The scent of fried chicken tenders, crispy as an autumn leaf underfoot, is about to drift across Largo Plaza once again—but this time, it won’t be from a lobster tank. Raising Cane’s, the cult-favorite fast-food brand known for its addictive simplicity, is poised to open its fifth Tampa Bay location, and this one comes with a story of transformation, anticipation, and just a touch of suspense.
From Bankruptcy to Baskets of Chicken
In May 2024, Red Lobster—a familiar face on Ulmerton Road—locked its doors for the last time. A victim of a widespread bankruptcy that saw several locations shuttered, the restaurant left behind more than an empty building; it left behind a hunger.
But what once was still breathes. The 1.6-acre site at 10500 Ulmerton Road didn’t sit dormant for long. Enter Raising Cane’s, a brand with roots as spicy as its “Cane’s Sauce,” which quickly moved in, like a phoenix rising from a deep fryer.
Plans submitted to the Southwest Florida Water Management District on Tuesday confirmed it—Red Lobster’s shell of a structure will be razed, and in its place, a 2,683-square-foot Raising Cane’s will rise, complete with a dual-lane drive-thru to keep the chicken-hungry masses moving.
Raising Cane’s: Building an Empire One Tender at a Time
It all started back in 1996 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Since then, Raising Cane’s has become a national sensation by doing one thing—and doing it extraordinarily well: chicken fingers. Add in Texas toast, golden fries, crisp coleslaw, and their hypnotically good Cane’s Sauce, and you’ve got a fast-food formula that keeps fans lining up.
The Tampa Bay area’s relationship with Raising Cane’s is still young but growing quickly. The first Pinellas County location opened in Clearwater in 2023, replacing a former Village Inn at 2525 Gulf to Bay Blvd—a deal that cost the company $4.5 million. That was just the beginning.
Pinellas County: The New Hotbed for Hot Chicken
If you thought one location was enough, think again. Clearwater’s second restaurant popped up at 4835 East Bay Drive, bringing with it longer lines and even louder hype. Meanwhile, over in St. Petersburg, a new Cane’s is quietly rising from the pavement at Tyrone Square Mall, snuggled near Macy’s like a greasy secret waiting to be discovered.
In January 2025, Lutz in Pasco County got its taste with a location at 25952 FL-56, officially marking Raising Cane’s fourth outpost in the Tampa Bay area. Now, Largo’s turn has come—and fans couldn’t be more eager.
The Architects of Cravings: Behind the Build
The stage is being set. Kimley-Horn and Associates, seasoned engineers of commercial ambition, have laid out the plans, while PM Design, the architectural firm, shapes them into reality. The property’s owner, Weingarten Realty Investors—a Houston-based titan in real estate—already controls much of the Largo Mall surroundings, giving Raising Cane’s a solid foundation to flourish.
It’s not just a new place to grab a bite; it’s a part of a broader plan to revitalize Largo Plaza. As one familiar brand fades, another with deep Southern roots is planting a flag in Florida soil.
Why Raising Cane’s Works (And Why Largo’s Ready)
You can feel it in the air: that electric tingle when a small town gets something big. Largo may not be flashy like Miami or booming like Tampa, but it knows what it wants—and right now, that’s a box of crispy, golden chicken fingers that taste like comfort and nostalgia.
Raising Cane’s doesn’t overcomplicate things. That’s the secret. One core item, prepared perfectly. It’s a formula that seems to whisper in your ear: “Forget the frills. Come back to the basics.” And for many, that’s the exact recipe for addiction.
The Future’s Fried—and Glorious
There’s something poetic about a Red Lobster falling so a chicken tender kingdom can rise. It speaks to changing times, shifting tastes, and the evolution of American fast food. As Raising Cane’s prepares to break ground in Largo, locals will soon have another reason to roll down their car windows, inhale deeply, and smile.
So if you find yourself on Ulmerton Road, eyes scanning the horizon for that familiar red sign with a golden glow, don’t blink. Because what’s coming is more than just a new fast-food joint—it’s a phenomenon.
What’s Next in Tampa Bay’s Chicken War?
Will Chick-fil-A respond? Will Popeyes raise the heat? Or will Raising Cane’s quietly conquer, one buttery toast and one crispy tender at a time?
Stay tuned… because this isn’t the end. It’s just the beginning of something delicious.
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