For years, Southwest Florida residents have been asking the same question: When is Raising Cane's coming to Fort Myers?
That long-awaited possibility appears to be moving one step closer. Recent development applications and permitting activity indicate that a Raising Cane's restaurant has been proposed for 13186 S. Cleveland Avenue (U.S. 41) in Fort Myers, at the former Lone Star Steakhouse property near Cypress Lake Drive.
While the project still requires approvals and no construction timeline has been announced, the proposal has generated significant excitement among local residents.
Proposed Location
The proposed restaurant would be located at:
13186 S. Cleveland Avenue
Fort Myers, Florida 33907
The site sits at one of Lee County's busiest commercial intersections, where approximately 122,000 vehicles travel through the area each day. Its highly visible location along U.S. 41 makes it an attractive destination for a national restaurant chain.
The former Lone Star Steakhouse building has already been demolished, and the property has been cleared for future redevelopment.
Where the Project Stands
As of June 2026, the proposed Raising Cane's location remains in the planning and permitting process.
Current publicly available development information indicates:
- Development plans are under review.
- The site has been cleared for redevelopment.
- No official construction start date has been announced.
- No opening date has been released.
- Final approvals are still pending.
Although the company has expressed interest in expanding into the region, projects of this type can evolve as they move through the local review process.
Why This Location Makes Sense
The proposed site places Raising Cane's in one of the busiest retail corridors in Southwest Florida.
Nearby you'll find:
- Major shopping centers
- Grocery stores
- Hotels
- Medical offices
- Florida SouthWestern State College
- Bell Tower Shops
- Residential neighborhoods
- High daily commuter traffic
The combination of heavy traffic and nearby residential and commercial development makes the location a natural fit for a quick-service restaurant.
What Is Raising Cane's?
Founded in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Raising Cane's has built a loyal following by focusing on a simple menu centered around fresh chicken fingers.
Its signature menu includes:
- Chicken Fingers
- Crinkle-Cut Fries
- Texas Toast
- Coleslaw
- Cane's Sauce
- Fresh-squeezed lemonade and iced tea
Rather than offering an extensive menu, the company has become known for doing a small number of items exceptionally well.
Florida Expansion Continues
Raising Cane's has been steadily expanding throughout Florida in recent years.
New restaurants have opened in several markets across the state, while additional locations continue moving through planning and construction.
If the Fort Myers proposal is approved and completed, it would become the first Raising Cane's location in Southwest Florida, giving local residents a popular dining option that currently requires a drive to other parts of the state.
Competition in the Chicken Sandwich and Finger Market
Southwest Florida already has several popular chicken-focused restaurants, including:
- Chick-fil-A
- Huey Magoo's
- PDQ
- Bojangles (expanding into Florida)
- Zaxby's in nearby markets
Adding Raising Cane's would bring another nationally recognized brand into the growing fast-casual dining scene and offer consumers even more choices.
A Sign of Continued Growth
The proposed restaurant is also another example of the continued commercial investment taking place throughout Lee County.
As Southwest Florida's population grows, national retailers and restaurant chains continue identifying the region as an attractive market for expansion. High-traffic corridors like U.S. 41 remain prime locations for new development due to their visibility, accessibility, and growing customer base.
Projects like this reflect the area's increasing appeal to both businesses and residents.
Looking Ahead
For now, Raising Cane's remains a proposed project, and several steps remain before construction can begin. Development plans, permitting, timelines, and tenant announcements can change as projects move through the approval process.
Still, for the many Southwest Florida residents who have been hoping for a Raising Cane's closer to home, this proposal marks an encouraging step toward making that possibility a reality.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available development applications, planning documents, media reports, and company announcements available as of June 2026. Proposed projects, approvals, construction timelines, opening dates, and tenant plans may change, be delayed, or be canceled before completion.