Can fried chicken and “One Love” breathe new life into Third Street Promenade? Santa Monica is about to find out.
Raising Cane’s — the cult‑favorite chicken finger chain — debuts its first Westside location at the corner of Third Street and Santa Monica Boulevard on Wednesday, bringing some much needed sizzle to a corridor that could really use it.
The opening follows a string of vacancies and high-profile retail exits in recent months.
Cane’s, which is debuting a dozen new locations in six states this month, will roll into town with plenty of fanfare. Before doors even open at 10 a.m., the store will host a “Lucky 20” drawing, with 20 winners scoring free fingers for a year.
The first 200 customers who buy a combo meal will also walk away with a Santa Monica beach towel and a free Box Combo card for a future visit.
But while the in-store freebies may grab attention, the company says it’s also bringing something more lasting to Santa Monica: more than 100 new jobs.
“We want our crew to reflect our community,” restaurant leader and local resident Dustin Fossum tells The Sun. “We want our crew to reflect our community. We are Santa Monicans and we are here for Santa Monica. Anybody 16 and older — every age group and demographic — is welcome to apply.”
The big question, though: what happens after the ribbon is cut and the celebration dies down? A new restaurant on Third Street is always welcome, but this one lands at a time when the Promenade is still trying to get its mojo back.
Raising Cane’s is betting the strip can still draw locals, tourists and late‑night crowds despite its nearly 30 percent vacancy rate. Santa Monica, meanwhile, is hoping more openings like this one will help bring back the energy that turned the Promenade into a must-visit tourist destination in the ’90s.
“It will encourage foot traffic and be wildly popular; however, the overall impact will be small,” former mayor Phil Brock tells The Sun. “It might encourage more stores and fast food places to open. That would be a benefit.”
Raising Cane’s says its Santa Monica store is built to complement the city’s coastal setting. Inside, customers will find surf‑and‑skate‑inspired décor, a Ferris wheel mural, surfboard disco‑light installations and California‑themed merchandise. The design also reflects founder Todd Graves’ path from boilermaker and sockeye salmon fisherman to founder of the first very first Raising Cane’s in 1996.
“We’ve really wanted to bring our ‘One Love’ chicken finger meals to this iconic destination,” Fossum says. “Santa Monica has such a strong sense of community, energy and appreciation for a quality experience… We are looking forward to serving great food while building relationships through local partnerships, fundraisers and the community.”
For now, Raising Cane’s will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. — and Santa Monica will be watching.
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