Construction fencing is up at the former Don Pablos restaurant building in Deptford, ahead of building demolition which is expected to start this week. A Raising Cane’s chicken finger restaurant was previously approved for the property, which we’ve covered extensively.
A contact closer to the project shared with me over the weekend that crews were expected to arrive today (Monday) to start the demolition. I waited to head over until this morning hoping to catch the demo “in-action” but nothing has started yet… maybe due to the crazy weather we were supposed to get today.
But as the title of the article says, the construction fencing is up and demolition should start very soon.
If you’re unfamiliar with the broader aspects of the story, Raising Cane’s is a growing chicken finger restaurant which is very popular to other parts of the USA, but are just recently being introduced to the Philadelphia and South Jersey markets.
Back in January of this year Deptford Planning approved the construction of the new Raising Cane’s fast food restaurant, which of course would require demolition of the Don Pablo’s building.
42Freeway is the only media outlet that has the site plan for the new location, which features 2 drive through lanes… that remain as two separate lanes all the way through the ordering and food receiving process. No “jam-ups” from merging two lanes into one at the windows.
There are other locations coming to South Jersey such as Marlton, Cherry Hill, Washington Township and Glassboro. 42Freeway has been on top of most of them, and I think no other outlet has actually reported on the Washington Township or Glassboro plans.
I’ll add that while plans for this Deptford Raising Cane’s have been widely reported, likely someone is going to ask “I thought this was going to be a Miller’s Ale House!”. But those plans for Millers were cancelled over the pandemic.
With plans for so many locations they cannot build them all at once. I’ve been to all of the sites recently, and my estimate is Cherry Hill and Marlton open first, and then Deptford. Washington Twp and Glassboro still need to head to the town’s Planning Boards.
Raising Cane’s Deptford Site Plan
The site plans obtained by 42Freeway show that the building will be developed in almost the exact same spot as the Don Pablo’s building, but significantly smaller.. sized as a fast-food restaurant.
The building will be developed to face Deptford Center Road and the dual lane drive-thru will run counter-clockwise around the building, with the drive-thru windows facing the Target parking lot.
The 2 acre property has plenty of room for parking, which is listed as 42 spaces. The site plan calls out that only 19 are required
The restaurant will also offer a small outdoor seating area in the front corner.
The existing entrance into the Don Pablo’s property from the Shopping Center access road near Applebee’s, will still be utilized but it appears they will be making it significantly wider. This main access is for cars entering AND leaving.
A second “exit only” will be added on the right side at the road closest to Target.
The Raising Cane’s “Caniacs” Experience
Last summer I visited the newly opened Raising Cane’s location in Center City Philadelphia to see what all of the fanaticism was all about!
Raising Cane’s is a premium chicken breast “finger” which is always made to order… and their chicken is hand-breaded and never frozen. Seriously they are only about chicken fingers. Deliciously tender chicken fingers.
And you won’t find a variety of sauces for your chicken fingers either as they carry their own special recipe sauce called Cane’s Sauce.
Trying out Raising Cane’s in Philadelphia PA. Fresh and tender chicken fingers and their amazing Cane’s sauce!
Based on internet lore and copy-cat recipes, the sauce appears to be based on; mayonnaise, ketchup, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. The Cane’s sauce recipe really is a secret though. It’s made fresh in the store but that responsibility is left with the store General Managers!
They also offer sides; Crinkle-Cut fries, Coleslaw and Texas Toast… and of course Cane’s Sauce.
If it’s your first time visiting, consider trying the Box Combo that has all of these items in the basket. But be warned.. it’s a LOT of food!
Don’t get me wrong, those sides are a very strong supporting cast, loved by Raising Cane’s fans as much as the tenders are.
Distinctive Raising Cane’s branding as shown in a Philadelphia PA location.
And the freshness theme carries through to the sides.
The coleslaw is made daily in each store. The fries are Grade A potatoes. And the Texas Toast starts with a pull-apart sesame seed bread that they add butter and garlic blend too, and toast on the flat-top griddle.
Links and Locations
Raising Cane’s Deptford– (Coming Soon)
1860 Deptford Center Rd
Deptford, NJ 08096
Raising Cane’s Corp Website
Raising Cane’s Corp Facebook
Raising Cane’s Philadelphia Walnut St (Open!)
3925 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19104
445-223-5133
Raising Cane’s Philadelphia Walnut Facebook