Raising Cane’s opened its newest restaurant in Jacksonville on Monday with around 150 people lining up to be one of the first to try the company’s famous chicken fingers.

The celebration featured a live DJ, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a $1,000 check presentation to Adoption First Animal Rescue, who also had adoptable pets on site. The first 20 customers also won free Raising Cane’s for a year, said Shayna Kobuck, Raising Cane’s public relations specialist.

“Opening Raising Cane’s in Jacksonville is an amazing opportunity for our crew,” said Jakob Steinberg, Raising Cane’s restaurant leader. “Jacksonville is a city with incredible energy, a strong sense of community and people who take pride in supporting local businesses. We’re excited to welcome everyone, from military families and service members to our civilian neighbors, to enjoy our craveable chicken finger meals in a fun, welcoming atmosphere.

“From the moment we open our doors, our focus will be on delivering great food, genuine hospitality and becoming a restaurant our customers can rely on for an exceptional experience every visit.”

Construction on the new restaurant, at 1106 Western Blvd. in Jacksonville, began in January. Raising Cane’s first opened in Louisiana in 1996 by founder Todd Graves, who wanted to create a menu focused solely on chicken fingers. The name of the restaurant came from Graves’ Labrador retriever, Raising Cane.

Alongside its signature chicken fingers, Raising Cane’s offers sides like crinkle-cut fries, coleslaw and toast. The company’s Cane’s Sauce is also popular.

The new restaurant features a double-lane drive-thru and a one-of-a-kind design that celebrates Jacksonville, Kobuck said. Throughout the space is a blend of Raising Cane’s’ signature style with photographs and memorabilia that pay tribute to the city’s rich history and strong sense of community. For example, there’s a portrait of NASA astronaut and Jacksonville native Christina Koch.

A total of 200 crew members were hired locally to operate the new restaurant, Kobuck said.

While there is a Raising Cane’s on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, the new off-base restaurant will be more accessible to the general public. The new Raising Cane’s is open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.