In 2021 Little Caesars was the third largest pizza chain in the United States. In 2017 the chain offered its products at over 5,400 locations across the globe. Little Caesars Pizza Treat was opened in 1959 by Mike and Marian Illitch in Garden City, Michigan. Mike wanted to call it “Pizza Treat”. Marian didn’t. They compromised, giving pride of place to Marian’s nickname for Mike. They originally served a wide variety of food but during their first week, the Ilitch’s sold over 296 pizzas. They soon focused primarily on selling quality pizza at low price. Along with memorable advertising, it was their key to success. In May 2009, Ilitch said: “You know, we didn’t plan this. It just happened over the years, where there was an opportunity and we relied on our instincts and went ahead with it.” The firm today is headquartered in Detroit, and remains family owned.
