Todd Graves owns Raising Cane’s, the privately held chicken finger chain he founded in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1996. As the company’s founder and CEO, Graves reportedly controls around 90%–92% of the business, making him one of America’s wealthiest restaurant entrepreneurs.
But how did he turn a single chicken finger restaurant into a billion-dollar brand? This guide explores Raising Cane’s ownership, Todd Graves’ net worth, co-founder history, and business growth in 2026.
Who Owns Raising Cane’s in 2026?
Todd Graves is the majority owner of Raising Cane’s in 2026. He founded the privately held restaurant chain in 1996 and continues serving as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Published financial estimates place his ownership stake at approximately 90%–92%, giving him controlling ownership of the company.
Raising Cane’s Ownership Facts
| Ownership Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers |
| Majority Owner | Todd Graves |
| Reported Ownership Stake | Approximately 90%–92% |
| Founder & CEO | Todd Graves |
| Founded | August 28, 1996 |
| First Location | Baton Rouge, Louisiana |
| Ownership Type | Privately Held |
| Publicly Traded | No |
Does Todd Graves Own 100% of Raising Cane’s?
No. Todd Graves controls the vast majority of Raising Cane’s, but he isn’t its sole owner.
Forbes reported a 92% ownership stake in 2025, while Bloomberg estimated approximately 90% in 2026. These figures reflect different reporting methods and ownership structures rather than a confirmed change in control.
The remaining minority interests are not fully disclosed publicly. Despite this, Graves maintains controlling ownership and leads the company’s operations.
Who Is Todd Graves, the Owner of Raising Cane’s?
Todd Graves is an American entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers. He built the restaurant chain around a simple concept: serving high-quality chicken finger meals.
Before opening his first restaurant, Graves faced several setbacks. His college business plan received a poor grade, and banks initially rejected his funding requests.
Instead of abandoning the idea, he took demanding jobs to raise startup capital.
How Todd Graves Funded His First Restaurant
- Oil refinery work: Graves worked long hours at a refinery in California to save money.
- Alaska fishing: He joined a commercial fishing crew, working in challenging conditions to earn additional funds.
- Personal savings: He invested his earnings into developing the first Raising Cane’s restaurant.
- Business financing: He secured additional funding to help launch the restaurant.
These early sacrifices helped Graves open Raising Cane’s near Louisiana State University in 1996.
Today, he remains closely involved in the company’s leadership, restaurant expansion, and long-term growth.
How Did Todd Graves Start Raising Cane’s?
Todd Graves opened the first Raising Cane’s restaurant on August 28, 1996, near Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His goal was simple: build a restaurant specializing in quality chicken finger meals.
After saving money through refinery work and commercial fishing, Graves secured additional financing and launched his restaurant.
Raising Cane’s Founding Timeline
| Year | Key Milestone |
|---|---|
| Early 1990s | Graves develops his chicken finger restaurant concept. |
| 1996 | The first Raising Cane’s opens in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. |
| 1999 | Graves buys out early business partner Craig Silvey’s ownership interest. |
| 2000s | Raising Cane’s expands beyond its original Louisiana market. |
| 2026 | The company continues opening restaurants across the United States and internationally. |
Why Is It Called Raising Cane’s?
Raising Cane’s was named after Todd Graves’ yellow Labrador Retriever, Raising Cane. The dog became an important part of the restaurant’s identity.
The original restaurant was initially known as The Mothership, a nickname that remains associated with its first Baton Rouge location.
Why Did Raising Cane’s Focus on Chicken Fingers?
Graves believed a restaurant could succeed by doing a few things exceptionally well. Instead of offering a large menu, Raising Cane’s focused on chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, Texas Toast, coleslaw, and its signature Cane’s Sauce.
That original chicken finger concept still shapes the brand today. Explore the complete Raising Cane’s menu to see its signature combos, sides, drinks, and updated 2026 prices.
Who Was Craig Silvey, Raising Cane’s Early Business Partner?
Craig Silvey was an early business partner who helped Todd Graves develop the original Raising Cane’s concept. The two were involved in the restaurant’s early planning before its 1996 launch in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Did Craig Silvey Own Part of Raising Cane’s?
Yes. Silvey held an ownership interest in the company’s early years. However, Todd Graves bought out Silvey’s original stake in 1999, becoming the dominant owner.
