Raising Cane’s surprised its 10 top-performing general managers Wednesday by presenting each with the unexpected bonus of an all-expenses-paid trip to Hawaii for themselves and their families.
The 10 were summoned to Cane’s Dallas headquarters under the ruse of being wanted for a feedback meeting and an all-company conference afterward. To their surprise, the honorees were called to the stage during the all-company gathering by co-CEO AJ Kumaran, who announced their selection as this year’s Big Kahuna award. The honor is bestowed on the chicken finger chain’s top GM.
In past years, one GM was selected for the award and the Hawaii trip. But Kumaran explained that the scope was broadened this year because of Cane’s strong performance in 2022.
“I am so proud to have surprised our top 10 operators with this highly competitive award and the trip of a lifetime for them and their families,” said Kumaran. “These managers represent the best in the business, and they continue to raise the bar on leadership at Raising Cane’s and the entire QSR industry.”
Cane’s said the 10 were chosen on the basis of their customer service, crew member satisfaction, operational excellence and financial performance.
In past interviews, Kumaran has cited the development of personnel to support the chain’s rapid expansion as one of his key roles.
One of the brand’s signature leadership-development initiatives is its Restaurant Partner Program. The program promises enrollees in the program that they’ll be given the tools and support to become millionaires. It is open to any employee within the system.
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