Popular chicken restaurant Raising Cane’s officially opened its doors in Fort Worth Wednesday.

The new restaurant is located at 5729 S. Hulen St. and marks the 111th store for the chain.

The grand opening festivities kicked off at 9:30 a.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony by the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. Mayor Pro Tem Zim Zimmerman had the honor of cutting the ribbon.

Don Helm, life member of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, said Fort Worth was very excited to welcome Cane’s to the city.

“I think [Cane’s] is going to bring a spirit that is unlike any restaurant,” Helm said. “Fort Worth is not a geographic place. It’s an attitude place.”

The Raising Cane’s crew showed an attitude unlike many restaurants.

Prior to opening for business, the employees joined together in a traditional Raising Cane’s chant. The whole crew shouted about their love for Cane’s and chicken.

The restaurant’s motto is “One Love.” Love for what? Chicken, of course.  

Many Fort Worth residents shared the love for Cane’s and its chicken. A line of nearly 30 people braved the rain Wednesday while waiting for the restaurant to open its doors.

The first 100 customers received free Cane’s T-shirts and vouchers for free combos at their next visit. The restaurant also gave away cups of sweet tea to those waiting in line.

Jeff McNair showed up at Cane’s to get in line at 6:45 a.m. He purchased the restaurant’s first meal.

“Right now it’s kind of hard for me to express my feelings about it because I’m so tired, but I am thrilled about it,” McNair said.

Ironically, McNair had never even tried Cane’s before Wednesday morning. He said the food was delicious and worth the wait.

As a token of appreciation, Cane’s presented McNair with a gift basket that contained Cane’s memorabilia.

General Manager Taylor Sturgis said the opening of his restaurant was almost surreal to him.

The chain created 65 new jobs for the city of Fort Worth and has been hiring employees for the past two months, Sturgis said. He also said more than 300 people applied to work at the restaurant.

“Our main goal is just to have a blast and serve the people of Fort Worth,” Sturgis said.

Raising Cane’s will open two more locations in Tarrant County by the end of the year, Assistant Marketing Manager Ben Allison said. One store will be located on University Drive in Fort Worth and the other will be located in Arlington.

TCU students should expect the University location to open close to dead days in December, Allison said.