U.S. Military Veteran Opens Store Under Little Caesars Veterans Program
U.S. Military Veteran Opens Store Under Little Caesars Veterans Program: Innovative Program Makes Lifelong Dream a Reality
Last update: 5:45 p.m. EDT Oct. 14, 2008 MOUNTLAKE TERRACE, Wash., Oct 14, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ “I am honored to be a part of a growing franchise system that is committed to providing business opportunities to veterans,” said Womack. “I look forward to providing my customers high quality pizza at a great value that is ready when they are.” Joining the United States Navy immediately after high school, Womack served from 1975 to 1998 and three years later received his bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis on marketing from Columbia College. After receiving his degree, he worked as an insurance agent. Now, at the age of 52, Womack is fulfilling his lifelong goal of starting his own business with his investment in a pizza restaurant under the Little Caesars Veterans Program. It was Little Caesars’ simple business model and commitment towards U.S. military veterans that led him to pursue a Little Caesars franchise. “I am excited to achieve my lifelong dream of owning my own business and I’m ready to apply my military skills to get involved in the Mountainlake Terrace community and grow my Little Caesars franchise,” added Womack. “The Little Caesars Veterans Program opened the door for me to turn this dream into reality for me and my family.” 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, such as Womack, are eligible for a benefit of up to approximately $68,000. It grants honorably discharged, non-service-disabled veterans who qualify as Little Caesars franchisees a benefit of $10,000. “With talented veterans like Carlis joining the Little Caesars team, the Little Caesars Veterans Program continues to grow and give veterans business ownership opportunities,” said David Scrivano, president, Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc. “The skills Carlis developed in the military such as teamwork, dedication and a familiarity with processes will help him become a strong Little Caesars franchisee.” Some of the menu items Womack will feature in his store include HOT-N-READY Pizza, Crazy Bread®, Caesar Wings® and Caesar Dips®. 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® 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, more than 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 in the coming months under the program. 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 the Little Caesars Veterans Program 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 Sandleman & Associates, 2007.
- Source: Coleman Report, an annual compilation of performance data on thousands of SBA-guaranteed franchise loans. SOURCE Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc.
-- Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc. today celebrates another store grand opening under the Little Caesars Veterans Program as former United States Master Chief Navy Counselor Carlis Womack opens his doors for business at 1824 224th Street SW in Mountlake Terrace, Washington.
