New Drive-Through Restaurant Planned by Raising Cane’s in Ocean County
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February 26, 2025New Drive-Through Restaurant Planned by Raising Cane’s in Ocean County
New Drive-Through Restaurant
Planned by Raising Cane’s
In the Brick Plaza shopping center, Raising Cane's, a fast-casual chain restaurant famous for its southern chicken dishes, intends to demolish an existing restaurant building and replace it with a new one that will accommodate drive-through lanes and on-site amenities.
The structure located in the plaza at 1036 Cedar Bridge Avenue, formerly occupied by Quaker Steak and Lube and Chevy’s Fresh Mex, is slated for demolition as part of a proposal that will be reviewed by the township’s zoning board next month.
As outlined in a submission to the township, Raising Cane’s intends to build a restaurant measuring approximately 3,333 square feet, complete with drive-thru lanes, parking facilities, and related enhancements, contingent upon the board's approval of the plan.
The proposal for Raising Cane’s requires approval from the zoning board members through a supermajority vote, as it necessitates a “D-3” variance. While the restaurant structure itself does not seem to pose significant zoning challenges, shopping centers are generally not allowed in the B-3 zone where the Brick Plaza is situated unless specific conditions are satisfied.
Although the plaza has been in existence for several decades, the establishment of a new restaurant is technically regarded as an expansion of a non-permitted use if all stipulated conditions—such as the requirement for a minimum front yard of 100 feet, with only 87 feet proposed—are not fulfilled.
The restaurant intends to request several minor "bulk" variances from the board concerning impervious building coverage, signage, and the designated entry point for garbage trucks, which is influenced by the facility's layout.
The proposed building coverage is set at 82 percent, which is only slightly less than the existing coverage of 82.1 percent observed during the operation of the previous restaurant. It is important to note that the ordinance typically restricts building coverage to a maximum of 65 percent.
With over 700 establishments, the fried chicken chain has predominantly functioned in the southern regions of the United States, but has recently expanded into South Jersey within the last two years. Raising Cane’s derives its name from “Cane,” the yellow Labrador retriever belonging to the founder, who also acts as the company’s mascot.
The menu offers a variety of southern-style chicken finger options, generous “tailgate” servings, fries, sides, and sandwiches. The establishment is also recognized for its signature iced tea recipe, which was highlighted in a national advertising campaign last summer featuring the rapper and actor Ice-T.
The zoning board hearing is scheduled for March 5, 2025, at 7 p.m. at the municipal complex of the township.
