
Dodgers fans crowded Sunset Boulevard on Wednesday morning as World Series champion Will Smith joined Raising Cane’s founder and CEO Todd Graves to celebrate the grand opening of the brand’s newest restaurant in Hollywood. The event came just days after Smith helped lead the Dodgers to their 2025 World Series title.
Inside the restaurant, Smith began his morning with a press conference and promotional appearances alongside Graves. He reflected on the excitement surrounding the Dodgers’ championship parade, his game-winning home run that sealed the title, and the importance of giving back to the Los Angeles community.
“Catching Hope is super near and dear to our hearts. We love making an impact on the L.A. community and helping kids who don’t always get the opportunities they deserve."
Following the media session, Smith and Graves took part in photo and video shoots before turning their attention to the fans waiting outside. Despite limited access during the indoor event, supporters remained patient — and their patience paid off. Smith surprised the crowd by stepping into the drive-thru to hand out Raising Cane’s meals personally.
Following this, he went out to speak with fans, where he was presented with a $100,000 check to support the Catching Hope Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Smith that aims to provide sports opportunities for underprivileged children across Los Angeles.
By midday, the celebration wrapped up with fans cheering from outside, some leaving with posters, while others were happy to see a World Series champion connect with the city that cheered him on all season.
For Raising Cane’s, the Hollywood grand opening marked another milestone in the brand’s expansion across Southern California. For Smith, it was a continuation of his mission to link professional success with community engagement.
And for Dodgers fans, it was one more reason to celebrate, proof that even after a World Series victory, the connection between the team and the city of Los Angeles remains as strong as ever.