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Raising Canes Opens Clearwater Location to Rave Reviews

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Customers lined up around the block for the grand opening of the new Raising Cane's in Clearwater. Photo: Todd Grasley/Florida National News.
Customers lined up around the block for the grand opening of the new Cane's in Clearwater. Photo: Todd Grasley/Florida National News.

CLEARWATER, Fla. (FNN) – Hundreds of people lined up Tuesday for the grand opening of Raising Canes, the latest chicken hot spot in the Tampa Bay area. Raising Canes, which was founded in Louisiana, dubbed Clearwater as their first Florida location and fans delivered a warm welcome for the chain that proudly proclaims, “we serve only the most crave-able chicken finger meals, it’s our one love.”

The Pena’s showing some sibling love wanted to be the first in line for this momentous occasion. Getting in line at 10 PM, the duo planned to camp out with friends.

“We had to stay up all night, but it was fun,” said Ashley Pena. “We are definitely going to remember this experience.”

20 of the first 100 people were entered into a drawing to win free Raising Canes for a year!

For Kim Boldus, bringing the franchise to the area hits close to home and means the world to her.

“Raising Canes is really all about being in the community,” she said. I’m really excited personally and professionally because I am from this area, born and raised. I am very excited to bring this amazing restaurant. We do so many amazing things to pair with the community and I can’t wait to see what we do here in Clearwater.”

According to their website, Raising Canes supports over 30,000 local organizations. At the grand opening, they had the support of the local Chamber of Commerce as well as the Mayor to celebrate this momentous occasion.

After the pomp and circumstance, it was time to eat, much to the delight of the hungry fans waiting for a taste of chicken tender goodness, some who has experienced Raising Canes before, and others who wanted to see what the hype was all about.

“We’ve had our food truck out in the community this week and so we’ve had so many people excited to see us,” Boldus added. “For those who have never been, you can expect the most tender chicken fingers you’ve ever had with the best special secret sauce and garlic Texas toast that will blow your mind.”

Unsure of what to get? Bodldus offers a simple solution.

“Definitely a box combo so that you can try everything we have on the menu!”

Raising Canes is located at 2525 Gulf to Bay Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33765. The restaurant offers both dine-in and drive-through options and is open from 10 AM until midnight Sunday – Thursday and 1 AM on Friday and Saturday.

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Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson Listed as Speaker for Global AI, Supply Chain Summit

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Organizers say the Oct. 26–27 conference will bring together business leaders, policymakers and technology professionals for discussions on global commerce, digital transformation and industry innovation.

DALLAS, TX (FNN) — Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson is listed as an invited speaker for the Global Procurement, Supply Chain, AI & Logistics Summit and Global Recognition Awards 2026, scheduled for Oct. 26–27 in Dallas, according to an announcement from the event’s organizer.

The American Association of Procurement, Supply Chain and Tourism Management, known as AAPSCM, said the two-day summit will take place at the AC Hotel & Residence Inn Dallas by the Galleria, 5460 James Temple Drive.

The conference will focus on artificial intelligence, supply chain resilience, innovation and the future of global commerce.

Mayor listed among international speakers

Organizers identified Johnson among the invited speakers joining executives, policymakers, academics, consultants and professionals in procurement, supply chain management, technology and logistics.

The announcement describes participants as coming “from the United States and around the world.”

According to the release, Johnson is listed among speakers participating in the Oct. 27 program. The announcement does not specify the subject or time of his remarks.

AI, forecasting and digital transformation

The second day’s agenda includes a session on artificial intelligence and machine learning in inventory management, forecasting, and sales and operations planning.

An executive leadership session titled “Driving Innovation & Digital Transformation” is scheduled to follow.

The program will examine technology’s role in procurement, logistics and supply chain operations, with an emphasis on how leaders respond to changing business conditions.

Awards to recognize industry achievement

The summit will also include procurement and supply chain awards, followed by Global Excellence Awards recognizing individuals, organizations and industry leaders.

Organizers said the awards program includes more than 35 categories spanning procurement, supply chain management, artificial intelligence and logistics.

The announcement describes the awards as recognizing “achievement, innovation and leadership.”

Executives and decision-makers expected

AAPSCM said it expects attendees to include chief executives, chief procurement officers, chief supply chain officers, chief operating officers and technology leaders.

The anticipated audience also includes procurement directors, logistics professionals, government representatives and specialists in AI and digital transformation.

About the organizer

AAPSCM describes itself as a U.S.-based nonprofit professional organization that supports professional development through certification, education, training, membership, conferences and international collaboration.

