Raising Cane’s on pace to open in 2027

Commissioners reveal fast food, cannabis shop and housing plans

Raising Cane’s is on track to open in Mount Pleasant, after the city’s planning commission approved its Special Use Permit on Thursday, Oct. 8, at the city hall chambers.

The commission discussed two licenses for two different stores, Raising Cane’s and White Ash cannabis. They also talked about more housing in the city.

The Director of the Planning & Community Development, Manuela Powidayko, presented the plan for the Raising Cane’s restaurant, scheduled to open in 2027.

All commissioners approved the chicken restaurant.

Raising Cane’s will also be built on Mission Street and with several drive-thrus and mobile pickup spots. The restaurant plans to stay open as late as 3 a.m.

Mount Pleasant resident Joseph Carreon said that the new spot, on the West side of Mission Street, will fix a problem that the 7Brew drive thru causes.

Carreon, who only rides a bike, said 7Brew creates long lines on the East side of Mission Street, which blocks the sidewalks. From that additional traffic, he said the road becomes more dangerous for cyclists.

“A (bike) crash on East Campus is much less deadly than a crash on Mission Street,” he said.

Carreon was the only one to address the planning commissioners during public comments after the presentation. He said he hopes the restaurant’s construction and plan includes local cyclists so there’s a lower chance for bike crashes.

“I didn’t want to stop the project, but I did notice that there was a section of the property that could easily be expanded without any harm to slowing down the project,” Carreon said. 

Despite this, Carreon said he is excited for the Raising Cane’s to come to Mount Pleasant.

“I’m gonna be there day one,” he said. “I’m originally from Texas, Raising Cane’s is not new to me.”

Also, a new White Ash Cannabis store was granted a Special Use Permit to move into the Northside of Fancher Street.

Powidayko also said the city is trying to create more affordable housing that would attract people to stay after college.

“We’re trying to get more construction of housing, and then also deepen the affordability of units by increasing the inventory and also the types of buildings that could be built,” she said. “All the way from family homes to duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes.”

Powidayko said that there are more home-buyers than houses, creating a scarcity and rising the values of houses. 

“Very good for people that are selling,” she said. “They can increase their prices, and they’re likely gonna be able to sell, but very hard for folks that need housing and are trying to buy rent.”

The planning commission will meet next on Nov. 5 at city hall.