Frederick County is getting its first Raising Cane’s, which marks yet another step towards a potential Montgomery County location. Site plans confirm that the Applebee’s at 5613 Spectrum Drive, near the Francis Scott Key Mall, will be demolished to make way for a new 3,300 SF Raising Cane’s with a drive-thru, according to Frederick City Media.
Per the report, it remains unclear is when the Applebee’s will close, whether it plans to relocate elsewhere in Frederick, and when construction on the new restaurant will begin. The addition of Raising Cane’s continues the chain’s steady expansion into Maryland. The Louisiana-based company, known for its chicken finger-focused menu, first entered the state in 2023 with a location in Towson. Since then, restaurants have opened in Westminster, Waldorf, and Columbia, with additional sites announced across Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, and Howard counties. A Montgomery County location is not currently in the plans.
The Frederick location will introduce Cane’s signature lineup of chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, Texas toast, Cane’s Sauce, and sweet tea to a new customer base. Like many nationwide chains expanding into new markets, the arrival has sparked both excitement and criticism. Since entering Maryland just a few years ago, Raising Cane’s has built a loyal following with its streamlined menu and focus on drive-thru service. Located in a high-traffic retail corridor near the Francis Scott Key Mall, the Spectrum Drive restaurant is expected to draw large crowds when it opens.
