Raising Cane’s Is Bringing Its Famous Chicken to 4 Bay Area Cities

I have watched Raising Cane’s fan base grow steadily here in Northern California. The chain’s signature chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, and Cane’s sauce have built a loyal following, and now the brand is preparing to plant deeper roots.

Four new Bay Area locations are in the works, each chosen with care to meet community demand. Here’s a closer look at what is coming, and what it could mean for your next chicken-finger fix.

1. Morgan Hill, Opening This Fall (October 2025)

Morgan Hill has been waiting for more fast-casual dining options, and Raising Cane’s is stepping in at exactly the right time. The new restaurant at 18575 Skipper Lane is under construction and on track to open in October 2025. At around 3,000 square feet, complete with a drive-through, it will serve both locals and commuters who use Highway 101 daily.

What makes this location stand out is how well it fits into Morgan Hill’s growth story. The area around Cochrane Road has seen a steady rise in new businesses, making it an increasingly important hub for the community. By placing Cane’s in the middle of this activity, the brand is positioning itself as a staple, not just another chain.

For locals juggling work, school, and family, the drive-through is more than a convenience, it is essential. City planning documents reviewed by KTVU show the site is designed to keep traffic flowing smoothly in and out, something busy parents and commuters will appreciate.

Inside, the atmosphere is expected to follow Cane’s familiar blueprint: friendly crew members, upbeat music, and a welcoming environment where families, students, and solo diners feel equally at home. With the brand’s proven record, there is little doubt that opening day will attract long lines, with fans traveling from nearby towns to be part of the first wave.

Morgan Hill’s Cane’s will not only serve its own residents but also those passing through, making it a regional stop along Highway 101. For a city that has long asked for more dining variety, the arrival of Raising Cane’s could feel like a small but meaningful milestone.

2. San Jose, Set for Spring (April 2026)

San Jose already knows what a Cane’s opening looks like. In 2025, the Evergreen Place location opened to massive crowds, with lines wrapping around the block and social media buzzing for weeks afterward. Now the city is preparing for round two, with a new location scheduled to open in April 2026 at 440 North Capitol Avenue in Capitol Square Shopping Mall.

This second San Jose Cane’s reflects both strong demand and smart strategy. Capitol Square sits in a prime spot on the city’s east side, accessible from major roads and surrounded by a mix of schools, offices, and family neighborhoods. Locals who previously had to drive across town for their chicken-finger fix will now have a closer option, and that convenience is likely to make this site an instant hit.

The layout will cater to both dine-in and takeout crowds. Families can expect spacious seating, while students and younger diners will find the upbeat, casual vibe that makes Cane’s so popular. Parking is abundant, making it easier to grab lunch between errands or swing by after class.

What sets Cane’s apart in San Jose’s crowded dining scene is its simplicity. While other fast-food brands constantly expand their menus, Cane’s has doubled down on doing one thing well. That focus appeals to busy customers who know exactly what to expect: crispy chicken fingers, golden fries, and the famous Cane’s sauce.

For San Jose, a second location so soon after the first shows that demand is not just a fad. The city is California’s largest north of Los Angeles, and Cane’s clearly sees room for multiple sites. If the Evergreen location’s debut was any indication, the Capitol Square opening will be packed with students, coworkers, and families eager to make it their regular stop.

3. San Francisco, First City Location, Late Summer 2026

San Francisco is known for its diverse food culture, but Raising Cane’s has been a noticeable absence, until now. In late summer 2026, the city will finally welcome its first Cane’s inside Stonestown Galleria, a major shopping hub near San Francisco State University.

The choice of location says a lot about the brand’s ambitions. Stonestown is more than a mall; it is a gathering place for students, families, and neighborhood residents. With stores, cafés, and restaurants already drawing steady traffic, adding Cane’s to the mix is likely to boost footfall even further. The new restaurant will take over the space once occupied by McDonald’s, signaling a shift in what diners are seeking.

For students at SF State, this is especially big news. Dining options near campus can be limited, and a fast, affordable place like Cane’s is likely to become a go-to spot. Families shopping at the mall will also appreciate having a reliable comfort-food option, while workers in the area will find it a quick and satisfying lunch stop.

Local outlets such as the San Francisco Chronicle and SFGATE have already reported on the project, sparking excitement well ahead of the opening. Social media reaction has been particularly strong, with fans organizing group outings and expressing relief that they will no longer need to leave the city to enjoy Cane’s.

Like every Cane’s, the menu will remain consistent. That focus is part of the charm: crispy chicken, crinkle fries, buttered Texas toast, and creamy Cane’s sauce. While San Francisco’s food scene thrives on constant innovation, Cane’s offers comfort and reliability, a balance that may prove especially appealing in a fast-paced city environment.

When doors open in 2026, Stonestown’s Cane’s is expected to draw crowds from across the city, cementing the chain’s place in San Francisco’s food culture.

4. Berkeley, Following a Walgreens Closure

Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley is no stranger to change, and soon it will have a new tenant that reflects shifting dining trends. Raising Cane’s purchased the former Walgreens property at 2310 Telegraph Avenue for $12.7 million, with plans to convert the building into one of its signature restaurants.

The timeline is not as firm as the other locations, but city filings and local reporting suggest an opening around 2027. That may feel like a long wait, but anticipation is already building among UC Berkeley students and locals. The location is ideal: just steps from campus, positioned on a busy corner that sees steady foot traffic from morning to late night.

For students, Cane’s could quickly become a staple. Affordable, fast meals are always in demand, especially for those pulling late study sessions or looking for quick bites between classes. With a limited but reliable menu, Cane’s is well suited to serve the needs of a college town.

Plans submitted to the city show a redesign of the building, including bright signage and a welcoming storefront that will stand out among the mix of older and newer businesses on Telegraph. For longtime residents, the transformation from pharmacy to restaurant reflects the street’s ongoing evolution and the growing influence of national brands in Berkeley’s dining scene.

Industry outlets such as KTVU and SFGATE have confirmed the purchase and project details. With Raising Cane’s already established in other parts of the Bay Area, the Berkeley site will serve as the chain’s East Bay flagship. It also highlights how Cane’s is positioning itself strategically across the region, choosing spots with built-in audiences and high visibility.

By the time it opens, Berkeley’s Cane’s could easily become one of the busiest in the Bay Area. Its mix of affordability, convenience, and location makes it almost certain to draw lines of hungry students, faculty, and locals. The arrival of Cane’s on Telegraph Avenue is more than just another restaurant opening, it is a sign of how food culture continues to shape the identity of this college town.