Grand Opening of Raising Cane’s /P.O.D. Market at Old Dominion University

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Strategically Enhancing Student’s Experience

In spring of 2011, Old Dominion University opened their two newest eateries: Raising Cane’s and the P.O.D. Market in the University Village, to provide food service in a residential community of 960 students with anticipated growth of another 900 new apartment beds.

Raising Cane’s is a 53 chain store who declares to have only one love – quality chicken finger meals.  Built on the principle "One Love" as their slogan, they offer high-quality chicken finger meals which features fresh chicken, Cane’s secrete sauce, cole slaw, Texas toast, crinkle-cut fries, fresh squeezed lemonade, and fresh brewed ice tea.   In addition to Cane’s, a P.O.D. (Provision On Demand) Market has been erected and share common space.  This market combines the "corner store" with the style of a modern market, featuring grab ‘n go dining options for breakfast, lunch or any time of day, including:  freshly-prepared sandwiches, produce and salads, and traditional essentials found in a convenience store.

These two new locations will provide students with additional dining and meeting space right where they live," said Janet McLaughlin, resident district manager for Monarch Dining Services/ ARAMARK.

"And for those that don't live in the Village or District area, it will give them destination spots. We are here to support the university through its growth and to help enhance the campus experience for ODU students."

That's a sentiment echoed by Todd Johnson, ODU's Assistant Vice President for Auxiliary Services. "We are very excited about the additions of the Raising Cane's and P.O.D. brands. Strategically, this will enhance students' experience in the Village while supporting ODU's residential community," Johnson said.

Anticipation of its grand opening began with Lux Tran, an ODU student waiting overnight in 32 degree temperature to be the first paying customer to receive FREE Raising Cane’s for an entire year.  The grand opening was planned collaboratively with Aramark and Raising Cane’s Corporate Office.  It was held on Jan 11, 2011, and included flash mob, DJ playing music, games, prizes and line dancing.  Goggle YouTube search link for "Raising Cane’s at ODU" to experience firsthand the satisfaction of Raising Cane’s customers and the account of the Grand Opening.  The excitement of the Grand Opening resulted in the space filling quickly, creating a mass of people standing shoulder to shoulder.  As the large crowd continued to grow, many students waited patiently in long lines outside in the rain.  The buzz of Raising Cane’s had definitely reached the student body. 

Raising Cane’s received a non-solicited article in the Virginian-Pilot, a popular local newspaper. The author of the article, Katrice Hardy noticed one of our three billboards and recognized that Old Dominion University now had her favorite back-home restaurant! In her article, she reflects on how she immediately went to Raising Cane’s, only to find that "every table was taken and the line stretched outside the door... [my] premonition about its instant success here was right."

The enormous turnout was a significant mark of a successful grand opening.  And our success was a direct result of collaboration, strategic planning and teamwork.  But what was most memorable is that we identified the need of our students and acted upon it by providing variety and convenience where they are located, "The University Village."

First paying customer!

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