Detroit-based Little Caesars has announced plans to add four new locations at U.S. Navy bases following the brand’s first military base opening at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii in 2025.
“Military communities are an important part of Little Caesars and our commitment to supporting those who serve,” says Sally Rampersad, director of non-traditional and development services for Little Caesars.
“Since 2006, the Little Caesars Veterans program has helped countless veterans pursue franchise ownership and build successful businesses with Little Caesars,” she says. “At the same time, we’re also proud to work with experienced franchise operators who share our values and are proud to serve military members and their families through non-traditional locations, such as Naval Base San Diego. These locations allow us to bring the convenience and quality of Little Caesars to the communities where our military members live and work.”
The Naval Base San Diego expansion is being led by BAXIMUS founders Phil Thomas and Kris Wellmaker, experienced restaurant operators with a growing presence on military installations nationwide. After more than 15 years with Chick-fil-A, the partners launched BAXIMUS to bring high-quality dining options to military communities and now operate multiple concepts on bases across the country.
“Our goal has always been to bring quality restaurant experiences to military communities,” says Wellmaker. “Little Caesars stood out because of its reputation for quality, value, and convenience. We’re proud to partner with a family-owned brand that shares our commitment to serving these communities and providing service members and their families with a dining option they can count on.”
Alongside the new restaurant at Naval Base San Diego, BAXIMUS recently introduced a Little Caesars food truck to serve military events and installations where traditional dining options may be limited. The company also has additional Little Caesars development planned, including Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.
Beyond the San Diego expansion, Little Caesars also will open new locations at Naval Station Mayport in Florida, operated by franchisee Keyur Chauhan, who joined the system in 2022 and currently operates three restaurants in Georgia. In California, franchisee Tony Dao, who joined the brand in 2018, will further expand his presence with locations at the Navy Exchange at Port Hueneme and at Naval Air Station Lemoore.
These openings build on the broader Little Caesars non-traditional growth strategy, using strategic partnerships to reach guests where they live, work, and serve, according to the company.
Little Caesars says it’s actively seeking qualified multi-unit franchise operators to support development efforts in target markets nationwide.
For more information about Little Caesars franchising, visit franchise.littlecaesars.com.
