Raising Cane's Will Open Springfield Location Oct. 13
The new restaurant will add 160 jobs to the Springfield retail market at The Shoppes at Gateway.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Openings & Closings
Live Poll
Would you visit a new national fast-food chain opening in your local shopping district?
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers is scheduled to open its doors on October 13, 2026, at 2720 Gateway Street in Springfield. The new dining location will add an estimated 160 jobs to the local economy.
Why it matters
The opening represents a significant addition of service-sector employment in the area and replaces a prior vacancy at The Shoppes at Gateway. The site serves a retail corridor that is increasingly drawing businesses aiming for proximity to the University of Oregon.
The project will create 160 new jobs at the 2720 Gateway Street location, which previously sat vacant after the exit of Big 5 Sporting Goods. The development is situated within The Shoppes at Gateway, a retail cluster located 10 minutes from the University of Oregon.
The players
Raising Cane's
A national fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in chicken finger meals and known for its focused, limited-menu business model.
The Shoppes at Gateway
A major retail development center in Springfield serving the Lane County commercial market.
The details
The facility occupies the site formerly held by a Big 5 Sporting Goods store, repurposing the existing retail square footage for food service operations. The menu will consist of the chain's standard offerings, including chicken fingers, fries, Texas toast, coleslaw, and signature sauce. The site was selected for its visibility and accessibility within the Springfield commercial district.
Timeline
October 13, 2026: Raising Cane's officially opens its doors in Springfield.
Market Landscape
This opening follows the broader industry trend of repurposing vacant big-box retail space for high-traffic restaurant operators. The conversion of the former Big 5 Sporting Goods site highlights the ongoing evolution of suburban shopping centers into multi-use dining destinations.
Operators in the area should monitor how the additional traffic to The Shoppes at Gateway influences surrounding retail parking and accessibility. The hiring surge of 160 staff also signals a tightening labor market for entry-level service roles in the Springfield region.
The takeaway
The move demonstrates how food service operators are successfully bidding for prime real estate vacated by traditional retailers. Business owners should review their own footprint to determine if the increased traffic flow to neighboring dining sites can be leveraged for their own customer acquisition.
Further reading
For updates on local commerce and shifting retail footprints, follow Openings & Closings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily Emerald.
Live Poll
Would you visit a new national fast-food chain opening in your local shopping district?
