Little Caesars® Launches in Cambodia with a Slice of Excitement at Phnom Penh Grand Opening on November 10

November 3, 2024

Experience the legendary taste and unbeatable value of Little Caesars as it lands in Cambodia, bringing pizza lovers their favorite HOT-N-READY® pizza for the first time

Little Caesars, the world’s third-largest pizza chain, is officially opening its doors in Cambodia with a grand celebration on November 10, 2024, at its first store on Koh Pich. Known for its HOT-N-READY® pizza, Little Caesars is set to offer an affordable and convenient dining experience for Cambodian families, students, and anyone looking for a quick, delicious meal.

Little Caesars entry into Cambodia, led by local franchise partner Neak Oknha Rithy Sear of Worldbridge Group, marks the brand’s 29th country of operation. The restaurant's debut on Koh Pich is just the beginning, with a second location already planned for early 2025.

At Little Caesars, the focus is on making mealtime easy and affordable for families, while consistently delivering the great quality guests love. This is accomplished by ensuring pizzas are freshly made and ready to go, allowing guests to walk in, grab a pizza, and head out—perfect for busy parents, students, and professionals.

The restaurant’s menu will feature Little Caesars classic pizzas, including their signature pepperoni and cheese, at affordable prices starting at just $6.49 for a large pizza. With sides like Crazy Bread®, flavorful dipping sauces, and their latest Crazy Puffs®, families can enjoy a complete meal that satisfies everyone’s cravings without breaking the bank. Additionally, the menu will offer options tailored to meet the unique flavors favored by Cambodian guests.

"Little Caesars has always been about bringing families and friends together over delicious food," said Paula Vissing, President of Global Retail at Little Caesars. "We’re thrilled to offer Cambodian families a quick, affordable option that delivers exceptional taste and quality every time."

Little Caesars is designed to fit seamlessly into the lives of Cambodian consumers, offering fast service, fresh ingredients, and unbeatable value. Whether it’s a last-minute meal after a long day or a treat for a weekend family gathering, Little Caesars pizzas make it easy to enjoy delicious food at a great price. Little Caesars is excited to bring its iconic pizza to Cambodia and become a part of the vibrant communities throughout the country.

Neak Oknha Rithy Sear, Chairman of Worldbridge Group, expressed his excitement for the partnership and what it means for Cambodian families.

“Little Caesars is a global brand known for its high standards, and I am proud to be a part of bringing this experience to Cambodian families. We believe that the combination of quality, affordability, and convenience will make Little Caesars a new favorite dining option for families across Phnom Penh.”

"Our brand is dedicated to delivering an unforgettable dining experience," said Vissing. "From the moment you walk in, we want you to feel welcome and excited, knowing you’re getting delicious pizza made with top-quality ingredients at a great value."

To celebrate its debut, Little Caesars is rolling out special promotions and giveaways for the first customers who visit the Koh Pich location. The restaurant will be open to the public from 11 November 2024. Families are encouraged to join in the excitement and be among the first to taste Cambodia’s newest favorite pizza.

Guest Enhancements Unveiled at Fox Theatre

November 3, 2024

Building upon more than three decades of investment in Detroit, enhancements to the iconic Fox Theatre were recently unveiled, underscoring Ilitch Companies’ commitment to creating a world-class guest experience for audiences across its venues.

The updates, announced earlier this year, feature new seating that replicate the original seats, the addition of cupholders, as well as improved wayfinding. View the video to learn more:

Olympia Development Announces the Second Building in The District Detroit’s Co-Developer Program

October 31, 2024

Olympia Development of Michigan has selected 81 W. Columbia Street as the second of three projects to be offered to Detroit-based developers in The District Detroit’s Co-Developer Program. The Co-Developer Program is designed to create opportunities for Detroit-based, Detroit-headquartered, or Detroit resident-owned development companies. Qualified companies will have the opportunity to pursue the development of up to three Olympia Development properties.

