Early Life
Todd Bartlett Graves was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1972 and raised in Baton Rouge. He graduated from Episcopal High School in Baton Rouge and earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia.
Rise to Success
Graves' entrepreneurial journey began with a simple idea: a restaurant specializing in chicken fingers. Despite receiving the lowest grade in his business class and facing rejection from banks, Graves persisted. He worked as a boilermaker and commercial fisherman to fund his dream. In 1996, he opened the first Raising Cane's near Louisiana State University. The restaurant's popularity grew through a focus on quality, customer service, and community engagement. By 2025, Raising Cane's has expanded to over 900 locations across 42 states.
Key Business Strategies
Graves' key strategies include a limited menu, strong customer service, and a hands-on approach to management. He has resisted franchising, focusing instead on company-owned locations to maintain consistency. He also emphasizes employee satisfaction and community involvement. Graves has also leveraged social media and celebrity partnerships to promote the brand.
Philanthropy
Graves and Raising Cane's have contributed significantly to various charitable causes, donating over $140 million to causes including disaster relief and education. Initiatives include the "Plucking Hope" program, supporting disaster relief, and the Todd Graves Entrepreneur Scholarship at LSU. The company also has a "Cane's In The Community" program, encouraging employee volunteerism, and the Plush Puppy Program, which has raised over $2 million for pet welfare organizations.
