According to Louisiana State University, the idea for the concept came about when founder and CEO Todd Graves was a student at the school. He partnered with classmate Craig Silvey to create a business plan for a class assignment. The pair dreamed up a restaurant that only sold chicken fingers. Graves had great faith in the idea that to be successful, you don't have to have a large menu with an abundance of items. Instead, you just should do one thing and do it well (via Living New Orleans). Unfortunately, his professor didn't share his feelings. The pitch for what would one day become Raising Cane's got the lowest score in the class.