we know where we stand.

Where do you stand?

With Raising Canes set to open on Hillsborough St (across from NC State campus), are you…

— PackInsider.com (@PackInsider) January 16, 2026