While its restaurant menu might be focused on chicken fingers, Raising Cane’s creates some of the biggest pop culture moments. This Halloween, the brand raised the bar with pumpkins. During The Nights of Jack in Los Angeles, its epic carved pumpkin became the most talked about display.
From restaurant openings to celebrity brand partnerships, Raising Cane’s appreciates that its connection with its community is vital to long lasting success. The concept of “One Love” is more than just appreciating and respecting each other but it is a desire to foster people’s dreams.
Todd Graves embodies that concept of dreaming big and pursuing those dreams to the fullest. His self-determination to turn a business plan into one of the most successful restaurant brands is his example. More importantly, he continues that optimistic outlook in everything he does.
To say that Raising Cane’s is as smart with its promotional ideas as it is with serving the perfect chicken fingers might be an understatement. Whether it is celebrity collaborations, sports partnerships, or its hyper unique restaurant designs, the company understands the brand is more than craveable food. It sparks a connection with its fans.
At Nights of the Jack, Tood Graves and the Raising Cane’s team unveiled the World’s Biggest Pumpkin. With the help of Eric Jones and his team of other celebrated pumpkin carvers, the 360 degree carved pumpkin was a jaw-dropping sight. While the pumpkin weighed in at 2,471 pounds, it was more than just the weight. The intricate design had people looking, and looking again.
During the event, Todd Grave shared a little background on his pumpkin obsession. This special event is not his first foray into the big pumpkin world.
Graves said, “I have a pumpkin guy and I get a top five pumpkin every year. I display it in my neighborhood and everyone comes to see it, take pictures and enjoy it. Some people come from all over to Baton Rouge to see these big pumpkins.”
“This year, we were able to get the world’s biggest pumpkin and I wanted to bring it to a space where even more people could enjoy it. Los Angeles and the Nights of Jack was that perfect location. I brought together some amazing carvers and turned it into an event. Everyone can come out, see it and enjoy the fun.”
“For me, it is like kids going to a museum and seeing something remarkable. This world’s biggest pumpkin shows that life is not mundane and there are amazing parts of life. Someone grew this pumpkin because he had a dream to grow the world’s biggest pumpkin. It is a reminder to people that no matter what you do, you can do whatever you want. You can and should dream big.”
“A lot of people told me that I couldn’t do it, that I couldn’t start a chicken finger restaurant and grow it. For me, I want all these kids to look around and spark ideas in their head. The more creative that we can be, it sparks inspiration for others to dream big and follow it.”
The surprise and delight that this World’s Biggest Pumpkin brought people was astounding. As people discovered the hidden bat cave, the Grave’s caricature, and a depiction of the infamous dog, Cane, people could not help but be awed. It was a sight to behold.
If one person looked at the display and had an idea, it is a win for everyone, not just Raising Cane’s. Of course, the food brand wants the moment to spark a craving for chicken fingers, but it is more than just a food connection. Inspiring others to live their best life is at the heart of “One Love.” That idea is even more nourishing than a great meal.