Little Caesars, the Detroit-based global pizza franchise, has signed numerous multi-unit deals in the U.S. with a variety of franchisees, setting it on track to double the rate of new store commitments compared to last year.
“Ahead of 2021, we took a serious look at our franchise development strategy and committed to expanding our horizons in both new and existing markets,” says Craig Sherwood, vice president of franchise development at Little Caesars.
“By seeking more opportunities with large operators, experienced business owners, military veterans, and first responders, Little Caesars is continuing to grow its footprint across the nation. We are confident that the candidates we recruited this past year and those we’re in discussions with now will be valuable to our business.”
Among the major groups that signed multi-unit deals in 2021 is Plano, Tex.-based CMG Cos. — a top-25 multi-unit operator with hundreds of franchises across the country, including KFC, Taco Bell, Marriott, Hilton, and others.
CMG acquired several existing Little Caesars stores in Kansas City, Baltimore, and Syracuse, and is planning to open 19 new locations with Little Caesars over the next five years. In addition, the Chandi Group — a California real estate investment firm — committed to opening three Little Caesars locations in Palm Springs.
Several individual franchisees also signed with Little Caesars last year and bring years of experience owning and operating multi-unit chains with household brands. This group includes long-time Little Caesars franchise owner Vicki Dunn Marshall, who currently owns and operates 24 Little Caesars stores in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio, and now has committed to opening 10 new restaurants in the greater Charlotte, N.C. region.
Little Caesars highlighted military veterans and first responders who signed with the brand in 2021 and 2022. New owners representing Army veterans, Air Force veterans, Navy veterans, nurses, as well as emergency medical services personnel, will launch their Little Caesars businesses in Baltimore, Oklahoma City, Orlando, Phoenix and other cities nationwide.
In recognition of their service, Little Caesars offers veterans and first responders financial incentives to open stores. The brand’s focus on military veterans and first responders began with its founder Mike Ilitch, who proudly served with the military during the Korean War.
In signing new prospects last year and during the first months of 2022, Little Caesars is building momentum to expand its domestic franchise network with a new set of priority markets including Buffalo, N.Y., Hawaii, and Minneapolis.
Domestic franchising investments start around $379,000. Interested prospects should visit franchise.littlecaesars.com for more information.
