Fighting Demogorgons might be a daily chore in Hawkins, but in Plano, 14-year-old Jake Connelly found out that keeping up with a lunch rush is its own kind of battle. The breakout star of Stranger Things Season 5 recently traded his scripted heroics for a hairnet, joining Raising Cane’s founder Todd Graves for a surprise “shift” that left local fans buzzing.
Connelly, who rose to global fame playing Derek Turnbow in the Netflix series’ final season, stepped behind the counter on March 10 to serve hundreds of Caniac Combos at one of the brand’s Plano-area locations. The appearance marked the young actor’s first major brand partnership.
Mastering The Routine
This wasn’t just a photo op. Connelly got his hands greasy, working as both a fry cook and a cashier. Fans watched as the actor buttered Texas toast, pumped the legendary Cane’s Sauce, and bagged tenders. He even took over the headset for the drive-thru, greeting unsuspecting customers with the brand’s signature high-energy welcome before leaning out the window to snap selfies with chanting fans.
“Fighting monsters in the Upside Down was hard, but I think serving hungry fans is harder,” Connelly said during the event. “My family has always loved Raising Cane’s since it opened near our hometown in Chicago, so being here with Todd for my first brand deal has been really fun.”
Photo: Raising Cane’s
The event served as a backdrop for new commercial spots and original social media content featuring both Connelly and Graves.
“He’s an incredible young actor who’s just getting started,” Graves said. “Jake is chasing his dream just like I chased mine of opening a Chicken Finger Restaurant. We’re proud to be part of his journey and excited for what’s ahead.”
A Peek Behind The Curtain
Following the high-octane restaurant appearance, the duo headed down the road to Raising Cane’s Restaurant Support Office. There, Connelly was treated to a Box Combo lunch and a private tour of brand memorabilia. The tour included artifacts from Graves’ early days, highlighting the grit required to open the very first Cane’s location.
For Plano residents, the surprise appearance continued Raising Cane’s tradition of turning a standard lunch run into a pop-culture event. Whether he’s navigating the supernatural on screen or perfecting the chicken-to-sauce ratio in person, Connelly proved that he’s just as comfortable in the real world as he is in the Upside Down.
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