Cane’s Chicken Fingers is a popular fast food restaurant chain known for its breaded chicken fingers and signature dipping sauces. However, one menu item you won’t find at Cane’s is coleslaw. The simple answer is no, Cane’s does not offer coleslaw on their menu.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Cane’s menu and sides to understand why coleslaw is not offered. We’ll also look at some quick facts about Cane’s history and founders to provide context. Though coleslaw lovers may be disappointed, we’ll explain some of the reasoning behind Cane’s more limited menu.
About Cane’s Chicken Fingers
First, let’s start with some quick background on Cane’s Chicken Fingers:
– Cane’s was founded in Baton Rouge, Louisiana by Todd Graves and Craig Silvey in 1982. The first location opened in 1988.
– The restaurant is known for its signature chicken fingers, which are made from chicken breast fillets marinated in a secret recipe and breaded/fried fresh throughout the day.
– Cane’s offers only chicken fingers as its main entree. The simple, focused menu is inspired by founder Todd Graves’ goal to serve the “perfect chicken finger.”
– The chain now has over 500 locations in over 25 U.S. states, with international locations as well.
– Cane’s is privately held by founder Todd Graves, who maintains strict quality control standards. The chain has grown strategically over time.
So in summary, Cane’s specializes in chicken fingers and has resisted pressure to expand its offerings significantly. The limited menu remains core to its identity. Graves has said “We have no interest in fixing something that isn’t broken.”
Examining Cane’s Menu and Sides
Now that we know more about Cane’s origins and identity, we can take a closer look at their menu options:
Main Entrees
– The Chicken Finger Box: featuring 3 or 6 breaded chicken tenderloins served with fries, Texas toast, and Cole slaw. This is the core menu item.
– Chicken Finger Sandwich: chicken tenders served on a toasted bun with pickles and mayo. No coleslaw.
– Chicken Strip Salad: chicken tenders served on a bed of lettuce with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes and boiled egg. Does not include coleslaw.
Sides
– French Fries
– Texas Toast
– Side Salad
– Fried Pickles
– Baked Beans
– Rolls
Notice anything missing? No coleslaw on the sides menu either.
Signature Sauces
Cane’s does feature four signature dipping sauces:
– Cane’s Sauce: A tangy, peppery mayo-based sauce
– Cane’s Spicy Sauce: A spicier version of the tangy mayo sauce
– Honey Mustard: Sweet yellow mustard with honey
– Barbecue Sauce: Sweet, tangy and smoky barbecue sauce
Again, no coleslaw dressing offered.
Why Cane’s Doesn’t Offer Coleslaw
Based on a close examination of their menu, it is clear that coleslaw simply does not align with Cane’s simplified, focused menu offerings. Here are some likely reasons why coleslaw is not on the menu:
– **Limited menu** – Cane’s prides itself on perfecting a few core menu items, namely chicken fingers, fries, toast, and their signature sauces. Coleslaw doesn’t fit the mold as an essential side.
– **No other salad offerings** – Cane’s does not offer any other side salad options beyond their Side Salad. Adding coleslaw would be an anomaly.
– **Would slow down kitchen operations** – Cane’s kitchen is optimized to cook fresh chicken fingers quickly. Introducing coleslaw prep and storage may disrupt this efficient flow.
– **Doesn’t match brand identity** – Cane’s is known for chicken fingers, Texas toast, and Cane’s sauce. Coleslaw isn’t core to their identity and unique value proposition.
– **Founder Todd Graves prefers simplicity** – Graves has cited a “dedication to quality and simplicity” as reason for the limited menu. Coleslaw may make operations more complex.
So in summary, coleslaw just isn’t aligned with Cane’s simplified, freshly prepared menu and brand identity. The founder prefers to stay laser focused on perfecting what they do best – chicken fingers.
How Coleslaw Lovers Can Still Enjoy Cane’s
We’ve established that Cane’s just doesn’t sell coleslaw based on their unique business model. But if you really love coleslaw, there are still a few ways you can enjoy Cane’s while still getting your coleslaw fix:
– Order a side salad instead of fries and ask for extra ranch dressing. The ranch provides some creamy tang that may satisfy a coleslaw craving.
– Bring your own pre-packaged container of coleslaw from the grocery store to add to your meal.
– Visit a different quick service restaurant nearby before or after your Cane’s meal to order coleslaw a la carte.
– Substitute the Texas toast for an extra roll and use it to make a DIY chicken finger sandwich with coleslaw.
– Petition your local Cane’s to run periodic “Coleslaw Wendy’s” events allowing special orders of side coleslaw. Start a movement!
– Accept that Cane’s unique charm comes from its focused menu – enjoy the chicken fingers as they were meant to be experienced in their coleslaw-less glory.
So for coleslaw fans, it may take some creativity and flexibility to fully enjoy Cane’s. But there are ways to add coleslaw either through customization, substitution, or your own sourcing efforts.
The Verdict on Cane’s and Coleslaw
In conclusion, after a thorough investigation of Cane’s menu offerings, business model, and brand identity, we can definitively conclude that no, Cane’s does not offer coleslaw as a menu item. The reasons come down to Cane’s commitment to a simple, focused menu that aligns with its identity as a chicken finger specialist.
But just because coleslaw isn’t on the menu doesn’t mean we still can’t enjoy Cane’s signature fare. Coleslaw lovers have a few options to integrate their favored side into a Cane’s meal through creativity and customization. At the end of the day, Cane’s isn’t aiming to be everything to everyone – it strives to perfect one thing: chicken fingers. And for that singular, unfettered vision, we have founder Todd Graves to thank.
So while our search for coleslaw at Cane’s may have come up short, we walk away with a greater appreciation for the strategy and discipline required to build a brand focused on simplicity and quality. No coleslaw, no problem. Cane’s remains a go-to destination for crispy, craveable chicken fingers – coleslaw or no coleslaw.
Conclusion
In summary, Cane’s Chicken Fingers does not offer coleslaw as a menu item due to their focus on serving high quality chicken fingers and a few core sides. Their simplified menu and operations are not designed to accommodate additional salad offerings like coleslaw. While coleslaw lovers may be disappointed, there are creative ways they can integrate coleslaw into a Cane’s meal through customization and sourcing options. At the end of the day, Cane’s commitment to their specialized menu is what has allowed them to perfect their signature product and brand. So while you’ll have to get coleslaw elsewhere, Cane’s still provides a delicious, one-of-a-kind chicken finger experience for customers craving their crispy, juicy tenders.