Oct. 14—BEFORE FAST FOOD chain Raising Cane's makes its way to Manchester, a location opened just across the border in Massachusetts for those who are itching to give it a try.
The chain is now open at The Loop in Methuen, 90 Pleasant Valley St. Raising Cane's is known for its "craveable chicken finger meals and signature Cane's sauce."
Last month, the Manchester Zoning Board of Adjustments approved variances for the chain to open where CJ's Great West Grill on South Willow Street now stands. The CJ's building will be torn down.
The Raising Cane's will feature a drive-thru with two lanes. The plans have room for 20 cars to queue up.
The project needed variances for setbacks and for parking, since the site will only accommodate 33 spots when 36 would be required.
Michelle Robinson, a property development manager for Raising Cane's, said the building will feature roll-down doors, which open up to a patio.
"When the weather is nice, the doors can be opened," she said.
The CJ's building was built in 1950. Great NH Restaurants CEO Tom Boucher opened CJ's as Cactus Jack's in 1995. The company is looking to reopen somewhere in southern New Hampshire.
"This is bittersweet for sure as this was the very first restaurant I ever opened and is near and dear to my heart," Boucher said. "I've always thought with change comes opportunity, and this is one of those instances."
During the hearing, ZBA member Michael Simoneau said he's always worried about the CJ's building being so close to busy South Willow Street. The new design eliminates those worries.
"I think it's a nice design," he said. "I think it's due. It's an old building. This is a great location and a great restaurant. It's time."
The menu includes chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, buttery toast, creamy coleslaw, Cane's sauce and freshly squeezed lemonade and teas.
New spot
Al Basha Mediterranean Grill moved from its space on Valley Street to South Willow Street.
A ribbon-cutting of the Basha Grill at 379 South Willow St. took place Wednesday afternoon. The new location is next to Giovanni's Pizzeria in the Department of Motor Vehicles Plaza.
The restaurant features authentic Mediterranean recipes, which "rely on fresh top quality ingredients," according to its website.
Back and forth
Jocelyn's Mediterranean Restaurant & Lounge on Route 28 in Salem closed last May to become Puff Cigar Lounge, but now the owners want to bring the food back. Plans call for half the space returning to a restaurant and the other being used as a smoking lounge with both open at different times.