Early Life
Todd Bartlett Graves was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1972, and was raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He graduated from Episcopal School of Baton Rouge and earned a bachelor's degree in telecommunications from the University of Georgia in 1994. Graves also developed an interest in entrepreneurship during his college years.
Rise to Success
Graves founded Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers in 1996 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He and his friend, Craig Silvey, used a business plan developed for a class at LSU to start the business. Graves faced initial skepticism from investors, and his business plan received the lowest grade in the class. To fund the venture, Graves worked grueling jobs, including as a boilermaker and commercial salmon fisherman. Despite early financial challenges, Graves persisted and opened the first Raising Cane's near the LSU campus. The company has since expanded to nearly 1,000 restaurants.
Key Business Strategies
Graves' strategy focused on a simple menu, specializing in chicken fingers, which allowed the company to concentrate on quality, consistency, and speed. He emphasized a playful brand personality, distinctive store designs, and strong local marketing, avoiding franchising for many years to preserve quality standards. His focus on a simple, yet quality product has been a key driver in the company's success.
Philanthropy
Graves is actively involved in philanthropy, supporting educational initiatives, healthcare, and animal welfare. Raising Cane's has donated more than $140 million to local communities over the past 28 years and will give back more than $28 million this year alone.