Raising Cane’s to Open First Imperial Valley Location in El Centro on May 12th.
Raising Cane’s set to open its first Imperial Valley restaurant in El Centro on Tuesday, May 12, bringing opening-day giveaways, live entertainment and community festivities to the area.
According to a May 6 press release, the new restaurant will be located at 2299 N. Imperial Ave., just north of Interstate 8. The opening marks the first-ever Raising Cane’s location in the Imperial Valley.
The restaurant will also host a ribbon-cutting ceremony the day before its grand opening on May 11 at 11:30 a.m.
The restaurant specializes in cooked-to-order chicken finger meals, with chicken marinated for at least 24 hours before being hand-battered and prepared fresh by crew members. The location will also feature a double-lane drive-thru for customers.
Inside the restaurant, visitors will find design elements inspired by the local community and Imperial Valley history. The company said the interior includes tributes to schools such as Central Union High School, Southwest High School and Imperial Valley College, along with vintage photography, postcards and maps highlighting the region’s past. Additional features recognize local landmarks and industries, including the Algodones Dunes, off-road culture and the Naval Air Facility.
Opening-day festivities are scheduled before the restaurant officially opens at 9 a.m. on May 12. Events will include a “Lucky 20” drawing, where 20 customers ages 13 and older will win free Raising Cane’s for a year. Entries will be accepted until 8 a.m., and winners must be present during the drawing, scheduled between 8 and 8:45 a.m.
The first 100 combo meals purchased inside the restaurant will also receive a Cane’s-branded trucker hat and a free Box Combo card redeemable during a future visit, while supplies last.
Customer No. 1 in line will receive a special gift basket and welcome from the restaurant crew.
Additional entertainment throughout the day will include appearances by local radio personality Rudy “El Rudo” from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and performances by Mariachi Acero Del Valle from 5 to 7 p.m.
“We’re excited to introduce Raising Cane’s to El Centro and open the first-ever restaurant in the Imperial Valley,” Raising Cane’s Area Leader of Restaurants Mark Condello said in the press release. “We’re thrilled to bring our ONE LOVE to the El Centro community, along with our unique crew culture and friendly customer service.”
The restaurant’s operating hours will be Sunday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m., and Friday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 a.m.
According to the company, Raising Cane’s currently operates more than 1,000 restaurants worldwide and plans to open nearly 100 additional locations in 2026.