For 16 years, The Dallas Morning News honored Top Workplaces in Dallas-Fort Worth. During this time, 108 companies appeared on the list more than once. But only one business — Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers — has been honored all 16 years.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based Raising Cane’s (a fast-food chain known for its chicken, fries and hot cane sauce) ranked 15th in the large company category this year. This was up from No. 21 in 2023 and No. 27 the year before. By all accounts, the chain’s consistent appearance on the winners list is due to its popularity among customers and employees.

Founded by entrepreneur Todd Graves, the company started with a single location near the Louisiana State University campus in 1996. Graves named the company after his beloved yellow lab, Raising Cane. Since then, the chain has grown to include more than 820 restaurants, 52,000 employees and a record $3.7 billion in net sales in 2023.

“We have one love – delicious chicken finger meals – and use only the highest quality ingredients with a hand-made, bespoke cooking system that ensures delicious chicken finger meals served hot and fresh, while we’re having fun,” the company noted. .

In Dallas-Fort Worth, Raising Cane’s has 68 locations and 5,455 employees. Its Restaurant Help Desk has been located in Plano for 15 years. There are other strong local ties. Graves reportedly bought a multi-million dollar penthouse on Knox Street in Dallas, and his celebrity connections include Texas singer Post Malone, who collaborated with the fast-food chain on the Post Malone/Dallas-themed Raising Cane restaurant Cowboys on the West Northwest Highway in Dallas. .

Raising Cane’s said it offers its employees a flexible schedule, paid holidays and vacation time, plus a “fun” atmosphere, including disco balls, classic memorabilia and plush Elvis paintings. It offers workers tuition reimbursement, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) match with the employer, a training program for restaurant leaders and $10,000 in closing costs for restaurant leaders who buy a home. Other benefits available include pet insurance, health insurance and 100% company paid life insurance.

In addition, the company supports more than 30,000 local organizations in its communities each year, focusing on education, feeding the hungry, entrepreneurship and pet welfare. D-FW employees told us they love the chain’s welcoming and caring environment. “You feel appreciated here and it drives you to contribute,” said one. Added another: “I’m paid well and surrounded by positive people.” In the long term, the perennial Top Workplaces winner said it aims to have 1,600 restaurants and $10 billion in annual sales.

The distinguished dozen

Other repeat Top Workplaces winners include:

15 times winners

American National Bank of Texas

Hill and Wilkinson

Systemware Inc.

14 times winner

Scott + Reid General Contractors Inc.

13 times winner

Jack Henry

Huffines Car Dealers

Merit Energy Company

PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital company

Pariveda

12 times winner

Judge Fite Century 21 Company

Texas Health Resources

Life Insurance Company of New York