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Video and Photo: Raising Cane's starts off with big celebration
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As the sun rose June 6, dozens of people were anxiously waiting in line for the grand opening of Raising Cane's on the corner of Unser and Southern boulevards.
But the people in line, unlike some other openings, were not bored nor deterred from trying some of that infamous "One Love" chicken. Instead, Cane's staff were getting the customers psyched up before the opening with a DJ, dancing and chances to win some Cane's merchandise in a wheel spin. Additionally, 20 random customers won free chicken for a year.
Two of those winners were mom and daughter duo, Brianna and Lilly Joe, of Rio Rancho.
Brianna and Lilly Joe run through the line of Cane's employees to claim their free chicken for a year prize.
"I was a little nervous. My daughter wanted to come, so I brought her and we're excited to be here. We're excited to have one close to home," Brianna said.
She added that they live just a couple minutes away from the restaurant. This wasn't the first time they had tried Cane's, though.
"The Las Vegas one we went to wasn't that good, but the Albuquerque one and this one are. We went to their friends and family soft opening yesterday and we liked it. It was really, really good," she said.
Lilly Joe says her favorite menu item is the box combo and that she likes their coleslaw.
The area leader for marketing, Jeannette Ornelas, started the presentations off.
"We're so excited to be part of the Rio Rancho community, and we thank you guys for coming out today," she said.
Andy Esparza, area leader of restaurants, replicated that feeling.
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"We were able to supply 150 jobs to the community, so that's super exciting," he said.
Esparza went into the history of Raising Cane's founder, Todd Graves, saying he worked hard to get the business started by pursuing business in college and taking on different jobs to earn enough to pay for Raising Cane's start.
Cane's has been in business for a little less than 30 years now after opening its first location in Baton Rouge.
The general manager for the Rio Rancho location, Marissa Diaz, was impressed that some people showed up to wait in line as early as Wednesday night.
"I think that shows how much everybody has been waiting for this restaurant to come to Rio Rancho," she said.
Local Rio Rancho leaders showed their support for the new business as well.
"I remember hearing about it well over a year ago, and my family was so excited. We had Raising Cane's for the first time 10 years ago in Mississippi and never knew that they would come out here. But I am so excited that they are here," Deputy Mayor and City Councilor Jeremy Lenentine said.
He added that corner where the restaurant opened is one of the most important intersections in the city.
"All of the new businesses that have come in, all of the new life that have come in representing tens of millions of dollars along this stretch right here," Lenentine said.
Sandoval County commissioners Jay Block and Michael Meek also expressed gratitude for Cane's contribution to the community.
"I hope this is a busy intersection for you," Block joked.
Meek's speech was short and sweet.
"Good chicken. Eat," he said.
Besides promoting business, the Cane's celebration also welcomed Cleveland High School cheerleaders who were joined by the New Mexico Runners' mascot Rio the Roadrunner and the Roadrunner Food Bank Mascot Roadie the Roadrunner for dancing and getting the customers hyped.
The cheer team received a $500 check, and the Roadrunner Food Bank received a $1000 check from Cane's.
Cane's had its own cheer team within its employees as one team leader led them in a call out before the doors opened.
Cane's staff get hyped up for the opening June 6.
Finally, to the anxious excitement of the customers, the doors opened at 9 a.m. just as it started to get hot outside.
