Bobcats are flocking to the newest restaurant on campus, Raising Cane’s Chicken Tenders, located on Court Street directly across College Green. The restaurant opened Oct. 7 with long lines flowing out of the door, showcasing a promising start for the business. However, this level of popularity may not remain, considering the various chicken-based restaurants that occupy both on and off-campus locations in Athens, Ohio. All of which are successful in their own accord.
Wings Over Athens, located at 33 N. Court St., is certainly open the latest, giving it a competitive edge against its rivals with its 1 a.m. closing time Monday through Wednesday and Sunday and its 3 a.m. closing time Thursday through Saturday.
Meanwhile, restaurants like Miller’s Chicken at 235 W. State St. and Shade at 994 E. State St. offer a local alternative for those who are hoping to support smaller businesses in the Athens or the Southeast Ohio area.
Supporting local businesses not only provides an economic benefit but also fosters a strong sense of community and togetherness. This has become increasingly popular within the past couple of years, with hashtags such as #localbusinesses frequenting media platforms like TikTok, Instagram and more. Pairing this mindfulness with their delicious cuisine offers a more personal touch that resonates with many customers of Miller’s Chicken and Shade.
It would be somewhat of a disservice to the residents of Ohio University to forget the staple where many students begin, Earl’s Coop, which is located in the heart of East Green as a part of OU Culinary Services. The restaurant serves as an alternative to the Nelson Commons and The District on West Green dining halls, accepting one swipe as a form of payment for a box filled with chicken tenders and sides.
For freshmen and sophomores still residing in dormitories, this level of convenience is unparalleled in terms of location and finances. Additionally, Earl’s offers a more flexible schedule for busy underclassmen, closing at midnight Monday through Thursday, as opposed to the 9 p.m. closing time for Nelson Monday through Sunday and the 8:30 p.m. closing time Saturday and Sunday for The District.
With such a fierce and populated market for chicken consumers in Athens, Raising Cane's may not be able to keep up with the competition. The restaurant chain had a record-breaking year in 2024, opening an impressive total of 118 restaurants and is only hoping to keep that momentum going.
It’s also worth noting the persistent buzz amongst students impatiently awaiting the opening, which manifested itself in formidably lengthy lines throughout its first day of business. To help get the ball rolling, Raising Cane’s offered merchandise and a raffle for twelve months of free Raising Cane’s to some of those who were waiting in line, setting the tone for a successful year to come.
If the increasing popularity of Raising Cane’s and its prosperous opening ceremony are any indication, I would have to say that it is safe to assume the restaurant will perform well on campus against all odds. While each establishment seems to have its niché, Raising Cane’s will surely find their own spot amongst the competition if their passionate customer support continues. However, only time and the citizens of Athens will determine which restaurant or restaurants come out on top of the pecking order.
Layla Vinson is a junior studying journalism and English - creative writing at Ohio University. Please note the opinions expressed in this column do not represent those of The Post. Want to talk to Layla about their column? Email them at lv861322@ohio.edu.
