Raising Cane’s Founder Todd Graves Unveils World’s Biggest Pumpkin, Shares Success Secrets and Favorite Movie

Last night, Todd Graves, the owner and founder of Raising Cane’s, made a massive reveal—and it wasn’t chicken, but something that weighed as much as 20,000 chicken fingers! A longtime Halloween enthusiast and pumpkin lover, Graves had been on a quest for the world’s biggest pumpkin, and this year, his dream came true with the acquisition of “Rudy,” the 2,471-pound pumpkin crowned the world’s largest.

A Star-Studded Halloween at Nights of the Jack

Known for its mile-long illuminated pumpkin trail, interactive displays, and celebrity sightings, Nights of the Jack is one of L.A.’s most beloved Halloween attractions. This year, Graves’ pumpkin took center stage at the festival’s entrance, welcoming visitors and stars alike as the main attraction.

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A Must See 360-Degree Carved Masterpiece

Graves collaborated with top-tier carvers Eric Jones, Monique Hawk, and William Wilson to bring his vision for Rudy to life—all familiar faces from Food Network’s Outrageous Pumpkins and Halloween Wars. The trio crafted a fully 3D, 360-degree carved masterpiece, a first of its kind for a pumpkin of this magnitude. Using squash, apples, sweet potatoes, and carrots, they meticulously sculpted details like fingernails, teeth, and sunglasses, creating a multi-dimensional display that captivated attendees. Graves was on-site with the team for the final carves and the grand reveal.

Graves’ Love for Halloween and Pumpkin Carving

Reflecting on the accomplishment, Graves shared, “For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved Halloween, carving pumpkins, and the joy the holiday brings to kids. I’ve been on a quest for the world’s biggest pumpkin for six years now, and I’m thrilled it’s finally happened.” Graves expressed gratitude to Gienger, Jones, Hawk, and Wilson for their dedication, adding, “The pumpkin captures the magic and excitement of Halloween with iconic Cane’s elements like our logo, red cup, and Cane III. Bringing it to Nights of the Jack to share with everyone has been rewarding, especially seeing kids’ excitement—it makes it all worth it!”

Favorite Films

We couldn’t resist asking the CEO himself about his favorite movies, and we’re glad to say he has quite the taste! Among his top picks is Chariots of Fire, which makes perfect sense—it’s all about pursuing your dreams with determination, a theme that resonates with Graves’ journey. He’s also a fan of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Pulp Fiction, two Tarantino classics that remind him of the early days of Raising Cane’s. These films, much like his own story, capture that spirit of ambition and building something extraordinary. Graves also shared his story of success and emphasized the importance of never giving up!