Joshua Prevette
palmettoreport@gmail.com

(Rock Hill, S.C.) — The opening of Raising Cane’s in Rock Hill was something many people in the Carolinas had been looking forward to for weeks, but not everyone was pleased.

The brand that is widely known for its chicken tenders and famous sauce, drew hundreds of people to the grand opening of the new location, on Dave Lyle Boulevard Feb. 24, just to get a bite.

The event, which featured a festive atmosphere including music and a DJ, even saw some customers travel and camp out overnight to be first in line.

However, one organization, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, did not let the opening go quietly or without resistance.

PETA’s infamous “Hell on Wheels” chicken truck also made an appearance at the Raising Cane’s opening.

The truck is a life-size replica of a chicken transport truck, which features the sound of “real, high-volume recordings of chickens’ cries,” according to a press release.

DeLana Barrett, a manager of demonstration campaigns with PETA, said it was important for the group to be there to protest.

“Raising Cane’s celebration neglects to mention the billions of chickens suffering on overcrowded, filthy factory farms and are violently killed at slaughter houses at just six-weeks old before they end up in a fast food bag,” Barrett said.

“No secret sauce can hide the cruelty that’s in every single bag of chicken that Raising Cane’s sells. The solution is simple: to go vegan.”

The “Hell on Wheels” truck has visited more than 140 cities since 2022.

Despite the resistance from PETA, Raising Cane’s remains a popular spot in Rock Hill since its opening.