Raising Cane’s recently hosted its annual Canecún Conference at the Moon Palace Resort in Cancun, where over 3,000 Raising Cane’s leaders and their significant others gathered for an all-expenses-paid trip. The event, designed to recognize and reward the company’s leaders, featured motivational sessions, fireside chats, and live performances, celebrating the remarkable growth of the popular fast-food chain.
A Star-Studded Lineup of Inspiration
The conference included keynote speeches from Raising Cane’s owner and founder Todd Graves, co-CEO and COO AJ Kumaran, nine-time Olympic gold medalist Katie Ledecky, and none other than hip-hop legend and entrepreneur Snoop Dogg.
Graves opened the event by reflecting on Cane’s journey, from its humble beginnings 28 years ago to its current success, with plans to operate over 875 restaurants by the end of the year. “Canecún is all about celebrating, recognizing, and rewarding our Crew,” said Graves. “We owe it all to our leaders who are driving the business forward every day.”
Kumaran echoed Graves’ sentiments, focusing on Cane’s impressive growth and future ambitions. “Together, we’re growing a business that is timeless and limitless, and we’ve done it all without compromising our values,” Kumaran said. He shared that Cane’s has maintained 63 consecutive quarters of positive sales and set sights on becoming a top 10 U.S. restaurant brand by 2030.
Snoop Dogg: Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Entertainment
The highlight of the conference came during a fireside chat between Graves and his longtime friend, Emmy-winning rapper and producer Snoop Dogg. The duo discussed leadership, entrepreneurship, and staying grounded despite massive success.
Snoop, known for his playful yet serious approach to business, spoke about the importance of collaboration and being genuine. “Todd is a great man and great person who always inspires me to do more, and I’m so thankful for our partnership,” said Snoop. “A great leader knows how to listen, receive information, and delegate, not dictate.”
In a nod to Snoop’s love for martial arts, Graves gifted him Bruce Lee’s famous nunchucks from Enter the Dragon as a token of appreciation. The friendship between the two has grown over the years, with Snoop featured in various Raising Cane’s marketing campaigns and Graves contributing to Snoop’s ventures, including a $100,000 donation to the Snoop Youth Football League.
After the fireside chat, Snoop entertained the crowd with a live performance, blending his role as a musician and DJ, while a drone and fireworks display lit up the Cancun sky.
Katie Ledecky: Lessons in Leadership and Perseverance
Tuesday morning’s session featured nine-time Olympic gold medalist Katie Ledecky, who shared insights on motivation, goal-setting, and leading by example. Ledecky, who has competed in four Olympics and is preparing for the 2028 Games, highlighted the power of perseverance and community in her journey.
“I know how much you all strive for excellence every day, and I can relate to that,” Ledecky told the audience. She spoke candidly about overcoming self-doubt and the importance of relying on trusted coaches and teammates. “Always remember to celebrate, but don’t get too high or too low—keep steady,” she advised.
Ledecky’s session resonated with the Cane’s leaders, reminding them of the importance of mentorship and lifting others up. “It’s important to give encouragement and let people know you’ll be there for them on their worst days,” she said.
Celebrating Success and Looking Ahead
The Canecún Conference was not only a celebration of Cane’s achievements but also a testament to the company’s commitment to its people. With business updates showcasing internal promotions, long-term incentives, and industry-leading benefits, Raising Cane’s continues to prioritize its Crew and leadership.
As Snoop Dogg said during the fireside chat, “Leaders don’t dictate—they delegate.” It’s a sentiment that aligns perfectly with Raising Cane’s approach to leadership, as the company looks to the future with ambitious goals, a strong sense of community, and an unwavering dedication to excellence.
With inspiration from both Snoop Dogg and Katie Ledecky, Raising Cane’s leaders left Cancun motivated and ready to continue driving the brand’s success.
