Raising Cane's Founder Todd Graves Joins Shark Tank as Guest Shark

Todd Graves, owner and founder of the popular chicken restaurant Raising Cane’s, will be joining the newest season of ABC’s Shark Tank! Graves will appear in the 16th season of the hit show as a guest shark, sitting alongside the regular Sharks.

While being Shark Tanks first-ever restaurateur, Graves isn’t new to the world of investing. With more than 60 investments across a variety of industries, he’s committed to helping nurture startups and mentoring budding entrepreneurs. His partners will have full access to Cane’s marketing team, and through social media promotions, celebrity integrations, and partnerships, Graves will help them take their businesses as far as they can go.

With nine locations in Indiana and over 830 restaurants across 40+ states, Raising Cane’s has become a fast-growing brand, aiming to become one of the top 10 U.S. restaurant chains by the end of the decade. Graves’ hard work has earned him numerous recognitions, including being named one of the Top 100 CEOs in the U.S. by Glassdoor, Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst &

Young, and Louisianan of the Year by Louisiana Life. Cane’s commitment to giving back has resulted in over $140 million donated to local communities in the past 28 years, with more than $28 million in donations planned for this year alone.

But Graves isn’t just looking for just business plans or financial returns—he’s looking for heart. “I’m not just investing in products and ideas, I’m investing in people and their stories. I relate to so many of them, and I’m excited to guide them based on my own experiences as an entrepreneur,” Graves said. 

“I remember how it felt when I was starting Raising Cane’s and not many believed in me or my vision. I wish I had a Shark to give me advice and guidance back then. Now, I want to be that person and help these entrepreneurs achieve the American Dream, just like I have.”

Graves will join Sharks Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner, Kevin O’Leary, Daymond John, Barbara Corcoran, Robert Herjavec, and the newest Shark, KIND Snacks founder Daniel Lubetzky. 

Returning Guest Sharks include Kendra Scott, IT Cosmetics co-founder Jamie Kern Lima, and venture capitalist Rashaun Williams. 

The 16th season premieres Friday, Oct. 18 at 8/7c on ABC and will stream on Hulu.