By KEVIN CHIRI

Publisher

LAPLACE — The growth in St. John Parish has attracted another national food franchise, with confirmation that Raising Canes Chicken Fingers restaurant will build a store in LaPlace.

Raising Cane’s real estate director Rick Fuchs confirmed to L’Observateur that his company is currently in the process of obtaining their building permit for a store which will be located on the property at the intersection on Airline Highway, and Highway 51.

The property is owned by Daniel Becnel Jr., and the company will build their own store, but then lease the land and building from Becnel for $70,000 a year, according to Becnel.

&#8220Our company continues to expand, and after considering LaPlace, we view it as a growing part of the greater New Orleans area,” Fuchs said. &#8220We’re excited about having a store there very soon.”

Fuchs said his company is expecting to be open for business &#8220in the fourth quarter” of the year, although indications seem to show the early part of the fourth quarter since the building permit process will take 30 to 45 days, with construction starting immediately and taking approximately 100 days, according to Fuchs.

Raising Cane’s is a rapidly growing national franchise, now with stores in eight states.

Fuchs said the store prides itself on being a cut above your typical fast food stores.

&#8220We take great pride in having excellent service from our employees, highly trained employees, and a nice dining location,” he said.

The decision to come to LaPlace was due to the population in town, and an expansion from the New Orleans area.

&#8220We have expanded to Slidell and other areas around New Orleans, and after identifying the growth now and in the future for St. John Parish, saw it as a great spot for another store,” he added.