Raising Cane’s Fairfield Location Grand Opening Causes Major Traffic Jam; Paramus Location Under Review

Raising Cane's opened in Fairfield on Feb. 3. Traffic jammed up. Police warned drivers during lunch.

The Fairfield Police Department directed drivers to use certain entry points and told motorists to listen to officers at the scene. Instructions came through the department's Facebook page: "From Route 46 West: Enter at the driveway to Jose Tejas, then follow the designated traffic pattern." Drivers coming from Two Bridges Road got similar directions.

The chicken chain began in Louisiana back in 1996. Since then, it has spread across New Jersey and New York, opening its first New York City spot in summer 2023.

Burlington Township got the first New Jersey location in 2024. The brand added eight more after that.

During its Jan. 29 meeting, the Paramus Planning Board heard an application for a potential Bergen County spot. The proposed restaurant might open at the old Stickley Furniture site.

Nine locations now operate in New Jersey, with shops in Cherry Hill, Edison, Brick Township, Glassboro, Deptford, Marlton, Turnersville, and now Fairfield.

Traffic control became necessary around the Fairfield site when customers swarmed in. Police funneled vehicles through certain entry points to manage the flood of cars trying to get in.

The chain has built a following over the years with its chicken finger menu, which keeps things simple. New openings often bring lines and traffic jams as customers wait to try what they've heard about.

The Paramus proposal could add another spot to North Jersey. Board members reviewed the application, but no decision has been made public yet.

Police stayed at the Fairfield site all day during the opening. Officers worked to keep cars moving and prevent pileups on main roads, directing traffic as waves of customers arrived.