Following its fifth Emmy win for “Outstanding Structured Reality Program,” Shark Tank announced Raising Cane’s owner and founder Todd Graves as a Guest Shark on the upcoming season of the show, which airs Fridays beginning October 18 at 8/7 p.m. CT on ABC and next day on Hulu. Also joining season 16 as a Guest Shark is Kendra Scott, returning Guest Shark and executive chairwoman and chief creative officer of Kendra Scott LLC; Jamie Kern Lima, co-founder of IT Cosmetics and host of The Jamie Kern Lima Show; and Rashaun Williams, venture capitalist, Atlanta Falcons limited partner and financial literacy activist.

Known for casting Guest Sharks who embody entrepreneurism and the American Dream, the Shark Tank team looked no further than Graves, who opened doors to the first Raising Cane’s 28 years ago. Located across from the North Gates at LSU, the first Raising Cane’s – also known as “The Mothership” – was the answer to a Chicken Finger dream that would ultimately become a Chicken Finger empire set to gross more than $10B by the end of the decade with more than 1,600 locations. Currently, with more than 840 locations across more than 40 states, Cane’s is one of the fastest growing Restaurant brands with zero plans of slowing down. 

“I’m honored and excited to join the cast of Shark Tank for season 16 alongside fellow Guest Sharks Kendra, Jamie, and Rashaun. As a long-time viewer and fan of the show, I’m excited to bring my Restaurant and business experience to entrepreneurs and help guide them as they build their brands,” said Graves. “At my core, I love business and helping people succeed; and at the end of the day, it’s not about what you make, it’s about what you give. I know how it feels when someone takes a chance on you and it changes your life, and I’m looking forward to doing that on the show.”

As Shark Tank’s first “Southern gentleman” and restauranteur, Graves brings a different perspective to season 16. With more than 60 investments across a variety of industries, Graves is no stranger to investing in start-ups and mentoring budding entrepreneurs, but unlike some general investors who base their decisions solely on financials and business plans, Graves looks for something else: heart.

“I’m not just investing in products and ideas, I’m investing in people and their stories. I relate to so many of them and am looking forward to guiding them based on my past successes and failures as an entrepreneur,” said Graves. “I remember how it felt when I was first starting out with Raising Cane’s and not many believed in me or my vision, and I wish I had a Shark to give me advice and guidance. I want to be that person and change the narrative for these entrepreneurs by helping them achieve the American Dream, just like I have.”

With the advertising machine of more than 840 Restaurants serving more than 65 million unique Customers, Graves’ entrepreneurs will have full access to Cane’s marketing team and resources to help skyrocket their businesses. Graves is a master at building brand awareness and recognition, which has proven itself through Cane’s sales and success over the past 28 years. He believes in leveraging social media and celebrity integrations and partnerships to help drive messaging and awareness and brings with him a rolodex of hundreds of celebrity friendships and brand partnerships.

Tune in to Shark Tank Fridays at 8/7 p.m. CT on ABC and stream next day on Hulu to catch Graves in “The Tank!”