Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers opened its 58th Ohio restaurant in Alliance

• Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers celebrated its new Alliance location, second one in Stark County, on Tuesday.

ALLIANCE ‒ Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers celebrated its newest Stark County location this week.

The chain based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, that specializes in chicken strips, cole slaw, crinkle cut fries and sweet tea opened its restaurant Tuesday in Alliance at 2461 W. State St.

The crowd on hand throughout the day showed that hundreds of people were excited the eatery has opened in the Carnation City.

It marks the company's 58th location in Ohio.

"The reception and the excitement from the community has been incredible all week," said Justin Pesicek, the company's area restaurant leader.

At least 200 people, he said, were already waiting to partake in the celebration when doors opened at 10 a.m., following a ribbon-cutting ceremony and prize giveaways. The first 100 customers received a Raising Cane's hat and a card for combo meal at their next visit.

Alliance police helped control traffic flow in and around the restaurant.

Prior to opening, the restaurant also awarded 20 customers - randomly selected - with free Raising Cane's for a year.

Karen Jenkins of Uniontown said her 17-year-old son, Camden, was one of the lucky winner. "I had to come and sign for it," she said, and stayed to have lunch.

Jenkins and other customers liked a feature that does not exist at the other Stark County location, in the Belden Village area of Jackson Township − a patio. The outside dining area is shaded and wraps partially around the restaurant, in a L-shape.

It also has a manned drive-through with two lanes, which is another difference.

"It's really nice," Jenkins said.

Alliance residents Kahla Wise, 27, and Alyssa Hawkins, 28, enjoyed their lunch break Tuesday at the new Raising Cane's. Both mothers, the women said the restaurant was a "pretty good addition" to the community and offered them another fast-food option for their children.

The Alliance location will operate from 10 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. In addition to dine-in and carry-out options, customers can order Cane's online or on the mobile app.

Bob McNutt, 79, of Sebring and his sister-in-law, Jane Williams, 80, of Alliance, also had some lunch at the new Raising Cane's, sitting outside. "Their decibel levels," inside were a little too high for them, and a comfortable breeze suited them fine.

McNutt previously ate at the Jackson Township location. It was a first-time experience for Williams on Tuesday and she enjoyed it.

"It was very good," Williams said.

Reach Benjamin Duer at 330-580-8567 or ben.duer@cantonrep.com. On X (formerly Twitter): @bduerREP