CHUBBUCK — More than 200 area residents packed a parking lot Tuesday morning for a block party marking the grand opening of Raising Cane’s new location at 4310 Yellowstone Ave.

Hundreds gathered to get a taste of the chain’s chicken finger meals and signature dipping sauce, with music and festivities filling the lot throughout the morning.

“I’m excited to open the first Raising Cane’s in Chubbuck and fourth in the state of Idaho,” said Raising Cane’s founder Todd Graves. “We opened our first Idaho restaurant in Meridian in November of last year, followed by Twin Falls in January and Coeur d’Alene earlier this month, and are pleased to now bring Raising Cane’s to Chubbuck. Our crew are looking forward to opening our doors and serving craveable chicken finger meals to this great community.”

Local resident Tyler Durfee was the first customer through the door after camping outside the new location for nearly 48 hours — earning him the event’s grand prize.

“I’m 20 and I figured that it’s my time to do something cool for once,” Durfee said. “I also thought it’d be fun to make some friends and memories.”

Durfee received a warm welcome from the Chubbuck crew along with a one-of-a-kind gift basket.

“It felt really good,” Durfee said. “It almost felt like I was in a movie. I was just all smiles.”

Raising Cane’s offered a variety of promotions and giveaways, including a “Lucky 20” drawing awarding 20 customers free Cane’s for a year. The first 100 customers to purchase combo meals also received a Cane’s-branded trucker hat and a free box combo card for a future visit.

The community turned out in force, with performances from the Idaho State University cheer and dance teams and an appearance from mascot Benny the Bengal. The Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony before the doors officially opened.

In keeping with its commitment to community involvement, Raising Cane’s presented School District 25 with a $1,000 check. Idaho Coffee Company was also on site providing free drinks, with its own sasquatch mascot entertaining the crowd.

Inside, customers can browse a collection of local memorabilia featuring items from Highland and Pocatello high schools and Idaho State University. The décor also highlights regional history and Idaho’s outdoor lifestyle, alongside tributes to local figures and area sports teams.

Jomel Prado, Raising Cane’s area leader of marketing, said he is excited to bring the restaurant’s community engagement to Chubbuck.

“Cane’s is not just a chicken finger restaurant — it’s the community’s restaurant,” Prado said. “We love to support the community — from education to an active lifestyle, as well as pet welfare. We want to thank the community for coming out. You guys really showed out. We were so glad to partner with the Idaho State cheer and dance team, as well as Idaho Coffee Company. We just want to say thank you for coming out.”