Little Caesars, the popular pizza chain, is owned by the Ilitch family. Mike Ilitch, who passed away in 2017, was the founder of Little Caesars and served as its chairman until his death. He started the company in 1959 with his wife, Marian Ilitch, in Garden City, Michigan.
Mike Ilitch was a self-made entrepreneur and his success story is quite inspiring. He grew up in a working-class family in Detroit and played minor league baseball for a short period of time. After his baseball career ended, he opened his first pizza restaurant, called “Little Caesars Pizza Treat,” with the help of his wife.
The couple’s hard work and dedication paid off, and Little Caesars grew rapidly. They introduced the concept of “Pizza! Pizza!” which offered customers two pizzas for the price of one, and this catchy slogan became a trademark for the brand. Little Caesars became known for its affordable prices and convenient carry-out service.
Over the years, Mike Ilitch expanded his business ventures beyond the pizza industry. In 1982, he purchased the Detroit Red Wings, a National Hockey League (NHL) team, and later acquired the Detroit Tigers, a Major League Baseball (MLB) team, in 1992. His ownership of these sports teams brought more recognition and success to the Ilitch family.
Apart from his business achievements, Mike Ilitch was also known for his philanthropy and generosity. One notable act of kindness was his support for civil rights icon Rosa Parks. After learning that Parks had been robbed and assaulted in her Detroit apartment in 1994, Ilitch offered to pay her rent and provide her with 24-hour security. He continued to cover her housing expenses for 11 years until her death in 2005.
Mike Ilitch’s commitment to his community and his employees was also evident in his efforts to revitalize the city of Detroit. He invested in numerous redevelopment projects, including the construction of the Little Caesars Arena, which became the new home for both the Red Wings and the Tigers.
Following Mike Ilitch’s passing, his son Christopher Ilitch took over as the chairman and CEO of Ilitch Holdings, the company that oversees the Ilitch family’s business interests, including Little Caesars. Christopher Ilitch has continued his father’s legacy and has been actively involved in the ongoing growth and success of the brand.
Mike Ilitch, along with his wife Marian, was the founder of Little Caesars and the driving force behind its success. His dedication to his business, his community, and acts of kindness like supporting Rosa Parks exemplify his character and the values he instilled in his company. Today, Little Caesars remains a prominent player in the pizza industry under the ownership and leadership of the Ilitch family.