The Best Meal Hack at Raising Cane’s, According to the Founder

In the fast-paced world of fast food, change feels constant. New meal deals pop up regularly, limited-time items come and go, and menu staples are revamped or disappear entirely. 

But not at Raising Cane’s. While other chains chase trends, the beloved chicken spot has stuck to the same simple, high-quality menu since day one—and its fans wouldn’t have it any other way.

Raising Cane’s thrives on its “One Love” philosophy: doing one thing exceptionally well. That “one thing” is craveable chicken fingers, paired with golden crinkle-cut fries, thick-cut Texas toast, creamy coleslaw, and the cult-favorite Cane’s Sauce. CEO Todd Graves’ risky idea to build an entire restaurant around chicken strips might’ve famously flunked in business school, but 28 years and nearly 900 locations later, it’s clear his vision paid off. In fact, the chain now ties with Chick-fil-A in food quality rankings.

So, when it comes to navigating the menu, no one knows it better than Graves himself. Graves not only built the business with his own two hands, but he’s also a self-proclaimed “stickler for quality.” So, naturally, his go-to order is the stuff of legend—and it includes one clever twist every Caniac will want to know about.

Raising Cane’s CEO Todd Graves Go-To Order

When Todd Graves rolls up to Raising Cane’s, he keeps it classic with the Box Combo, the chain’s best-selling meal deal. It comes with four of the famous hand-battered chicken fingers, hot and crispy crinkle-cut fries, Texas toast, coleslaw, Cane’s Sauce, and a drink. Though that’s not how Graves orders it: he skips the coleslaw.

“I’m not a slaw fan,” Graves admitted, so he swaps it out for an extra piece of buttery Texas toast. The thick-cut, golden-brown bread is perfect for making mini chicken sandwiches or sopping up extra Cane’s Sauce—the tangy, creamy spread often hailed as “fast food’s greatest sauce.” Of course, Graves never skips extra sauce on the side, either.

The final touch? A Louisiana-style sweet tea to wash it down. All in all, it is a simple, straightforward, and satisfying combo that has been going strong for almost three decades.

Believe it or not, this isn’t just Graves’ personal preference—it’s a fan-favorite hack among Raising Cane’s loyalists. On Reddit threads dedicated to the chain, countless customers recommend swapping the slaw for another Texas toast or extra fries, as they find it a bit too sweet. Some even share an additional pro tip: ask for “BOB toast” in your order, or buttered on both sides.

That said, Cane’s coleslaw does have its fans. The side is made fresh daily with crisp red and green cabbage, carrots, and a creamy, sweet dressing, making it a cool and refreshing addition to the rich meal. And luckily, like everything else on the menu, it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.

Whether you’re already a Cane’s regular or new to the chicken finger fan club, Graves’ “no slaw, extra toast, extra sauce, with a sweet tea” signature is a must-try. After all, if there’s anyone to trust with your order, it’s the man who made it all possible.