Anyone who strolling along Nashville’s Broadway understands that the cacophony often gives way to perfect harmony. With the opening of Raising Cane’s Nashville Flagship store, the celebrated fast casual chicken fingers restaurant shared an outpouring of “One Love” with big side of deliciousness.
Nashville has become a huge vacation destination. While many people long to explore the mecca of country music, the bustling, vibrant city is more than just honky tonk and a sprinkling of blue grass. The food has become a major selling point.
Beyond the fiery Nashville chicken that can get some people to shed a tear, local restaurants showcase all types of culinary offerings. From that tiny taco stand that satisfied a late-night craving to an elevated supper club with dining in the shadows, people want more than just a one note food offering when they travel. It is not fusion cuisine, but culinary destinations do need to have an element of a melting pot.
When Raising Cane’s chose to make its Broadway location a flagship restaurant, it was more than just serving its iconic chicken tenders with a side of fries and toast. It was about creating a space that captured the area’s culture while infusing some of their signature concepts. Music City felt the One Love and that deeply rooted connection will continue to grow.
During a special opening day event for media, we were treated to some special moments between the leadership team and the crew that will handle the day-to-day operations at the store. As a large line gathered outside to get their taste of that “The Box Combo,” the event was more than just eating another chicken tender meal. The team wanted to give a glimpse into the concept that drives such a loyal following for the successful restaurant brand.
Since the food menu is a known commodity, many people focused on the atmosphere and hospitality that make this Nashville flagship location unique. Luckily, there are plenty of carefully curated offerings that have guests looking at every detail after they devour those chicken fingers.
From an authentic, one-of-a-kind rhinestone cowboy art piece to an homage to the beloved Cane 1, 2 and 3, it is all the little touches that make a Raising Cane’s flagship location special. At this Nashville restaurant, founder Todd Graves even added his personal Johnnie and June Cash guitars to a corner booth display.
While elements play homage to country music’s history and nods to the brand’s own culture, the space makes the guest feel welcome. That classic hospitality is key to not only having return customers line up again and again but also to luring new guests to place that initial order.
Given that the Raising Cane’s location is situation on prime Broadway real estate, it makes it presence known amongst the towering spaces from well-known country music stars. Even if Ole Red, located just steps away, might have multiple floors of performance space, Raising Cane’s offers its own type of performance. Classic chicken, crinkle fries, and toast, with a side of coleslaw and that iconic Cane's sauce, combine for its own harmony.
Even though this restaurant might not necessarily be the place where people linger too long at a table, the flagship is designed to be more than just another grab and go concept. The memorbelia in the upstairs area could have some music fans wandering around for a glimpse before they place that order.
In some ways, those little gems tucked away from the ordering line is key to making this Raising Cane’s flagship location, as well as any flagship concept, special. Building that deeply rooted connection between the restaurant brand and its loyal fans is key for its continued success. Just like some people travel to check off every location shown on a Triple D episode, there can be people who will purposefully travel to see these restaurants.
Additionally, opening the Nashville flagship restaurant expands the reach for the brand. Music City is a huge tourist destination. Putting this space across the street from Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean’s restaurant puts eyes on the brand. If a person who has never heard of Cane’s sauce walks through the door, enjoys it, and tells all their friends back home, the space earns its worth time and again.
Raising Cane’s Nashville flagship is now open. Whether it becomes the place to grab a quick bite during the day or the late night stop after a concert, it does not matter. The One Love sentiment has become a satisfying melody to Music City’s ears.