Event and registration information

  • Event: 2nd Global Procurement, Supply Chain, AI & Logistics Summit & Global Recognition Awards 2026
  • Dates: Oct. 26–27, 2026
  • Venue: AC Hotel & Residence Inn Dallas by the Galleria
  • Address: 5460 James Temple Drive, Dallas, Texas 75240
  • Organizer: American Association of Procurement, Supply Chain and Tourism Management
  • Registration: aapscm-conferences.org
  • Organization: aapscm.org

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Hola at the Park Set for Oct. 3 in Altamonte Springs; Admission Free

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Florida National News and FNN News en Español will provide on-site coverage of the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at Cranes Roost Park.

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. (FNN) — Hola at the Park will bring Hispanic culture, local businesses and live entertainment to Cranes Roost Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 2 to 6 p.m.

Hosted by the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando and presented by AdventHealth, the event celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month through food, entertainment, entrepreneurship and community connections.

According to the chamber’s event announcement, admission is free, the celebration is open to the community and no registration is required.

FNN to Spotlight Businesses and Community Voices

Florida National News and FNN News en Español, official media sponsors, will be on location covering the festivities.

The FNN team will spotlight chamber representatives, sponsors, participating businesses and community leaders, while sharing attendees’ perspectives throughout the afternoon.

Coverage will highlight the people, businesses and cultural traditions contributing to the celebration.

Photo: Florida National News

Food, Entertainment and Family Activities

The chamber’s announcement lists authentic cuisine, live entertainment, local businesses, wellness experiences, community resources, networking and family-friendly activities among the event’s offerings.

Attendees will have opportunities to explore Hispanic traditions, connect with entrepreneurs and learn about organizations serving Central Florida.

Photo: Florida National News

A Waterfront Setting in Uptown Altamonte

Cranes Roost Park, located in Uptown Altamonte, features a waterfront setting with scenic walkways around Cranes Roost Lake and the Eddie Rose Amphitheater and floating stage.

The park will serve as the gathering place for an afternoon celebrating Hispanic heritage and the connections between culture, business and community.

Event Details

  • Date: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026
  • Time: 2–6 p.m. EDT
  • Location: Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs
  • Host: Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando
  • Presenting sponsor: AdventHealth
  • Admission: Free and open to the community
  • Registration: Not required

Photo: Florida National News

Vendor Inquiries

For information about vendor opportunities, contact the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando at info@hispanicchamber.com or events@hispanicchamber.com.

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ALDI to Launch Seven Ready-Made Meals in October, With Single-Serve Dishes Under $8

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The refrigerated lineup includes five single-serve dishes and two family-size meals.

BATAVIA, Ill. (FNN) — ALDI will begin rolling out seven ready-made meals in select stores in early October, with single-serve dishes priced under $8 and family-size options under $15. The grocer expects the full lineup to be available nationwide by January 2027.

The collection includes five single-serve meals: beef Bolognese spaghetti, beef brisket with white mac and cheese, butter chicken and rice, a chicken burrito bowl, and chicken fettuccine Alfredo. The two family-size dishes are chicken and bacon mac and cheese and a meat lovers pizza bake.

“Our shoppers are looking for meals that fit into busy lives,” said Joan Kavanaugh, vice president of national buying for ALDI U.S. She said the company developed the lineup with shoppers’ budgets and demand for convenient meals in mind.

Price and preparation

ALDI said the single-serve meals contain 30 to 46 grams of protein each. The family-size dishes contain 16 to 22 grams per serving. The company announced price limits for the two sizes but did not list a price for each individual meal.

“We tested hundreds of recipes as we developed this collection,” said Terry Jackson, head of food at Kitchen Food Company, ALDI’s supplier for the meals. Jackson said the team focused on flavor and ingredients while developing the dishes.

The meals are refrigerated, not frozen. ALDI says the single-serve dishes can be heated in a microwave, while the family-size meals are prepared in an oven. Shoppers should follow the directions on each package.

2026 Hispanic Chamber Hola at the Park. Uptown Altamonte Springs, Florida at beautiful Cranes Roost Park Saturday, October 3, 2026 (2:00 PM – 6:00 PM) (EDT)

When and where to find them

The meals will be stocked in the refrigerated meals section near the front of ALDI stores. Availability will vary during the rollout, which begins in select markets in early October and expands through the fall. ALDI also plans to offer additional meals through its limited-time ALDI Finds assortment each month over the following year. corporate.aldi.us

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