Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers — Restaurant in Gardena

I’m writing to formally express my disappointment regarding the treatment I received at your location on May 2, 2025, at approximately 6:19 PM through the drive-thru. The cashier was listed as Marlyn, but the issue involved a staff member wearing a black outfit who was working the window at the time.

I’m a regular at this Cane’s—visiting 1 to 3 times per week—and have never had an issue before. On this visit, I ordered a large Fanta, clearly requested an upgrade, and stated I was happy to pay the difference. Instead of a simple acknowledgment, I was immediately met with attitude and passive-aggressive energy.

There was a line, but it wasn’t long. Despite that, the staff member tried to rush me to the pickup spots—even though the food was nearly ready—but I didn’t end up going because it simply wasn’t necessary.

I had asked for extra crispy chicken, which is a minor request that takes about 30 seconds. Yet I was treated as if I was being difficult. When I finally received the drink, it wasn’t a Fanta—it was sweet tea, which I’ve never ordered or consumed.

Because I wasn’t dressed to go inside, I circled back through the drive-thru and informed one of the workers outside that I was given the wrong drink and would wait in a pickup spot for the correct one. Instead, I was told I had to go through the entire line again—even though the error was on their part.

When I got back to the window, the same employee began arguing with me over the drink, insisting I was mistaken and would need to pay again if I wanted the correct one. I was shocked—not just at the defensiveness over a $2–$3 drink, but at the clear lack of professionalism. During this exchange, the manager and other staff stood idly by instead of stepping in to de-escalate.

To avoid further drama, I paid for a second drink—not because it was right, but because it was easier than continuing the back-and-forth. I also made it clear I would be filing a complaint, and her response made it clear she simply didn’t care.

This wasn’t just bad service—it felt personal. As a Black woman dressed casually (I work from home), I strongly suspect I was profiled and treated as if I’d cause a scene. The behavior was microaggressive, dismissive, and demeaning. She seemed more interested in provoking a reaction than resolving a simple issue.

To make things worse, I later got sick after eating the food. Given the level of hostility I experienced, I now feel uncomfortable returning to this location out of fear that my food might be tampered with.

I am requesting a full refund for this visit and have retained my receipt. I will also be filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and urge Raising Cane’s to take this seriously. Staff should be trained in conflict resolution, customer service, and implicit bias. And frankly, team culture needs improvement—especially if arguing with loyal customers over a soda...

I placed an online order because I knew the line would be long and the restaurant was probably busy. I drove to Canes right after placing the order, and it took me 10 minutes to get there. There was no parking in front, so I parked in the back and crossed the drive-through line to get inside. When I got to the counter, there were two cashiers: a pale woman and a young man. I gave them my name and my order number, and the guy turned around and mumbled something to the woman. She replied, "It's not ready, we are working on it." I sat across from them and waited since the place was full.

After 30 seconds, they placed a bag next to the other bag for online orders. I tried making eye contact to see if maybe it was my order, but they were both just looking down. So, I got on my phone and waited for 15 minutes. I was bothered that it had been too long, and I saw people who had ordered after me getting their food. So, I asked the young guy, "What's taking so long?" He asked me for my name again and walked back to the two bags that had been sitting there for the last 15 minutes and said, "Oh, this one is yours." He handed me the bag and a drink carrier with cups, but I had to pour my own drinks. I was not sure if that was standard for Canes, but if I order online, why ask what drink I want if I have to pour it myself on the lobby machine?

One of the drinks I ordered was an Arnold Palmer, but there was no lemonade in the lobby, only tea. So, I went back to the counter and waited for the pale woman to finish with her customer. I told her that one of my drinks was half lemonade, and she looked bothered, turned around, and asked someone else to help me. The other cashier poured half a cup of lemonade.

By the time I got home, the chicken was lukewarm, the fries were cold, and the toast was a cold, insipid, limp, buttery bread. I don't think I would ever go back to...

Edit: Like everywhere else, the prices have jumped and they've started skimping on sauce. $13 for a sandwich combo is just not right. Dropping 2 stars since I consider this to be overpriced.

Original review: Close second to Popeyes for the best chicken in SoCal fast food. Cane's is also a rare one for staying open nice and late, so I occasionally come here for late dinners on days where I need a calorie boost.

The prices are on the higher side ($11.73 after tax for a sandwich combo), but you definitely get what you pay for. Buttery buns, crispy tenders, amazing sauce, and pretty decent fries. I definitely recommend the Texas Toast as well.

Don't expect any variety in the menu - it's all chicken, fries, and bread. Four combos mix and match them in different ways. The upside to this is that there isn't a single bad item on the menu.

My only real complaint is that the fries sometimes seem a bit soggy, but it's never enough to take away all their crisp. The chicken more than makes up for it.

The service is pretty great, lots of friendly staff that make you feel welcome and appreciated. Thanks for the great...