Permit records show Raising Cane's is targeting the former Bob Evans building at 100 Sheriff Drive in Melbourne for its first Brevard County location. The fast-food chain filed a major site plan application with Brevard County in February 2026, though no construction timeline was included. If approved, the restaurant would mark the chain's first presence in the county, joining existing locations across Florida in Orlando, Miami, and St. Petersburg. The 10,000-square-foot building has been vacant since Bob Evans closed its doors in 2023. Local officials have not yet commented on the proposal.
The proposed site sits near the intersection of Sheriff Drive and New Haven Avenue, a commercial corridor with several other fast-food chains. The building's previous use as a family restaurant may influence the new tenant's approach to design and layout. Raising Cane's is known for its limited menu of chicken fingers, Texas toast, and crinkle fries, with locations typically occupying smaller spaces than traditional restaurants. The permit application does not specify how the space would be configured or how many employees the new location might hire.
Founded in 1996 in Louisiana, Raising Cane's now operates over 900 locations nationwide, with Texas hosting the most stores. The chain has expanded rapidly in Florida in recent years, opening 23 new locations since 2020. Current Brevard County residents have expressed mixed reactions on social media, with some calling it a welcome addition to the area's growing food scene and others questioning the need for another fast-food outlet.
The permit process for the Melbourne location is ongoing. Brevard County officials must review the application before any construction can begin. If approved, the restaurant would likely open within 12 to 18 months, though no exact date has been set. The site's proximity to the Melbourne International Airport and major highways may influence its potential success. The chain has not yet commented publicly on the proposal.