When LSU hosts Clemson in primetime Saturday, it will mark a new era for the storied program. Lane Kiffin debuts as head coach, and Sam Leavitt takes over as starting quarterback.
But Saturday’s game also coincides with impressive celebrations of longevity. ESPN College GameDay will be in Baton Rouge for its 500th game on the road, and broadcaster Kirk Herbstreit is celebrating thirty years with the program. Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, which opened its inaugural, “Mothership” location near the LSU campus, is also enjoying its thirtieth birthday.
Thursday, Herbstreit joined Cane’s founder and owner Todd Graves at said “Mothership” restaurant in recognition of their career milestones. Both arrived to the honorary “shift” and press conference with very special friends: their respective dogs Peter and Raising Cane III.
The two beloved dogs have attained massive recognition and fanfare in their own right. Enthusiasm over Peter, in fact, fueled the launch of a “Peter Fan Club” merchandise line, and a pop-up shop will be open next to Cane’s this Saturday.
“It’s an incredible blessing to have him with me,” said Herbstreit of the opportunity to travel the road with Peter. “And I’ve been so grateful that Amazon and ESPN have allowed him to be around. And all the universities and NFL teams have been great letting him hang out with us.”
“Peter’s one of the most famous dogs in the country, and he’s such a good pup and it’s just always great to have a dog around. So I bring Cane [to various functions],” added Graves. “At the office, you know, we’re in our head. We’re intense. We’re trying to get work done, and the dog comes up, and you get a cold nose on your arm. And it walks around the office … and just calms the mood.”
“They just have an ability to just kind of calm everything down,” emphasized Herbstreit.
Graves did not understate Peter’s popularity; Peter drew a massive crowd at Thursday’s event, with numerous LSU students dropping by to take pictures, explore the new “Peter Fan Club” merchandise, and pet the adorable golden retriever.
Granted, Herbstreit and Graves are not merely linked by their love of dogs. They are also legitimate friends, who have built a bond on shared values, commitment to family, and admiration for each other’s accomplishments.
“I get inspired by Kirk,” exclaimed Graves. “He loves to come in, and he loves to get Cajun food. My son’s cooking a jambalaya tonight and cooking an étouffée at the house. But we’ll talk, and we don’t just talk about football and family. We’ll talk about challenges and things like that.”
“[There are] some people you just naturally gravitate toward, regardless of what business they happen to be in,” shared Herbstreit about the genesis of their friendship. “Over time, I’ve met his family, he’s met my family. We hang out, socialize, and it’s just an easy relationship that I really enjoy beyond the business aspect of it.”
“Kirk has incredible football IQ,” shared Graves. “He’s [also] such a hard worker. He’ll do Thursday night football, then he’ll fly to where he’s going to do GameDay, and he goes from GameDay to where he’s going to be doing commentary for the game that night. He’s the hardest working guy, [and] what people don’t see is all the preparation he does and all the time. He’ll spend today and tomorrow talking with players talking with coaches to really understand where they’re at. That’s why he’s so good at it.
“What I get the opportunity to do when I meet successful people in different fields is picking up points of success from other types of industries. With Kirk, it all goes back to the same thing: he believed in himself, and I think that’s an inspiration to younger people. Or older people that want to do … whatever they are going to do. It’s inspirational to me, and it’s just been a lot of fun. This is our third year that we’ve partnered for a football season. For us, he’s the voice of college football – and pro football as well.”
Success over thirty years is an undeniable testament to each individual’s vision, talent, and work ethic. But both are also quick to acknowledge the impact and inspiration they receive from others in their universes.
Herbstreit credits the inspiration he received working with mentor Lee Corso, while also broadcasting peers like Chris Fowler and Mike Tirico.
Graves credits the devotion of the various Raising Cane’s restaurant leaders and crew members, who help share his authentic love for chicken fingers with patrons at over one thousand locations.
As part of Thursday’s event, Herbstreit and Graves got to experience what those crew members do each day. Both spent time serving customers at both the counter and drive-thru, delighting LSU students with box combos, sweet teas, and chances to meet their dogs.
Before leaving, Herbstreit also provided some insight on the new college football season. The commentator shouted out quarterbacks like Leavitt, Darian Mensah, Julian Sayin, Dante Moore, and Trinidad Chambliss as players who can make (or solidify) their NFL first-round cases this year. He also cited programs like Memphis, Navy, and Penn State as ones to watch.
A common thread at any Raising Cane’s activation is the authentic commitment to community. Thursday’s event ultimately served as the launching pad for what should be an unforgettable weekend in Baton Rouge.
