Cult Chicken Chain Raising Cane’s Nears D.C. Debut | Eater DC

"After two years in the making, I'm excited that Raising Cane’s, the Louisiana-born chicken chain, brings its destination chicken tenders to Washington with a debut inside Union Station on Tuesday, January 9. The D.C. outpost — the chain’s first inside a transit hub and its inaugural location in the city — sits on the east side ground level near the Amtrak train terminals and will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Its straightforward menu centers on crispy chicken fingers (strips brined for 24 hours and claimed never to be frozen), crinkle-cut fries, coleslaw, a dipper, garlicky Texas toast, and a drink, available as 3-, 4-, or 6-piece combos or a sandwich; meal boxes start at $10.99, and the sweet tea and signature sauces already have a devoted following. Founded in 1996 in Baton Rouge, the brand now operates more than 760 restaurants across 37 states, the Middle East, and Guam, and recently made its DMV debut in Sterling, Virginia, where it drew long lines — though the smaller Union Station edition with standing tables and a dozen Union Station illustrations by Carlos Diniz should mean quicker turnover for on-the-go commuters. Opening-day perks include a 7 a.m. chance to win free Cane’s for a year (20 winners drawn 8–8:30 a.m.), a special-edition hat for the first 200 customers at 9 a.m., and festivities with Screech the Nationals’ mascot, a live DJ, a photo booth, and other giveaways." - Tierney Plumb