Raising Cane’s targets Farmingdale, as LI’s last Houlihan’s faces a changing of the guard
FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — A national chicken-finger phenomenon is setting its sights on Route 110. Plans on file with the Town of Babylon show Raising Cane’s intends to replace the longtime Houlihan’s at Republic Plaza with a newly built restaurant that includes a dual-lane drive-thru plus indoor and patio seating.
What’s proposed
The submission outlines a ground-up build: demolish the current Houlihan’s structure and construct a modern Cane’s footprint designed for high throughput. The concept calls for a two-lane drive-thru (for longer on-site stacking during rush periods), a compact dining room, and a small outdoor seating area—consistent with the brand’s fast-moving service model. The location listed is Broadhollow Rd. (Route 110) in Republic Plaza, the Walmart-anchored center that already sees heavy daily traffic.
Where approvals stand
This is the start of the public process. The application must work through Planning Board review and any related Zoning Board items before shovels hit the ground. If approvals are granted, demolition and construction timing would be scheduled later; for now, there is no construction start date.
What it means for Houlihan’s—right now
Houlihan’s remains open at the Farmingdale address today. For many diners, it’s a nostalgic holdout: the last Houlihan’s on Long Island after earlier closures in Westbury and Lake Grove over the past several years. If the Cane’s plan advances, it would mark the end of that era at Republic Plaza—after official approvals and with advance notice to the public.
Why Cane’s is such a draw
Raising Cane’s has built a cult following with a laser-focused menu: chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, Texas toast, coleslaw, and Cane’s Sauce. That simplicity powers speed—and viral lines—whenever the chain enters a new market. A Route 110 address would put Cane’s squarely in one of the Island’s busiest retail corridors, joining a broader Long Island push the company has been exploring in recent years.
Local angles to watch
Traffic & access: Expect discussion around stacking capacity, circulation inside the plaza, and potential spillover onto Route 110.
Retail momentum: High-demand QSRs tend to lift neighboring tenants; Republic Plaza could see increased footfall.
Timeline: Hearings, staff reports, and permitting typically take months. WLIT will track agendas and update readers.
Have thoughts on the swap from martinis to chicken fingers? Tag @WLITFM and tell us what you think.
Sources (for transparency): Long Island Business News; Greater Long Island; Town of Babylon planning filings/agendas; Houlihan’s official location page.
