Hayward: Here’s when the newest Raising Cane’s opens in the Bay Area

If you’re a fan of fried chicken “fingers” dipped in peppery sauce, better get in line now.

Cult favorite Raising Cane’s will open its latest Bay Area location at 9 a.m. Monday, Aug. 5, at the revitalized Hayward Retail Center in the southern part of the city. The new-construction restaurant, with a double drive-thru, showcases local history with memorabilia on the walls from Hayward High School, Cal State East Bay, Castro Valley’s Rowell Ranch Rodeo and more.

The restaurant will maintain long hours, with service until 3 or 4 a.m. every day.

There will be seating for 50 patrons indoors and 75 outside.

Grand opening festivities Monday will include a “Lucky 20” drawing for free Cane’s for a year for 20 customers (entries accepted from 7 to 8 a.m.); swag for the first 100 customers to order a combo; plus live entertainment.

Founded in Baton Rouge, the Raising Cane’s chain is known for maintaining a strict menu focus — just chicken fingers with one signature dipping sauce, crinkle-cut fries, cole slaw and Texas toast. Customers may purchase a single chicken finger, a few as a combo, loaded on a sandwich or in large party packs.

This will be the chain’s 95th California restaurant. The first Bay Area one opened two years ago in Oakland. The next one scheduled for this part of the state is under construction at Evergreen Place in San Jose.

Details: Open from 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. Sunday-Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 4 a.m. Thursday-Sunday at 691 Harder Road near Mission Boulevard, Hayward. www.raisingcanes.com/home