Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
7651 Campbell Rd
Dallas, TX 75248
(972) 407-0007I saw this new fast food restaurant on the corner of Campbell and Coit, on my way to the local Home Depot. The parking lot looked almost full and the drive-thru had a line wrapping around the building, so I resolved to stop by before going back to work.
Well, I was pressed for time, so I decided to go through the drive-thru. I beheld their menu and thought: “Chicken fingers? That’s it?” Yep, that’s all you get. They had a chicken finger sandwich, but most of their combos was a variation on the theme of chicken-fingers-in-a-box. Six menu items, a small number of sides, standard fountain drinks, lemonade and sweet tea by the gallon. Okay, at least I’m not confronted by a multitude of choices…decisions, decisions, what do I get? Oh, the chicken fingers.
So I ordered my 3-finger combo, pulled up, was accosted by a cheery lady and my meal. Good thing they take plastic! But as I received my receipt, the window girl asks me to verify what I ordered…then proceeds to hand over another bag. Perplexed, I pulled out of the drive-thru and did a quick inspection: yep, 2 combo meals for the price of one. And no cole slaw. In either box.
I tried to back up to pull into a parking space, but I was already cut off by another vehicle behind me. My turning options were extremely limited, the parking lot was small, the road was narrow. So much for running in and returning the spare meal. Besides, I was already late for work.
So as I sat down in my cubicle to partake of the meal, my coworker remarked that Cane’s was “pretty good” chicken. The chicken was indeed tender and moist, and of a nice size and color. The batter was non-descript, lacking a crunch factor that might’ve improved the eating experience. The sauce seemed decent, a bit peppery, but nothing too impressive considering its mayo base. Much is written about how Cane’s ripped off their “secret sauce”…but really, who cares? It worked well with the crinkle fries (somewhat bland) and the chicken fingers. Did I mention those chicken fingers were moist and juicy? I’m happy to say it wasn’t overcooked and didn’t taste like it sat frozen overlong.
The success story behind Cane’s is probably what keeps this chain in business–I read on the net that this chain has over 50 locations in the US, mostly centered in Louisiana and the south. Limited menu options aside, Cane’s must be doing something right.
My rating: stars
