Biography of Todd Graves: Founder & CEO of Raising
Cane's Chicken Fingers
Biography of Todd Graves:
The Early Life of Todd Graves
Todd Graves was born in New Orleans and raised in Baton
Rouge, Louisiana. His childhood was rooted in the vibrant culture of Louisiana,
a place that would later play a significant role in shaping his business. He
graduated from Episcopal High School in Baton Rouge, which marked the beginning
of his academic journey. Todd then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from the
University of Georgia, which would set the foundation for his entrepreneurial
future.
The Spark of an Idea
While attending Louisiana State University (LSU), Todd came
up with an idea that would change his life. He envisioned a restaurant that
focused solely on serving chicken fingers. However, when he presented his
business concept to a professor, it was met with skepticism, receiving the
lowest grade in the class. Undeterred, Todd faced challenges in securing
funding from banks, who also weren’t convinced by the concept. This rejection
didn’t stop him; instead, it pushed him to work odd jobs like salmon fishing
and working as a boilermaker to save up money for his dream.
Starting From Scratch
In 1996, Todd took a bold step by opening the first Raising
Cane’s Chicken Fingers restaurant near the North Gates of Louisiana State
University. With his savings and a small loan from the Small Business
Administration (SBA), he launched the business. Todd’s vision was simple but
unique—serve high-quality chicken fingers, fries, and a special dipping sauce
in a quick, casual setting. Despite the setbacks he faced early on, he remained
committed to his idea and worked tirelessly to make it a reality.
The First Restaurant
The first Raising Cane’s restaurant was a modest operation,
but it quickly gained attention for its focused menu and quality food. The
restaurant was named after Todd’s dog, Raising Cane I, which became a symbol of
the business's dedication to both quality and loyalty. The restaurant's success
grew slowly but steadily, eventually becoming a beloved local establishment.
Todd’s commitment to providing great customer service and a unique dining
experience helped establish the foundation for future growth.
Expanding the Business
As the success of the first Raising Cane’s location
continued, Todd set his sights on expansion. Over the next few years, the
business grew steadily, with new locations opening up across Louisiana. By
2022, Raising Cane’s had expanded to over 600 locations across the U.S. and
even into the Middle East. The brand’s unique focus on chicken fingers and its
consistent quality became its hallmark, distinguishing it from other fast-food
chains.
Building a Brand
Todd Graves was not only a business owner but a brand
builder. His focus on maintaining a consistent brand message of quality,
simplicity, and customer service helped Raising Cane’s become one of the most
recognizable fast-food chains in the country. The company’s emphasis on
community involvement and philanthropy also played a key role in building a
loyal customer base. Through clever marketing and Todd’s personal commitment to
the business, Raising Cane’s grew from a local favorite to a national phenomenon.
Biography of Todd Graves: Founder & CEO of Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers# startup#age#net worth#investor#Todd Graves story#Chicken Fingers restaurant
Recognition and Success
Todd’s hard work and innovative approach to the fast-food
industry earned him recognition from various business publications. He appeared
in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Inc., Rolling Stone, and USA Today, where he was
praised for his entrepreneurial spirit. He was also featured on several
television networks, including MSNBC, FOX, and CNN. Todd’s appearance on shows
like FOX's Secret Millionaire and Discovery’s Fast N’ Loud brought attention to
his success story and expanded the Raising Cane’s brand.
A Passion for Philanthropy
Beyond business, Todd Graves is deeply passionate about
philanthropy. He has used his platform and resources to support various causes,
particularly those that focus on helping local communities. Todd’s
philanthropic efforts have extended to disaster relief and supporting
educational initiatives. His focus on giving back has become a key aspect of
Raising Cane’s corporate culture, with the company regularly participating in
charitable events and supporting causes close to their mission.
Personal Life and Family
In 2000, Todd married Gwen Drain, a McDonald’s franchisee
who he had known since high school. Together, they have two daughters and make
their home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The family shares their life with Raising
Cane III, a yellow Labrador that was named after Todd’s original dog, Raising
Cane I, who inspired the brand. The Graves family’s roots in Louisiana and
their commitment to community reflect the values that Todd instilled in his
business.
An Impressive Collection
Todd Graves is also an avid collector with a passion for
history. He has loaned a 66-million-year-old triceratops skull to the Louisiana
Arts and Science Museum, showing his appreciation for rare artifacts.
Additionally, Todd owns the hearse that carried Martin Luther King, Jr. and has
loaned it to various exhibits across the country. His collection reflects his
deep appreciation for both history and culture, which aligns with the values of
Raising Cane’s.
Achieving Business Success
Raising Cane’s success continued to grow, with the company
reaching impressive milestones. As of January 2025, the company’s net worth is
estimated to be $9.5 billion, and Todd Graves’ personal wealth has catapulted
him into the list of the wealthiest people in the world. His journey from a
college student with a rejected business idea to the CEO of a
multi-billion-dollar company serves as a testament to his resilience and
dedication.
Todd Graves Today
As of today, Todd Graves continues to lead Raising Cane’s as
its CEO, overseeing the growth and direction of the company. He has expanded
his interests beyond business and into media, where he serves as the host of a
new series called Restaurant Recovery. This series, created with Kapil Mahendra
and Paul Beahan, aims to help struggling restaurants across the country by
providing them with support and resources. Todd’s combination of business
acumen and passion for helping others has allowed him to make a lasting impact
on the restaurant industry and beyond.
Timeline for story
1972 – Todd Graves is born in New Orleans, Louisiana.
1990s – Attends University of Georgia and Louisiana State
University (LSU).
1996 – Opens the first Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
restaurant in Baton Rouge.
2000 – Marries Gwen Drain, a McDonald’s franchisee, and they
have two daughters.
2005 – Expands Raising Cane’s to multiple locations across
Louisiana.
2022 – Raising Cane’s grows to over 600 locations across the
U.S. and the Middle East.
2025 – Raising Cane’s reaches a net worth of $9.5 billion,
and Todd becomes one of the wealthiest people in the world.
2025 – Todd Graves begins hosting Restaurant Recovery, a
series aimed at helping struggling restaurants.
