Raising Cane’s gearing up for fall construction in Farmingdale

Farmingdale is set to get another chicken option on Route 110 — and work could begin as soon as this fall.

The TikTok-favorite chicken tender chain Raising Cane’s is planning to take over the former Houlihan’s site in the Republic Plaza Shopping Center, with construction targeted to start later this year, pending permits.

“Pending permit approval, which we expect to obtain later this summer, we hope to start construction this fall,” a Raising Cane’s representative told Greater Long Island.

The company is targeting a spring 2027 opening.

Plans previously obtained by Greater Long Island show the existing building will be demolished to make way for a brand-new restaurant. The proposed layout includes seating for 72 indoors, 15 patio seats, and two drive-thru lanes.

Rapid expansion

Founded in 1996 near Louisiana State University, Raising Cane’s has built its brand around a simple concept: doing one thing well. The menu focuses on hand-battered chicken fingers served in various combo meals, alongside crinkle-cut fries, Texas toast, coleslaw and the chain’s signature Cane’s sauce.

Founder Todd Graves famously received a failing grade on a college business plan built around the concept.

“The professor said the plan was good, but the concept would never work,” Graves later recalled in an interview with The School of Hard Knocks.

Today, the company has grown to more than 900 locations across 46 states, with another set to open in Laurelton, Queens, next month, according to its website.

There are also plans in the works for Commack and Carle Place spots, but no timelines available.

---

Top: Long Island’s last Houlihans location remains open in Farmingdale. (Credit: Mike White) Inset: Raising Cane’s/Facebook