While everyone loves those chicken fingers and craves that iconic Cane’s Sauce, Raising Cane’s spread joy beyond the table. During a recent special event at Military Plaza in Times Square, Todd Graves and the Raising Cane’s team unwrapped a gift that will have kids riding into a memorable 2025.
Whenever Raising Cane’s hosts an event, the gathering captures people’s attention. It is more than the special guests, unique entertainment, or other shareable moments. At its heart, there is something bigger than a gathering of celebrities with the perfect photo opt.
As many people have come to appreciate, Todd Graves is more than a billionaire entrepreneur who changed the rules in the fast casual restaurant industry. Beyond his drive and business acumen, Graves appreciates that creating and supporting a community is as vital as the perfect Texas toast served with every combo meal.
Every year, Raising Cane’s gives away thousands of bikes to deserving children. It is more than dropping off a truck full of bikes to a location and walking away. The idea is to give each child the joyful moment of learning that two wheels are a childhood right of passage, an opportunity to dream, and the understanding that everything is possible.
Raising Cane’s takes over Times Square for a holiday bike giveaway
On December 10, Raising Cane’s hosted the Boys and Girls Club of Harlem. A group of young boys and girls unwrapped an early holiday gift, a new bike and helmet.
Joining Todd Graves, Lacey Chabert, the Queen of Christmas, as well as other New York based celebrities, assisted in helping the children find their perfect bike. After a few test laps, the children were all set to roll into 2025 in style.
While the joyful spirit could be felt and seen in the children’s excitement, it is more than just the promise of a shiny new bike with a big bow that captured the sentiment. During his remarks, Graves shared how he remembers those moments when he got a new bike at Christmas. The size might not be as great as the World’s Largest Pumpkin, but that holiday sentiment is something he carries with him today.
Sharing these stories is another example how Graves infuses his personal traditions into many of his company’s events. He said that every child deserves to have that excitement of unwrapping a new bike. 2,500 bike donation helps to make that happen.
Graves can do these holiday charitable moments on a large scale, but giving back during the holidays is not limited to just the grandeur. As Chabert commented during the event, she and her daughter find ways to give back during the holidays. The simple gestures are just as vital as the grand ones. It is a reminder that the holiday season is about giving, especially giving acts of service.
While the kids’ squeals of delight could be heard over the bustle of New York City, this moment is more than just a moment in time. It goes back to a concept that is woven into everything Raising Cane’s does, creating a community.
The One Love concept is not two empty words. Graves, through his hands on leadership, has created a community within his organization and a community of people who connect with his restaurant brand concept. The people who work for the company have pride in their roles. That moment fosters loyalty.
Additionally, that pride in the employer rolls over to influence the guests who come every day to enjoy some chicken fingers. Graves might say that he was born to make the best chicken fingers, but it is more than that off handed comment. He has created a restaurant brand that connects people far and wide in a community that is fiercely loyal, energetic, and willing to help.
The special Times Square bike giveaway event is just one example of the giving back that is part of Raising Cane’s initiatives. In their world, spreading joy is a 365 day commitment. That concept is as plentiful, and possibly as cravable, as that Cane’s Sauce.
The members of the Boys and Girls Club of Harlem are ready to pedal their way into a memorable holiday season. Raising Cane’s is riding a wave of success into 2025. It is possible for a food brand to have a vision, attain it, and strive to do good both in and away from the table.