Raising Cane’s, the U.S.-based chicken finger chain, will launch its first U.K. location in London in late 2026, the company announced in a press release emailed to Restaurant Dive on Sept. 4, 2025. Unlike some competitors, the brand will operate its British stores directly rather than through franchising and is currently seeking a U.K. president to manage a new support center and regional expansion.
The flagship restaurant is slated to open between Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square, positioning it within blocks of Dave’s Hot Chicken’s London flagship.
The chain also plans additional outlets in high-traffic areas including The Strand, Oxford Circus, Paddington, and South Bank, along with suburban drive-thrus around Greater London.
Todd Graves, Raising Cane’s founder and owner, said the move has been under consideration for several years. “It has always been a dream of mine to bring Cane’s to the UK and I’m excited to officially kick off this growth,” Graves said in the release.
The company’s international expansion comes amid heightened competition among American chicken brands in Europe. Chick-fil-A is working to establish a presence in the British Isles, while Dave’s Hot Chicken has set a goal of 60 units across the region.
Raising Cane’s performance in the U.S. has fueled confidence in overseas growth. The brand reported about 900 restaurants, a $6.6 million average unit volume (AUV), and $5.1 billion in annual sales in 2024, according to the release. By 2030, it aims to reach 1,600 units, an $8 million AUV, and $10 billion in annual sales.
The company is also restructuring its support operations into seven divisions and expanding its Texas headquarters, even as other restaurant groups scale back staff. In the U.S., Raising Cane’s, alongside Wingstop, surpassed KFC in sales last year, according to Circana data.
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