Under the right circumstances, a DJ can take an experience to the next level. How many weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, and parties go from memorable to unforgettable with just a few songs?
One woman recently found herself wondering why a DJ was performing at a Raising Cane’s in New York City. Jade (@jadenicolelorraine) posted a clip of a DJ slinging beats during lunch service on a random Wednesday at one of the Louisiana-based eateries in Times Square.
“I need to speak to the marketing manager of Raising Cane’s and have them explain the thought process behind having a DJ in their Times Square location at 1:40pm on a Wednesday, like I’m five. STAT,” Jade wrote in the text overlay of her TikTok.
The post has racked up a quarter-million views in the week since Jade posted it. It’s got people wishing that they, too, were bopping to the beats at Raising Cane’s.
The science behind restaurant music
Restaurant design is a fine art. Everything matters, from the dishes to the logo to the tables and chairs. Consultants make serious bank helping restaurants figure out how to cultivate their unique aesthetic.
While it may be easy to overlook, sound is an important part of that formula. The volume and playlist need to match the vibe. The equipment should be of high enough quality that the music isn’t distorted and is loud enough to be heard throughout without being too loud.
Each of these choices is restaurant-specific. A Twin Peaks is going to sound quite different from a Michelin-starred bistro, for example.
“In fact, your business playlists are just as important as your restaurant design and an integral part of your overall aesthetic,” Soundtrack reports.
Even the tempo matters. A Danish study reportedly found that faster-paced music encourages people to eat faster—perhaps ideal for a fast food joint trying to hustle customers through, but a mood killer for a high-end steakhouse like Ruth’s Chris.
Done right, the choice of music can make for happy customers. Done badly, and you may never see those customers again. Gastropub actually says “sound is the single most complained about aspect of restaurants.”
DJ at Raising Cane’s on a Wednesday
Raising Cane’s is known for DJs.
The web is full of posts about DJs performing at Raising Cane’s around the country. It’s part of the Raising Cane’s vibe.
In her post, the DJ plays Jennifer Lopez’s hit “Jenny From the Block,” which makes sense given the NYC location.
Most people agree that he’s killing it.
“Life is too short to be boring, play the set DJ!” wrote one.
Said a second, “Girl it’s NYC. City that never sleeps. This is awesome!”
“It makes it a fun environment but a space you wouldn’t want to linger in so they can turn tables faster for new guests,” Katie M. wrote.
This prompted Jade to joke, “Canes marketing manager?! Is that you??”
In another comment, she notes that her group was among those “vibing” to J. Lo.
@jadenicolelorraine my gf said she thinks he has a DJ side gig and begged his boss to let him play a set ?
♬ original sound – jadenicolelorraine
The Mary Sue reached out to Raising Cane’s and the TikToker for comment.
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