Raising Cane’s opened in Westwood on Monday after a three-year wait.

The Louisiana-based fried chicken restaurant held its grand opening on the corner of Broxton Avenue and Weyburn Avenue at 8 a.m., featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony, giveaways, a live DJ, face painting and a caricature artist. People started lining up as early as 7:30 p.m. Sunday to enter a raffle for 20 customers to win free fried chicken for one year.

Raising Cane’s secured a lease at 10946 Weyburn Avenue in 2023. Raising Cane’s did not immediately respond to a request for comment on why the development was delayed.

[Related: Raising Cane’s gives rise to a new chicken shop in Westwood]

The Westwood location – open everyday from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. – is Raising Cane’s second location on the Westside of Los Angeles.

James Kook, the area leader of restaurants for Raising Cane’s, said in an emailed statement that he was excited about the restaurant’s opening because it reminded him of Raising Cane’s first grand opening by Louisiana State University in 1996.

“There’s something really special about college towns, and Westwood has that same kind of vibrant, Community-driven energy,” Kook said in the statement. “You’ve got passionate students, alumni and locals all coming together, and that creates an atmosphere that’s hard to replicate.”

Raising Cane’s Westwood location features UCLA- and Westwood-themed decor, with tables inspired by Pauley Pavilion and walls featuring UCLA memorabilia.

“UCLA has such a strong sense of pride and tradition,” Kook said in the statement. “Being part of a neighborhood where school spirit, culture and Community intersect is incredibly exciting for us.”

Marshall Epstein, a San Fernando Valley native, said that while he has not lined up for many opening events in the past, he waited in the Raising Cane’s line starting at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday for the camaraderie, merchandise and the raffle.

“Standing in line for that duration, it’s a lot of fun,” Epstein said. “You make a lot of new friends.”

Elin Chang, a rising third-year neuroscience student, said the new Raising Cane’s location makes late-night dining in Westwood convenient.

“After a night out, you can come here and eat with your friends,” Chang said. “We need more spaces like this.”

UCLA alumnus Audric Banuelos said he was disappointed that Raising Cane’s opened after his time as a student. However, he added that he is still excited about the increasing variety in food options and the activity it will bring to Westwood.

“I wish I was still here as a student when they opened,” he said. “It’s going to bring a lot of more people and business.”