The empty shell of a once-bustling Red Lobster on Ulmerton Road now waits in eerie silence, its signs faded, its parking lot cracked like an old sailor’s hands. But something is stirring in the bones of this seafood graveyard. Raising Cane’s, the Louisiana-born chicken empire, has chosen this very spot for its next conquest.
Yes, you heard that right—Raising Cane’s is setting up shop in Largo, Florida, where fried shrimp and cheddar biscuits once reigned. The demolition of the old seafood stronghold at 10500 Ulmerton Rd. in Largo Plaza marks a symbolic shift: from butter-drenched crustaceans to crispy chicken tenders slathered in signature Cane’s sauce. And not just any location—this one’s built for speed, with a double drive-thru sure to feed Tampa Bay’s ever-growing hunger for fast, flavorful fare.
A Bay Area Takeover in Slow Burn
Raising Cane’s isn’t new to the scene. With over 800 locations in 41 states, it has become something of a cult favorite, igniting regional cravings from coast to coast. But here in the Tampa Bay area, it’s been moving like a strategic shadow, opening quietly in Lutz, St. Pete, and Clearwater—twice.
This Largo location marks the fifth outpost and another step in the slow-burn takeover of the chicken tender market, a landscape already crowded with the likes of Chick-fil-A, PDQ, and Popeyes. But Raising Cane’s doesn’t come to compete. It comes to conquer—with simplicity.
The menu? Stripped down. No burgers, no wraps, no gimmicks. Just golden chicken tenders, buttery Texas toast, crinkle-cut fries, and that addictive Cane’s sauce. A formula so bold in its simplicity, it feels almost sinister.
The Legacy of Cane the Labrador
Now here’s where the story gets personal—and strangely heartwarming. The chain’s name isn’t just branding fluff. It’s a tribute to Cane, the Labrador Retriever that founder Todd Graves raised while building his chicken kingdom. That’s right, the soul of a dog watches over every Raising Cane’s, tail wagging in ghostly approval.
At every location, including this soon-to-open Largo spot, you’ll see tributes to Cane—photos, statues, and even plush versions. It’s a unique blend of brand loyalty and emotional nostalgia that few fast-food joints can replicate.
From Lobster Tails to Tailgates
If you listen closely, you might still hear the whisper of Red Lobster’s “Endless Shrimp” specials in the Largo breeze. But now, the air crackles with something new—anticipation. Locals passing by the former Red Lobster site are already buzzing. Some with curiosity. Some with hunger. Some with skepticism.
But all will come. Because Raising Cane’s isn’t just selling chicken—it’s selling ritual. The crunch of the first bite. The warm, greasy imprint of Texas toast on your napkin. The dunk into that orange-tinted elixir known only as Cane’s sauce. And now, Largo gets to experience it firsthand.
What to Expect at the Largo Location
Once construction clears the remnants of crustaceans past, Raising Cane’s will unveil a modern double drive-thru system designed for maximum speed and minimal wait. Expect lines—long ones. But the kind of lines people don’t mind standing in. Think midnight cravings, post-beach snack runs, and high schoolers comparing who can eat more toast in one sitting.
No official opening date has been announced, but based on the demolition timeline, locals can likely expect Cane’s to open its Largo doors in late 2025 or early 2026. And once it does, the game changes.
Follow the Flavor
Want to be among the first to know when Largo’s Raising Cane’s finally opens its drive-thru gates? Keep your eyes on the official website: www.raisingcanes.com and follow them on Instagram: @RaisingCanes for updates, contests, and behind-the-scenes peeks at construction.
And if you think this is just another chain moving in, think again. This is Raising Cane’s—and it’s here to stay.
The Hunger Is Just Beginning…
The closing of one restaurant often marks the quiet end of a story. But sometimes, it’s just the opening chapter of a better one. One with tenders, toast, and sauce so good it could haunt your dreams.
So, Largo, are you ready? Because Raising Cane’s is coming. And it’s bringing the hunger with it.
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