Free Raising Cane’s For A Year? New Brooklyn Opening Has The Deal

CROWN HEIGHTS, NY — Raising Cane's is opening their much-awaited Crown Heights location Wednesday morning with prizes, giveaways and performances that are sure to draw a crowd.

The popular Southern fast-food chain is inviting neighbors to celebrate its newest New York City store — its 13th in the city since launching a massive Times Square flagship in 2023 — starting around 8 a.m.

Building on the buzz from Brooklyn’s first Cane’s drive-thru restaurant, which opened in Flatbush last month, the brand is bringing a second restaurant to the borough at the corner of Utica Ave. and Midwood St., at 506 Utica Ave.

“After the successful opening of our first NYC drive-thru restaurant here in Brooklyn, we are excited to get our second drive-thru location open to serve Caniacs in this part of town,” said Area Leader of restaurant Kevin Comeaux. “We look forward to serving our Community seven days a week, until 2 a.m.!"

On Wednesday, the restaurant will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at about 9 a.m., featuring the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum and the NYPD’s 71st Precinct. During the event, Raising Cane’s will present check donations to the Brooklyn Children’s Museum.

Early birds will have a chance to win big with a “Lucky 20” raffle, awarding 20 customers ages 13 and older a full year of free Cane’s. Entries will be accepted from 8 to 9 a.m., and winners must be present to claim their prize.

Even if you don’t win the raffle, there are more reasons to arrive early. The first 100 customers will receive an exclusive Cane’s-branded trucker hat and a free Box Combo card, valid for a future visit. There is a limit of one hat and one card per combo purchased, while supplies last, officials said.

Throughout the day, visitors will be treated to performances by Sesame Flyers Steel Pan and stilt walkers at 2 and 3 p.m., each lasting 30 minutes. Meanwhile, DJ Danny Castaned will spin live from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., keeping the party going all day.

Founded in Louisiana, Raising Cane’s has grown to hundreds of locations across the United States and several dozen restaurants in the Middle East. The chain is best known for its chicken fingers with signature Cane’s sauce, chicken sandwiches, crinkle-cut fries, Texas toast and sweet tea.

The new Crown Heights location is part of a larger expansion, with a company spokesperson saying the chain plans to surpass 1,000 restaurants in 2026 by opening nearly 100 new sites nationwide. Brooklyn recently got a new Cane’s just a few weeks ago, and now the borough will have a fifth spot.

The Crown Heights restaurant will feature a walk-up window, an enclosed heated patio, mobile ordering and late-night hours. While it won’t have an indoor dining room, guests can enjoy meals under the covered patio before heading back out.

Operating hours are Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 a.m., making it a go-to option for late-night cravings.