Raising Cane’s Founder Reveals the Menu Item He Always Swaps Out

Fast-food executives often face scrutiny when discussing their own menu preferences, especially when they admit they don't enjoy certain items sold by their companies. That's exactly what happened when Todd Graves, cofundador e CEO da Raising Cane's, openly shared the one menu item he prefers to skip whenever he orders from the restaurant.

During a recent interview, Graves revealed that his favorite meal is the popular Box Combo, but with one important modification: he replaces the coleslaw with extra Texas toast and additional Cane's Sauce.

When asked about the substitution, Graves didn't hesitate to explain his reasoning.

"I don't like coleslaw," he admitted, adding that one of the advantages of the Raising Cane's menu is that customers can customize their meals by swapping side items.

His comments may not come as a surprise to some loyal customers. Over the years, the chain's coleslaw has generated mixed reactions among fans, with many preferring to exchange it for extra toast or additional fries. While some customers enjoy the traditional side dish, others view it as the least popular item on the menu.

Despite Graves' personal preference, coleslaw remains an important part of the restaurant's identity.

According to the founder, the item was originally included to provide a vegetable-based side option that would complement Raising Cane's signature chicken fingers, fries, toast, and sauce. The choice also reflected the company's Southern roots.

Founded in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1996, Raising Cane's drew inspiration from regional food traditions, where coleslaw has long been a common accompaniment to fried chicken and other comfort-food favorites.

The side dish has remained on the menu for nearly three decades, largely because the company has consistently resisted making major changes to its simple and focused menu.

Graves has repeatedly emphasized that consistency is one of the brand's greatest strengths. Unlike many fast-food competitors that frequently introduce new products and limited-time offerings, Raising Cane's has built its reputation around doing a small number of items exceptionally well.

That philosophy has helped the chain grow into one of the fastest-expanding restaurant brands in the United States, attracting a loyal customer base that appreciates the company's straightforward approach.

While Graves may personally pass on the coleslaw, its continued presence on the menu reflects the company's commitment to preserving the traditions and simplicity that helped make Raising Cane's a national success story.