Fast food franchise set to expand into new markets

Little Caesars, the world’s third largest pizza chain, is seeking area developers around the world

From a single store to a global chain, Little Caesars Pizza charted a path to global success, starting in 1959 when founders Mike and Marian Ilitch opened their first restaurant in Michigan, USA.

By 1962 the brand began franchising and by 1969 it went international. Today, the brand is the third-largest pizza chain in the world1 and there’s no denying that Little Caesars is doing something right.

Restaurants on four continents

Little Caesars has become a household name and is currently operating in 27 countries and territories worldwide, with aggressive expansion plans to bring the iconic pizza brand to more countries around the world. With restaurants on four continents, Little Caesars is known for its value, convenience and its quality tasting pizzas and has been named ‘Best Value in America’ for 13 years in a row.

With a dedicated global team supporting its franchisees, Little Caesars has doubled its international presence in the last seven years. The franchising opportunity is tailored for operators with multi-unit experience, access to highly preferred real estate and a long-term vision for developing the brand.

Mike Therrian, Little Caesars’ director of international development, says: “Pizza is beloved throughout the world and Little Caesars delivers great tasting pizza at a real value that is more affordable than other options.

“We have seen Little Caesars become an attractive alternative to other quick service restaurant options in every market we enter and expect that to continue as we continue our international expansion.”

Strong commitment to technology and innovation

Little Caesars also has a strong commitment to technology and innovation. In 2004, the brand launched its Hot-N-Ready model, which allowed customers to walk in the door and pick up freshly made pizzas and side items without waiting and with no need to order in advance.

And then, most recently in 2018, the company revealed a breakthrough device called the Pizza Portal, the first heated, self-service mobile order pickup station in the quick service restaurant industry.

Using the mobile app, customers place their custom orders and then use the Pizza Portal at the store to receive their hot, freshly prepared order in a completely contactless experience. By using a QR code or three-digit code, customers retrieve their order from an individual, warmed compartment in the Pizza Portal.

Technology allows for contactless experience

In a time where customers are looking for safe, contactless ways to get their food, the powerful combination of mobile app and Pizza Portal technology are the next evolution of convenience for customers. The Pizza Portal makes purchasing an affordable, great-tasting pizza at an unmatched value easier than ever. The technology is currently in the United States, Canada and Mexico - and will be rolling out to new international markets in 2021.

Great tasting product - Incredible value

Through all the transformations, Little Caesars’ top priority has steadfastly remained creating a great tasting product at an incredible value.

Pizza is made with fresh, quality ingredients, including dough that is made fresh in stores daily, sauce that is fresh-packed and never frozen and a signature cheese blend combining mozzarella and Muenster cheese. A simple menu ensures the ability to provide quality products at a low cost, ready when the customer arrives.

International growth

Most recently, Little Caesars continued its international growth into new markets. In 2019, they opened in Spain, India and Barbados and in 2020 continued their expansion into Colombia.

There is no doubt that Little Caesars is an exceptionally high growth company with 60-plus years of experience in the $145bn worldwide pizza industry.

Little Caesars is continually looking for franchise candidates with an entrepreneurial spirit in the franchise system and experience in multi-unit restaurant/retail management. The company is committed to supporting its franchisees with a dedicated team around the globe in all necessary disciplines, including supply chain, marketing, training, operations and architecture.

Approximately 65 per cent of the brand’s international franchises have been a part of the system for more than 10 years.

Additionally, Little Caesars offers its franchisees a variety of store layout options to ensure the concept works in their market. Plus they offer a variety of layout options for areas with small footprints - the possibilities are many!

Little Caesars has achieved its rapid growth around the world because of a great brand and its dedicated franchisees.

As consumers’ affinity for pizza continues to grow in the multibillion-dollar pizza industry, Little Caesars is excited to expand into new markets around the world with new, exceptional franchisees.

Seeking area developers/multi-unit franchisees financial/ideal investor:

• Minimum $1,500,000 net worth under an area development agreement, with additional minimum requirements for liquid/cash assets. Minimums may vary depending upon the number of stores to be developed.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm, drive, passion and a proven record of success in the restaurant/retail industry.
• Comprehensive understanding of the local culture, real estate and trade area in the territory to be developed.
• Dedicated, locally-based, full-time support staff for developing the Little Caesars brand in the territory.
• Sufficient liquid assets and capital to support an aggressive store development schedule, while sustaining a strong advertising programme.
• Multi-unit restaurant/retail management experience as owner and/or operator