ARNOLD, Mo., March 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc. today announced the grand opening of its most recent location under the innovative Little Caesars Veterans Program as former United States Marine Corps Corporal Elliott Stevens opened his doors for business at 1851 Jeffco Blvd. in Arnold, Missouri.
"Through the Little Caesars Veterans Program I have entered the next phase of my professional career as a business owner," said Stevens. "The thorough training and support Little Caesars provides its franchisees, has helped me to reach this personal milestone. I hope more companies will follow the example set by Little Caesars and offer more veterans like me the opportunity to own and operate their own business."
The Little Caesars Veterans Program was created to thank veterans for their service, and provide them with career opportunities when they transition to civilian life or seek a career change. It offers honorably discharged, service-disabled veterans who qualify as Little Caesars franchisees a benefit of up to $68,000. Honorably discharged, non-service-disabled veterans who qualify as Little Caesars franchisees, such as Stevens, are eligible for a benefit of $10,000.
"With talented veterans such as Elliott 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 Elliott honed in the military, such as teamwork, dedication and a familiarity with processes, will help him become an effective Little Caesars franchisee."
Since launching on Veterans Day 2006, interest has remained high for the Little Caesars Veterans Program. Currently, more than two dozen veterans have been approved to become Little Caesars franchisees and more than 1,400 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.
A trained mechanical engineer with a degree from North Carolina State University, Stevens enters Little Caesars franchise ownership after serving as a manufacturing engineer with one of the leading vehicle parts manufacturing companies in the United States. His military career with the Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserve spanned from 1991-1997.
"Throughout my military career I learned the benefit of utilizing proven processes and I am impressed that Little Caesars has similar proven processes established for its franchisees," said Stevens. "At this point in my life I have a strong appreciation for the company's simple business model and being associated with a widely recognized brand. I'm looking forward to joining the Arnold business community and offering high quality products at a great convenience and value."
Some of the menu items Stevens will feature in his Little Caesars store include HOT-N-READY(R) Pizza, Crazy Bread(R), Caesar Wings(R) and Caesar Dips(R).
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. Today, Little Caesars is the largest carry-out pizza chain in the world 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, who appeals to both adults and children.
Little Caesars is an Ilitch-owned company along with the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers, Olympia Entertainment, Olympia Development, Blue Line Foodservice Distribution, Champion Foods, Uptown Entertainment, Little Caesars Pizza Kit Fundraising Program, Ilitch Holdings, Inc. and a variety of venues within these entities.
For more information about prime franchising opportunities with Little Caesars visit http://www.littlecaesars.com/.
Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc.
