Raising Cane’s may have the best kept secret [Cane’s] sauce out there, but it’s definitely no secret that we at Country Music Rocks are “Caniacs” at heart and admire the Raising Cane’s brand and what they stand for. The organization constantly shows up in innovative ways to highlight various communities, and they give back in more ways than most people ever hear about. Additionally, their roots in country music run deep, as we’ve showcased throughout the year. Today, we experienced something a little different and a whole lot of fun.
Raising Cane’s Owner/Founder Todd Graves brought the spirit of Halloween straight into the heart of Hollywood with a massive 2,518 pound carved pumpkin (yes, you read that right, over 2,000 pounds) displayed right on the iconic boulevard in Hollywood.
The giant pumpkin was expertly carved by Guinness World Record holder & Food Network star Eric Jones, along with his skilled team. The one ton pumpkin is the 2nd largest and heaviest in the country, weighing as much as 20,000 Chicken Fingers. If that doesn’t put it in perspective, nothing will!
After more than 30 hours and over 100 tools used, an epic creation was unveiled. The result was an intricate and extremely detailed carved jack-o’-lantern that embodies the spirit of Halloween, the energy of Los Angeles, and the heart of Raising Cane’s “One Love.”
“It’s such a privilege working with Cane’s again for the second year. Todd picked great locations to display both of the pumpkins – one here at the Hollywood Walk of Fame and one at Military Island in Times Square – and I’ve loved seeing people’s reactions throughout the carving and display process,” said expert pumpkin carver Eric Jones. “It’s unbelievable to be here right now with Todd and Emmett finally unveiling our hard work. Seeing people take pictures with the pumpkin and ask questions about it is so rewarding. This is what it’s all about, sharing with the Community and spreading joy.”
To get a pumpkin of this size, you need a pumpkin grower. But not just any grower, it takes Grower of the Year Emmett Andrusz. He, along with his father Scott Andrusz, grew the massive pumpkin over the course of 110 days, and shared that it grew 60 – 70 pounds a day. Yes, a day! While the pumpkin is now fully grown and expertly carved up, it doesn’t stop there for Andrusz. He will carve into the core of the pumpkin carefully, retrieve the seeds to plant, and hopefully grow an even bigger one next year.
“It’s unbelievable to be here right now enjoying the pumpkin and seeing all the joy it’s bringing to people. Seeing everything come to life is very rewarding and I love that we have the opportunity to share our pumpkin with so many people,” Emmett Andrusz shared. “I grew up around pumpkins with my dad and never imagined we’d be here today with Raising Cane’s and Todd. Next year, we’re going for a 3,000+ pound pumpkin – we want a Guiness World Record!”
Many tourist walking around the busy city took in the artistic pumpkin on display, and several celebrity guests stopped by to chat with Todd, Eric and Emmett as they were all equally impressed with the display Raising Cane’s is showcasing right along Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.
Of the exciting event, Todd Graves shares “I’ve always loved Halloweens and jack-o’-lanterns and dreamed of having the biggest pumpkin in the world and last year we got it. This year, we have the first and second largest pumpkins in the country and I wanted to share them with as many people as possible, which is why we have one here on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and one in the heart of Times Square at Military Island. I wanted to display the pumpkins where people would be able to see and enjoy them and more than 100,000 people walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame each day. I couldn’t think of a better place to share this pumpkin with the world.”
“It was amazing having Eric and Emmett join me today to debut this unbelievable pumpkin.” Graves continued. “I really respect them and all the work they put into growing and bringing these masterpieces to life. Halloween is a fun time and pumpkins are so inspiring. I want kids to walk by this pumpkin and know that they can be a grower or a carver – or anything they want to be – and have the opportunity to bring joy to so many people through their passions.”
During a press conference, we got an opportunity to ask Todd about his passion for Halloween, and Eric about teaming up with Todd & Raising Cane’s. See video here.
While there was a lot of talk about growing pumpkins and the care necessary to achieve the grand result, this serves as a solid parallel to what Todd is doing with Raising Cane’s. Similarly, Graves has planted a seed that has grown into a successful brand. He’s nurtured those around him, and one of the ultimate results is an incredible venture that continues to deliver a fantastic product with each Box Combo that is served.
The giant jack-o’-lantern is located right on Hollywood Boulevard, just outside of the TCL Chinese Theater. You can’t miss it, and you certainly don’t want to. The giant pumpkin will be on display from now until Sunday, November 2nd, and is an impressive site to see!