For 16 years, The Dallas Morning News has honored the Top Workplaces in Dallas-Fort Worth. During that time, 108 companies have appeared on the list more than once. But only one business — Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers — has been honored all 16 years.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based Raising Cane’s (a fast-food chain known for its chicken, crinkle-cut fries and tangy Cane’s Sauce) placed 15th in the large companies category this year. That was up from No. 21 in 2023 and No. 27 the year before. By all accounts, the chain’s consistent appearance on the winners list is due to its popularity with customers — and employees.
Founded by entrepreneur Todd Graves, the company began with a single location near the campus of Louisiana State University in 1996. Graves named the company after his beloved yellow Lab, Raising Cane. The chain has since grown to include more than 820 restaurants, 52,000 employees and a record $3.7 billion in net sales in 2023.
“We have one love — craveable chicken finger meals — and we use only the highest-quality ingredients with a handmade, cook-to-order system that ensures craveable chicken finger meals, served hot and fresh, while having fun,” the company noted.
In Dallas-Fort Worth, Raising Cane’s has 68 locations and 5,455 employees. Its restaurant support office has been located in Plano for 15 years. There are other strong local connections as well. Graves reportedly bought a multimillion-dollar penthouse on Knox Street in Dallas, and his celebrity connections include Texas singer Post Malone, who partnered with the fast-food chain on a Post Malone/Dallas Cowboys-themed Raising Cane’s restaurant on Dallas’ West Northwest Highway.
Raising Cane’s said it offers its employees flexible scheduling, paid holidays and vacation time, plus a “fun” atmosphere including disco balls, classic memorabilia and velvet Elvis paintings. It provides workers with tuition reimbursement, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) with employer match, a training program for restaurant leaders and $10,000 toward closing costs for restaurant leaders buying a home. Other available benefits include pet insurance, health insurance and 100% company-paid life insurance.
In addition, the company supports more than 30,000 local organizations in its communities each year, focusing on the likes of education, feeding the hungry, entrepreneurship and pet welfare. D-FW employees told us they like the chain’s welcoming, caring environment. “You feel valued here, and it drives you to contribute,” said one. Added another, “I am paid well and surrounded by positive people.” Long-term, the perennial Top Workplaces winner said it aims to have 1,600 restaurants and $10 billion in annual sales.
The distinguished dozen
Other Top Workplaces repeat winners include:
15-time winners
American National Bank of Texas
Hill & Wilkinson
Systemware Inc.
14-time winner
Scott + Reid General Contractors Inc.
13-time winner
Jack Henry
Huffines Auto Dealerships
Merit Energy Company
PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company
Pariveda
12-time winner
Century 21 Judge Fite Company
Texas Health Resources
New York Life Insurance Company