Raising Cane's Clay Dover One of '40 Under Forty'
Raising Cane's President Clay Dover named to Dallas Business Journal's "40 Under Forty" honorees for 2009.
-- Chain Leader, 6/12/2009 9:47:00 AM
PRESS RELEASE: PLANO, Texas - (June 12, 2009) - Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers(r) President and Chief Marketing Officer Clay Dover has been named to the Dallas Business Journal's "40 Under Forty" list of leading executives, published in the June 12 issue. The prestigious program recognizes highly accomplished business leaders under the age of 40 who have a proven track record of professional excellence and dynamic leadership in the community.
Dover, 37, presides over one of the fastest-growing restaurant chains in the U.S. and was chosen for the top 40 list from a field of nearly 350 nominees.
"I could not ask for a greater honor than to be acknowledged for a career that I love in an industry that grants so much satisfaction in return," Dover said.
Dover joined Raising Cane's as president and chief marketing officer in July of 2008 with a role to grow the fast-casual chain on the national level. Today, he oversees a network of more than 80 stores across 13 states and an expanding brand that employs more than 3,500 people.
Headquartered in Baton Rouge, La., Raising Cane's exceeded $140 million in 2008 revenues and continues to defy economic trends, posting a 7.7% increase in same-store sales to-date for 2009. Dover has supported that growth by opening a new 24,000-square foot Dallas Restaurant Support Office - a strategic plan to attract top industry talent, which also resulted in more than 10,000 resumes to the attractive company.
With the introduction of a national marketing campaign for the chain, Dover also has positioned the brand for expansion to new markets while remaining true the company's culture and heritage in Baton Rouge.
"Raising Cane's has the advantage of focusing on One Love - chicken finger meals - to be the best in our industry," Dover says. "That has made all of the difference in our ability to grow great talent, a great culture, and a great brand that is succeeding while others are trying to reinvent themselves. And that's why I have one of the best jobs in the world."
Dover has spearheaded some of the most recognized brands in the food industry defying his age. His passion for the business began at age 16 when he worked as a busboy for Bob's Big Boy in California. His hard work ethic continued as he put himself through college waiting tables and managing restaurants.
His professional career quickly grew as he helped rebrand and turnaround casual dining brands such as Semolina, Left at Albuquerque, Blue Chalk Café and others. Dover also served as director of marketing for Houlihan's Restaurant Group where, under his direction, Houlihan's was awarded the 2001 Outstanding Promotions Award from Nation's Restaurant News for marketing promotion excellence. He also headed the marketing efforts for one of the largest Chili's franchise groups.
Prior to joining Raising Cane's, Dover served as president and CEO of Metromedia Restaurant Group and its family of brands that generated more than $1.6 billion in sales and over 700 restaurants.
Recognized as a change agent for restaurants across the country, he was honored with the national 2007 Chain Leader Protégé of the Year Award for his career achievements. In 2008, he also accepted the Cheers magazine award for Beverage Excellence and the title of Best Chain Spirits Program.
Dover holds a bachelor of arts in communications with sales and marketing emphasis from Brigham Young University. He is a current member of the Greater Dallas Restaurant Association, and he resides with his wife and three children in Plano, Texas.
About Raising Cane's:
Founded by entrepreneur Todd Graves in 1996 in Baton Rouge, La., Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers has more than 80 restaurants in 13 states with several new restaurants under construction. The Company has ONE LOVE - quality chicken finger meals - and focuses its menu on fresh, made-to-order chicken fingers, grilled Texas Toast brushed with garlic butter, fresh cole slaw and crinkle-cut French fries. More information on Raising Cane's is available at www.raisingcanes.com.
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