He mexican market is preparing for a new wave of competition, but now in the fried chicken with the imminent entry of Raising Cane’s with a binding agreement that he signed with Alsea to bring the brand to Mexico.

Although the number of branches of this new player in the market remains to be seen, it is a movement that directly puts pressure on established players such as KFC and Popeyesbrands of American origin, or Happy Chickena Mexican chain that says it operates 700 units in Mexico and about 300 in the United States.

In a statement sent to the Mexican Stock Exchange (BMV), Alsea reported that it plans to open its first restaurant during the first half of next year and that evaluates a broader expansion in the country and the region, which points to a strategy of accelerated growth in a category with high consumption and attractive margins.

Raising Cane’s arrives with a positioning and specialization in chicken fingers, speed of service and a limited menu that has allowed it to scale quickly in the US. By sales, it is the third largest chain in the segment, above KFC and only behind Chick-fil-A and Popeyes.

Your entry presses KFCwhich has decades of presence in Mexican territory and an extensive network of stores, as well as Popeyeswhich has opted for a more selective expansion and premium positioning.

With more than 950 restaurants in 43 US states and a presence in the Middle East, Raising Cane’s plans to add Mexico and the United Kingdom as new growth platforms.

In 2024 it opened 118 restaurants and plans around 100 more this year, while maintaining around 200 in development.

The founder of the chain, Todd Graves set the goal of taking the brand to the global “top 10” of restaurants with more than $10 billion in annual sales. At the end of last year, The company reported revenues of $5.1 billion, an annual growth close to 34%, according to Bloomberg.

For Alsea, the agreement reinforces a portfolio diversification strategy in the face of a more selective consumer environment. This year it also signed an agreement to bring Chipotle Mexican Grill to Mexico, whose first opening is expected at the beginning of January, consolidating its commitment to highly recognized American brands.