Raising Cane’s Leases Prime Corner in Chicago’s Fulton Market

A national chicken-fingers chain is taking a prime corner retail spot in Fulton Market.

Raising Cane’s leased the former home of Little Goat Diner at 820 West Randolph Street, Crain’s reported. A timeline for its opening hasn’t been disclosed, and the Louisiana-based restaurant hasn’t commented on the location.

Boka Restaurant Group co-CEOs Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm own the 8,800-square-foot property. Canvas Real Estate marketed it for lease.

Once open, this will be at least the chain’s fifth location in Chicago, joining existing outposts in Millennium Park, Wrigleyville, Lincoln Park and near Loyola University’s campus. Another location, at 564 West Taylor Street is listed as “coming soon” on the company’s website, with additional openings expected as part of an aggressive expansion plan.

Known for its simple menu featuring chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, coleslaw and Texas toast, Raising Cane’s will be a departure from the upscale dining options that have long defined Fulton Market’s Restaurant Row. The area, home to acclaimed spots like Nobu, Au Cheval and Girl & the Goat, has previously catered to high-end diners.

However, the district’s ongoing transformation — with thousands of apartments in development — has spurred demand for casual dining choices. Raising Cane’s expansion aligns with this shift, bringing another option to the evolving neighborhood.

Little Goat Diner, a concept from Boka Restaurant Group, relocated to Lakeview in 2023 after a decade in Fulton Market.

Raising Cane’s is the latest national retailer to set up shop in the trendy neighborhood.

Equinox Fitness leased 40,000 square feet at 919 West Fulton Street, which is being developed by Fulton Street Companies in partnership with JDL Development and Shanna Khan. Gibsons Restaurant Group is also set to open a location in the same building.

—Rachel Stone