Little Caesars(R) Pizza Celebrates Eighth Store Opening Under Innovative Veterans Program

By: Little Caesars Pizza | 0 Shares 176 Reads

Local Entrepreneur Realizes Professional Dreams with New Business Opportunity

ALLENTOWN, Pa., March 20 // PRNewswire-FirstCall // -- Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc. today celebrated its eighth store opening under the Little Caesars Veterans Program as retired Air Force Captain Rick Loz opened his doors for business at 1401 Allen Street, in the shopping center at 15th and Allen Streets. "Through the Little Caesars Veterans Program I am transitioning to a new phase in my professional life as an entrepreneur," said Loz. "I hope more companies will follow the example set by Little Caesars and offer more veterans like me the opportunity to own and operate their own business."

The Little Caesars Veterans Program offers honorably discharged service- disabled veterans who qualify as Little Caesars franchisees a benefit of up to $68,000. Honorably discharged non-service-disabled veterans who qualify as Little Caesars franchisees, such as Loz, are eligible for a benefit of $10,000.

"With talented veterans such as Rick joining the Little Caesars team, the Little Caesars Veterans Program continues to grow and provide veterans with business ownership opportunities," said David Scrivano, president, Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc. "The skills Rick honed in the military, such as teamwork, dedication and a familiarity with processes, will help him become an effective Little Caesars franchisee."

Since launching on Veterans Day 2006, interest has remained high for the Little Caesars Veterans Program. Currently, more than two dozen veterans have been approved to become Little Caesars franchisees and more than 1,400 inquiries have been made about the program. Several more U.S. military veterans are expected to open stores under the program in the coming months.

"At this point in my life, I am excited about being part of a franchise system with the support and brand recognition that Little Caesars offers," Loz added. "The thorough training I experienced with Little Caesars will allow me to provide a high quality product at a great value and convenience to the Allentown community."

A former Captain in the United States Air Force, Rick first joined the military after graduating high school. He entered into the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program, and after graduating from college, was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. Rick applied his military skills in the Space and Missile Systems Division of the Air Force and went on to serve in the U.S. military for eight more years. In 1996, Rick was honorably discharged, and he returned to civilian life and the corporate world.

Some of the menu items Loz will feature in his store include HOT-N- READY(R) Pizza, Crazy Bread(R), Caesar Wings(R) and Caesar Dips(R).

The Center for Veterans Enterprise (part of the Department of Veterans Affairs), Marine For Life (an organization that helps Marines and Sailors transition to civilian life), and the International Franchise Association (through its VetFran program) are points of contact for the Little Caesars Veterans Program. They can provide information about the requirements and qualifications of becoming a Little Caesars franchisee.

About Little Caesars

Little Caesars Pizza founders Michael and Marian Ilitch opened their first restaurant in Garden City, Michigan in 1959. Today, Little Caesars is the largest carry-out pizza chain in the world with restaurants on five continents. Little Caesars is growing in prime markets across the country and is offering strong franchisee candidates an opportunity for independence with a proven system. In addition, Little Caesars offers strong brand awareness with one of the most recognized characters in the country, Little Caesar, who appeals to both adults and children.

Little Caesars is an Ilitch-owned company along with the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers, Olympia Entertainment, Olympia Development, Blue Line Foodservice Distribution, Champion Foods, Uptown Entertainment, Little Caesars Pizza Kit Fundraising Program, Ilitch Holdings, Inc. and a variety of venues within these entities.

For more information about prime franchising opportunities with Little Caesars visit http://www.LittleCaesars.com.

SOURCE Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc.

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