81 W. Columbia Street was designed in the transitional style by architectural firm Baxter and O’Dell in 1909 as the Blenheim Apartments. It originally comprised 19 apartments and a speakeasy. The building is four stories tall and is approximately 17,500 square feet. The Blenheim is located at the southeast corner of Columbia Street and Park Avenue adjacent to the Fox Theatre and Little Caesars Global Headquarters.  

“The response to our Co-Developer program has been tremendous. The thoughtful and innovative proposals that local developers are submitting demonstrates the shared commitment to building what is best for the community.   We look forward to reviewing the Blenheim proposals as this specific property is in a great location and is ideal for developers to design and build something unique as we further develop Detroit,” said Keith Bradford, President of Olympia Development and The District Detroit.

In July Olympia Development announced 475 Peterboro as the first of three buildings in the Co-Developer program and invited 10 developers to respond with development proposals that are currently under review. The third project in the program will be the parcels at 44 & 48 W. Adams, adjacent to Grand Circus Park West.

The 10 invited Co-Developers for 81 W. Columbia will begin exploring development options and meet with Olympia Development executives before submitting their proposals on February 15, 2025.

“The Olympia Development Co-Developer Program is a significant example of the diversity and inclusion that is a result of The District Detroit Community Benefits Agreement. This program will provide immense opportunity to emerging and disadvantaged Detroit-based developers and bring new life to key properties in the City,” said Chris Jackson, Chair of The District Detroit Neighborhood Advisory Committee.

More information on the Co-Developer Program can be found at TheDistrictDetroitOC.com/RFP.

The District Detroit’s Co-Developer Program is part of the Community Benefits Agreement.  Separately, Olympia Development has other Co-Developer partnerships underway at The Residences @ 150 Bagley (formally known as The United Artist Building), 64 Edmund Place and Henry Street Apartments.

The District Detroit, City of Detroit and University of Michigan Host Community Meetings for Planned Public Plaza

October 30, 2024

Olympia Development of Michigan, Related Companies, City of Detroit and University of Michigan Center for Innovation held two public meetings during which members of the community were invited to share their ideas for a planned community plaza in The District Detroit. Currently referred to as the M-Block Plaza, the public space will be adjacent to the University of Michigan Center for Innovation near the intersection of Columbia Street and Cass Avenue.

The University of Michigan Center for Innovation (UMCI) is now under construction near the intersection of Grand River and Columbia Street in The District Detroit and is expected to open in 2027. The UMCI will be a world-class research, education and entrepreneurship center designed to advance innovation and talent-focused community development intended to propel city, region and statewide job creation and inclusive economic growth by stimulating economic development in Detroit.

The M-Block Plaza will be a public connector to the UMCI and other proposed developments including a residential tower and a business incubator. The charrette-style community meetings are intended to help ensure the plaza is a purposeful, culturally relevant, and useful place for Detroit. The M-Block Plaza will be approximately 20,000 square feet.

Community members heard from Rian English Barnhill, Vice President of Government and Community Affairs at Olympia Development; Stephanie Calhoun, Vice President of Construction at Related Midwest; Ryan Friedrichs, Vice President of Development at Related Companies; and Lutalo Sanifu, Director of Community Engagement for the University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit.

Speaking at the event, Sanifu told attendees: “Our engagement philosophy is ‘Nothing about us without us.’ We want to engage with 30,000 community members a year.”

The public input and ideas from the two sessions will help determine the plaza’s design, activation and amenities.

The meetings were held on Wednesday, October 16, and Wednesday, October 23 and were held at The District Detroit Opportunity Center.

The District Detroit’s Columbia Street Welcomes Back Fall Fest

October 30, 2024

Annual event returns, presented by Michigan First Credit Union

The leaves are turning, the smell of pumpkin spice is in the air, and Fall Fest has returned to Columbia Street, The District Detroit’s pedestrian-only thoroughfare nestled between the historic Fox Theatre and Little Caesars World Headquarters.  Now through November 15, experience Columbia Street as it transforms into a picturesque autumnal experience.  Fall Fest, presented by Michigan First Credit Union, is free and open to the public.

