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\nPhoto: Raising Cane\u2019s <\/p>\n
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\u2019s founder Todd Graves for a surprise “shift” that left local fans buzzing.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s first major brand partnership.<\/p>\n
Mastering The Routine<\/p>\n
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\u2019s Sauce, and bagged tenders. He even took over the headset for the drive-thru, greeting unsuspecting customers with the brand\u2019s signature high-energy welcome before leaning out the window to snap selfies with chanting fans.<\/p>\n
\u201cFighting monsters in the Upside Down was hard, but I think serving hungry fans is harder,\u201d Connelly said during the event. \u201cMy family has always loved Raising Cane\u2019s since it opened near our hometown in Chicago, so being here with Todd for my first brand deal has been really fun.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nPhoto: Raising Cane\u2019s
<\/p>\n
The event served as a backdrop for new commercial spots and original social media content featuring both Connelly and Graves.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s an incredible young actor who\u2019s just getting started,\u201d Graves said. \u201cJake is chasing his dream just like I chased mine of opening a Chicken Finger Restaurant. We\u2019re proud to be part of his journey and excited for what\u2019s ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Peek Behind The Curtain<\/p>\n
Following the high-octane restaurant appearance, the duo headed down the road to Raising Cane\u2019s 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\u2019 early days, highlighting the grit required to open the very first Cane\u2019s location.<\/p>\n
For Plano residents, the surprise appearance continued Raising Cane’s tradition of turning a standard lunch run into a pop-culture event. Whether he\u2019s navigating the supernatural on screen or perfecting the chicken-to-sauce ratio in person, Connelly proved that he\u2019s just as comfortable in the real world as he is in the Upside Down.<\/p>\n