Investors Choose Little Caesars(R) Pizza to Expand Their Holdings

By: Little Caesars Pizza | 1,022 Shares 331 Reads

August 14, 2008 // Franchising.com // DETROIT – Little Caesars is the brand of choice for investors looking to expand their portfolios in today's economy. With its simple business model, innovative concept and value niche, Little Caesars Pizza is growing across the country by offering franchise opportunities with a proven system that works.

For example, Restaurant Management Group (RMG), an experienced restaurant group with over 61 quick serve outlets in six states, has purchased 16 Little Caesars stores in Tennessee and Virginia to expand its holdings. "When looking for investment opportunities, Little Caesars stood out among other franchises because of its impressive sales growth and value proposition," said Jack Mangan, Little Caesars franchisee and managing partner, RMG. "We're so happy with our Little Caesars business that we have signed contracts to grow the brand in North Carolina and Georgia and we are on track to open 20 additional restaurants over the next five years."

Little Caesars has been in business for nearly 50 years and is growing across the country with a primary focus on East Coast and Midwest markets. In addition, Little Caesars was recently listed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) as one of the best loan performers among franchises with more than 60 SBA-guaranteed loans.*

"Our excellent listing with the SBA reflects our solid operating system and strong brand. The Little Caesars concept is attractive because we're focused on executing our core values and what works for us: providing a great product to customers for a great price," said Bob Mazziotti, senior vice president, franchise development, Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc. "Little Caesars welcomes investors because they have hands-on experience building and growing a business. This experience provides an excellent background by which to judge our system."

In 2007, Little Caesars built more domestic units than any other pizza chain. In addition, Little Caesars attracted more new franchisees than in any other year within the last decade. To help franchisees grow their business, Little Caesars offers qualified franchisees territory reservation agreements, which are signed contracts that hold designated geographic areas for franchisees to grow their business over a predetermined period of time.

The Northaven Development Group, an investment firm with a diverse portfolio managing businesses including assisted living centers, trucking distribution operations and real estate ventures, has chosen to expand its holdings with Little Caesars. "The Little Caesars concept is extremely appealing because it allows us to invest in a brand that offers consumers high quality products with great value and unmatched convenience at a time when they are really wanting to stretch their dollar," said Joseph Nachtrab, Little Caesars franchisee and president, The Northaven Development Group. "My business partner and I currently operate six Little Caesars stores in Minnesota and we're looking forward to continuing our growth with the brand by opening three more stores by the end of the year. We see significant potential with this brand."

Little Caesars is also attracting the attention of other investors including multi-brand owners like Greg Maroni, Little Caesars franchisee and president, Mar-Lu Investments, L.P.

"Little Caesars' expansion opportunities are allowing me to grow a strong brand in a challenging economy. I currently operate one Little Caesars restaurant in Sacramento and have three additional stores in development there," said Maroni . "As a multi-brand franchise owner, I see other brands closing stores while Little Caesars is growing across the country. I'm looking forward to expanding my Little Caesars business and providing outstanding value to more people in more places. Our customers tell us they love the quality products we serve and the value we offer."

Little Caesars is a globally-recognized brand that supports franchisees with the tools of a proven system, including ongoing training, architectural services to help with design and construction, preferred lenders to assist with financing, the ongoing research and development of new products, and continuing, effective marketing programs and support.

About Little Caesars

Little Caesars Pizza founders Michael and Marian Ilitch opened their first restaurant in Garden City, Michigan in 1959. Little Caesars built more stores in the U.S. in 2007 than any other pizza chain and today is the largest carry-out chain internationally 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, that appeals to both adults and children.

In addition to Little Caesars Pizza, Ilitch companies in the food, sports and entertainment industries include – the Detroit Red Wings, Olympia Entertainment, Olympia Development, Blue Line Foodservice Distribution, Champion Foods, Ilitch Holdings, Inc., Uptown Entertainment, Little Caesars Pizza Kit Fundraising Program, and a variety of venues within these entities. Michael Ilitch owns the Detroit Tigers. Marian Ilitch owns MotorCity Casino Hotel.

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