A popular fast food chain specializing in chicken fingers has opened its first location in South-Central Pennsylvania. Raising Cane's began operations in Lower Paxton Township, Dauphin County, near Harrisburg, on May 6, 2025.
The new restaurant is located at 5040 Jonestown Road in Lower Paxton Township within the Colonial Commons shopping center. Its menu features the ONE LOVE chicken finger meals, which include cooked-to-order chicken fingers, Cane's sauce, crinkle-cut fries, buttery toast, and coleslaw.
This opening is part of a larger expansion push by the company. Raising Cane's stated it is "actively exploring opportunities" to bring its brand to other areas in Central Pennsylvania, including Hanover.
Previous discussions during an April 16, 2025 conditional use hearing regarding a proposed hotel hinted at Raising Cane's interest in a site in Hanover. This potential location is reportedly at the site of an upcoming Wawa.
The specific Hanover property is a vacant Rite Aid building at 301 Eisenhower Drive. Plans for the site include the possibility of a quick service restaurant joining the Wawa on the 3.5-acre parcel slated for redevelopment.
Raising Cane's, founded in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1996, is one of the faster-growing restaurant brands in the country. As of 2025, it has more than 900 locations in over 40 states. The company plans to open more than 100 new locations by the end of the year as it increases its presence nationwide, aiming to become one of the top 10 restaurant brands in the United States.
The new Lower Paxton Township location features a double lane drive-through and incorporates local nods to Harrisburg inside the eatery. It is open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to midnight and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Crowds gathered early for the grand opening celebration at the new Raising Cane’s location in Lower Paxton Township.
A recent taste test reviewed the Raising Cane’s chicken sandwich, which consists of chicken fingers on a bun. The review described the chicken tenders as juicy with a tasty breaded coating and a buttery flavor, giving the sandwich a B+ rating.
Dan Moskovich, Area Leader of Restaurants, commented on the opening. "As someone who calls Harrisburg home, I appreciate the warmth and spirit of this community," Moskovich said. "We're ready to bring our fresh, craveable Chicken Finger meals and signature Cane's vibe to Harrisburg and the surrounding area."
