U.S. Military Veteran Opens Pizza Franchise Under Little Caesars Veterans Program

Innovative Program Provides Opportunities for Business Ownership. End Quote

Detroit, MI (1888PressRelease) December 08, 2010 - Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc. proudly celebrates the grand opening of another store under the Little Caesars Veterans Program, as former U.S. Army Specialist Tony Vazquez opens his Little Caesars Pizza restaurant at 16708 Jefferson Davis Highway in Dumfries, Va.

"The Little Caesars Veterans Program offers a great opportunity for veterans like me to be an independent business owner," said Vazquez. "This is a wonderful way to begin a new career, and I know the teamwork and discipline I learned in the military will serve me well."

A native Virginian, Vazquez joined the U.S. Army in 1977 and served as a military police officer for three years. He was stationed at Fort Belvoir, Va. After leaving the military, he was a police officer in Fairfax County, Va., and for the past 14 years he has worked as a distributor for the Washington Post in northern Virginia. In 2009, he spoke to a representative of Little Caesars and two franchise owners, and learned about the Little Caesars Veterans Program. He was convinced this was the right opportunity for him and his family.

"I couldn't pass up the chance to become part of the well-known brand, and Little Caesars' commitment to its franchisees is so impressive," explained Vazquez. "From the beginning of the process, I have felt the support from the corporate staff. Being able to participate in the Little Caesars Veterans Program was an added plus for me, and I look forward to offering customers in Dumfries a high-quality product at a great value and convenience."

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

The Little Caesars Veterans Program was created in 2006 to thank veterans for their service and provide them with career opportunities when they transition to civilian life or seek a change.

"The Little Caesars Veterans Program continues to grow and offer veterans like Tony an opportunity to own and operate their own business," said Bob Mazziotti, Vice President, Franchise Development, Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc. "The skills Tony gained in the military will benefit him as he manages his Little Caesars franchise."

Since the program launched, interest has remained high in the Little Caesars Veterans Program. Currently, more than 50 veterans collectively are using the program's benefits to help them grow their Little Caesars businesses. A dozen veterans have already built a second or third Little Caesars store, and all have plans to build more.

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 Pizza

Little Caesars Pizza founders Michael and Marian Ilitch opened their first restaurant in Garden City, Michigan, in 1959. Little Caesars, the fastest growing pizza chain, built more stores in the world in 2009 than any other pizza brand and today is the largest carryout chain globally 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. For the third year in a row, Little Caesars was named "Best Value in America"* of all quick-serve restaurant chains. In addition, Little Caesars offers strong brand awareness with one of the most recognized and appealing characters in the country, Little Caesar.

In addition to Little Caesars Pizza, Michael and Marian Ilitch's 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.

For more information about Little Caesars Pizza and available franchise opportunities, visit www.LittleCaesars.com or call 1.800.553.5776.

* "Highest-Rated Chain - Value for the Money" based on a nationwide survey of quick-service restaurant consumers conducted by Sandelman & Associates, 2009

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