Silvey later returned to Raising Cane’s in an executive role. According to Forbes’ 2025 reporting, he retained a small minority interest of less than 0.5%.
Is Craig Silvey Still a Co-Owner?
Craig Silvey has been reported to hold a small ownership stake, but he is not an equal partner in the business.
Todd Graves remains Raising Cane’s controlling owner and CEO, with a reported ownership interest of approximately 90%–92%.
Silvey’s involvement highlights an often-overlooked part of the company’s early history without changing who controls Raising Cane’s today.
How Much Is Raising Cane’s Owner Todd Graves Worth in 2026?
Todd Graves’ net worth is estimated at approximately $22 billion, based on Forbes’ September 2025 reporting. His fortune comes primarily from his majority ownership of Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers.
As a private-company owner, Graves’ wealth depends heavily on Raising Cane’s estimated business valuation.
Is Raising Cane’s Privately Owned or Publicly Traded?
Raising Cane’s is a privately owned restaurant company, not a publicly traded business. Founder and CEO Todd Graves maintains controlling ownership, with a reported stake of approximately 90%–92%.
Unlike McDonald’s or Yum! Brands, Raising Cane’s does not sell shares on a public stock exchange.
Can You Buy Raising Cane’s Stock?
No, you cannot buy Raising Cane’s stock through the NYSE, Nasdaq, or regular brokerage accounts. The company has not launched an initial public offering (IPO).
| Stock Information | Raising Cane’s |
|---|---|
| Company Type | Privately Held |
| Public Stock Available | No |
| Stock Symbol | None |
| Listed on NYSE or Nasdaq | No |
| IPO Announced | No confirmed public offering |
| Controlling Owner | Todd Graves |
How Big Is Raising Cane’s Under Todd Graves?
Raising Cane’s has grown from one Louisiana restaurant into a multibillion-dollar chicken finger chain. Under Todd Graves’ leadership, the company has expanded across the United States and into international markets.
Raising Cane’s Growth & Business Facts
| Business Metric | Reported Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | August 28, 1996 |
| First Restaurant | Baton Rouge, Louisiana |
| Founder & CEO | Todd Graves |
| Restaurant Footprint | More than 1,000 locations reported in 2026 |
| 2025 Revenue | Approximately $5.6 billion |
| Ownership | Privately Held |
| Main Product | Chicken Finger Meals |
Restaurant counts and revenue reflect published 2026 reporting, not live financial disclosures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current owner of Raising Cane’s?
Todd Graves is the majority owner of Raising Cane’s in 2026. He founded the chicken finger chain in 1996 and continues serving as its CEO.
How much of Raising Cane’s does Todd Graves own?
Published estimates place Todd Graves’ ownership stake at approximately 90%–92%. Forbes reported 92% in 2025, while Bloomberg estimated around 90% in 2026.
Who founded Raising Cane’s with Todd Graves?
Craig Silvey was an early business partner involved in developing Raising Cane’s. Graves bought out Silvey’s original ownership interest in 1999.
Is Raising Cane’s owned by McDonald’s?
Raising Cane’s is independently owned and is not part of McDonald’s Corporation. Todd Graves controls the privately held company.
Is Raising Cane’s a family-owned business?
Raising Cane’s is a privately held, founder-controlled company. Todd Graves maintains majority ownership, but the business is not publicly identified as a conventional family-owned restaurant chain.
Who is the CEO of Raising Cane’s in 2026?
Todd Graves remains Raising Cane’s founder and CEO in 2026. He oversees the company’s long-term strategy and restaurant expansion.
How much is the Raising Cane’s owner worth?
Forbes estimated Todd Graves’ net worth at approximately $22 billion in September 2025. His wealth fluctuates with the estimated value of Raising Cane’s.
Can you buy Raising Cane’s stock?
Raising Cane’s is privately held and has no publicly traded stock symbol. Investors cannot purchase its shares through regular stock exchanges.
Is Raising Cane’s a franchise or corporate-owned chain?
Most Raising Cane’s restaurants are company-operated, although the business has used franchise and licensing agreements in certain markets.
Where did Todd Graves open the first Raising Cane’s?
Todd Graves opened the first Raising Cane’s on August 28, 1996, near Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The original restaurant became known as The Mothership.
