HispanicBusiness

Vacation Conversation Leads Veteran to Pizza Business

Innovative Program Provides Benefit up to approximately $68,000


KELLER, Texas, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc. today celebrates the grand opening of another store to open under the Little Caesars Veterans Program, as former United States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, Joseph Alleca, opens his doors for business at 12477 Timberland Blvd., in Keller, Texas.

"My wife and I are honored to have this opportunity to become entrepreneurs under this special program. Through our Little Caesars pizza restaurant, we can offer area residents a high quality product at a great value with outstanding convenience," said Alleca. "We are proud to be part of a well-known brand that emphasizes community involvement and giving back and look forward to becoming active members of the Keller and Fort Worth community."

Entering the U.S. Air Force in 1976, Alleca served as a meteorologist and participated in several tours of duty including Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Retiring in 1996, he transitioned to civilian life as an IT software developer. While on vacation in Italy, Alleca met a Little Caesars franchisee who introduced him to the idea of owning his own pizza restaurant. Impressed with the business model and support system the organization had in place, Alleca began researching Little Caesars.

"I have always wanted to own my own business and after learning more about Little Caesars, I knew it was the right fit for me," added Alleca. "I was really encouraged by the support they offer and the dedication that they have to providing opportunities to veterans."

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 career change. Honorably discharged service-disabled veterans who qualify as Little Caesars franchisees, such as Alleca, are eligible for a benefit of up to approximately $68,000. Honorably discharged veterans who qualify as Little Caesars franchisees, are eligible for a benefit of up to $10,000.

"With talented veterans such as Joseph 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 Joseph learned in the military, such as teamwork, dedication and a familiarity with processes, will help him become an effective Little Caesars franchisee."

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

In one of the largest U.S. quick serve restaurant research studies in 2007, Little Caesars was named the "best value for the money" of all quick serve restaurant chains.* Sandelman & Associates' Quick-Track(R) research study tracks key consumer behavioral and attitudinal measures for all major fast-food chains. Surveys were conducted among more than 84,000 quick service restaurant customers in 70 major markets across the U.S. Little Caesars was also named highest rated pizza chain for "Convenience of Locations" and "Speed of Service."

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.** Little Caesars also works with preferred lenders who understand the business, which becomes increasingly important as it gets more difficult for entrepreneurs to secure financing in today's economy.

Since launching on Veterans Day 2006, interest has remained high for the Little Caesars Veterans Program. Currently, 30 veterans have been approved to become Little Caesars franchisees and more than 2,000 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.

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. 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.

For more information about Little Caesars, The Little Caesars Veterans Program and available franchise opportunities and markets, 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, 2007.

** Source: Coleman Report, an annual compilation of performance data on thousands of SBA-guaranteed franchise loans.