PEORIA, Ill. — Construction is officially underway for a new Raising Cane’s restaurant in Peoria, Illinois. The location will replace the vacant Firestone building on North Sterling Avenue. Currently, construction crews are demolishing the old building, which has sat empty for several years, to make way for the popular fast-food chain known for its chicken fingers.

The new Raising Cane’s will be situated in the Northwoods Mall parking lot, providing convenient access for both mall visitors and local residents. The project is being spearheaded by Quattro Development, a well-known name in commercial real estate. The development is expected to breathe new life into the area, replacing an unused structure with a vibrant new business.

According to Andre Allen, a member of the 4th District City Council, the idea of bringing Raising Cane’s to Peoria has been in the works since August 2024. He expressed his enthusiasm for the positive economic impact the new restaurant will bring to the area.

“Any time that you can bring in a nationally recognized franchise like a Raising Cane’s to District 4 in the city of Peoria demonstrates that business is welcomed here,” Allen said. “It’ll be great. They’ll generate jobs, they’ll generate sales tax, and generate vibrancy for District 4 in the city of Peoria.”

The addition of Raising Cane’s is expected to not only create numerous job opportunities but also provide a boost to the local economy through increased sales tax revenue. Allen believes the new restaurant will attract customers from both Peoria and surrounding areas, helping revitalize the district and enhance the vibrancy of the local business landscape.

Construction for the new restaurant is progressing, and the team behind the project expects the build to be completed by late winter or early spring of 2025, depending on the weather. Local officials are hopeful that the opening of the new Raising Cane’s will be a catalyst for further development and investment in the area.

A Boost for Peoria’s Economy

The arrival of Raising Cane’s in Peoria is a significant step in the city’s ongoing efforts to expand its dining and retail options. With a popular franchise like Raising Cane’s taking up residence in the Northwoods Mall parking lot, there is optimism that the restaurant will attract even more customers to the mall and surrounding businesses.

Quattro Development has a strong track record of creating successful commercial spaces, and their leadership in this project gives confidence that the new Raising Cane’s will not only meet the expectations of Peoria residents but also exceed them. As the construction continues, the community remains excited about the possibilities the new restaurant brings.

The Raising Cane’s will offer a range of jobs to the local community, from restaurant staff to managerial positions, providing valuable employment opportunities to area residents. Additionally, with the restaurant opening in a prime location, it is expected to draw in large crowds from both Peoria and neighboring cities.

Looking Ahead: A Positive Impact for Peoria

As the project moves forward, many residents are hopeful that this new addition will serve as a symbol of positive growth in Peoria’s business community. Beyond the job creation and revenue generation, Raising Cane’s could also inspire other companies to invest in the area, further boosting the district’s economy and contributing to its overall vibrancy.

For now, construction continues on the site, and local leaders remain eager to see the finished product—an exciting new addition to Peoria’s landscape that will likely have a long-lasting impact on the community. The opening of Raising Cane’s is just the beginning of what could be a new chapter in the city’s development, offering a much-needed boost to both the economy and the local business scene.

Peoria residents can look forward to enjoying their favorite Raising Cane’s menu items while also supporting local businesses and jobs in their community. The project marks an exciting step forward for the city, and many are eager to see what else the future holds for the region.

Originally reported by Maggie Minton in CI Proud.