Capture special moments with friends and family and stop by any one of the incredible restaurants - Union Assembly, JoJo’s shakeBAR, Good Cakes and Bakes, Sahara, and Frita Batidos - or the Detroit Vs Everybody flagship store that line Columbia Street. There is something for everyone. And if you’re lucky, grab a spot at one of the many JoJo’s shakeBAR Pumpkin Patch events.  

Every year in collaboration with The District Detroit and Columbia Street, JoJo’s shakeBAR captivates guests with twinkling lights and a massive garage door that opens to create an airy, inviting atmosphere making it the perfect spot to gather with friends and sip on a warm hot chocolate. Inside and outside, guests can enjoy fall-themed photo ops. Whether you're a Detroit local or visiting for a Lions game, Red Wings match, or a show at the Fox Theatre - JoJo's brings the heart of the fall season to life.

Columbia Street Fall Fest is presented by Michigan First Credit Union.  Founded in 1926, Michigan First Credit Union has been dedicated to serving the community with financial support and guidance since its inception as Detroit Teachers Credit Union. Today, Michigan First Credit Union serves over 165,000 members.

The District Detroit is the city's world class sports and entertainment district where memories are made.  Managed by Ilitch Companies Olympia Development, The District Detroit offers award-winning restaurants, sports and entertainment venues, residential housing, class A office buildings, hotels and nationally recognized educational institutions.

Red Wings Assign Austin Watson To Grand Rapids

October 28, 2024

Forward Has Skated in 517 NHL Games with Nashville, Ottawa, Tampa Bay and Detroit Since 2012-13

The Detroit Red Wings today assigned forward Austin Watson to the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins.

Watson, 32, has skated in two games with the Red Wings during the 2024-25 season, logging two penalty minutes, one shot and six hits in 7:00 average time on ice. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound forward has also recorded six assists, a plus-six rating and 19 penalty minutes in seven games with the Griffins to begin the 2024-25 campaign. Watson played the entire 2023-24 season with the Tampa Bay Lightning, tallying four points (2-2-4), a plus-two rating and 93 penalty minutes in 33 games. Originally selected by the Nashville Predators in the first round (18th overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Watson has compiled 118 points (60-58-118) and 707 penalty minutes in 517 games with the Predators, Ottawa Senators, Lightning and Red Wings since 2012-13. He has also registered 19 points (10-9-19) and 48 penalty minutes in 45 postseason contests, helping the Predators reach the 2017 Stanley Cup Final. Additionally, Watson has played in parts of seven AHL seasons with the Milwaukee Admirals and Griffins, racking up 138 points (73-65-138), a plus-16 rating and 108 penalty minutes in 241 games.

A native of Ann Arbor, Mich., Watson played four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with the Windsor Spitfires, Peterborough Petes and London Knights from 2008-12 prior to turning professional, winning OHL championships with Windsor in 2009 and London in 2012. During his major junior career, Watson collected 219 points (89-130-219) and 164 penalty minutes in 244 games, in addition to 22 points (12-10-22) and 27 penalty minutes in 43 postseason matchups. Watson captured a Memorial Cup title with Windsor in 2009 under Red Wings Associate Coach Bob Boughner, and later earned the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award as OHL Playoff MVP with London in 2012. Watson also skated with the U.S. National Team Development Program in 2009-10, notching six points (4-2-6) and 33 penalty minutes in nine appearances. On the international stage, Watson served as an alternate captain with Team USA at the 2022 IIHF World Championship, collecting one assist and 27 penalty minutes in 10 games. He also competed at the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship, showing nine points (3-6-9) and a plus-six rating in six games. Watson earned a gold medal with Team USA at the 2010 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, logging three points (2-1-3), a plus-two rating and 33 penalty minutes in seven contests.

Red Wings Acquire Third-Round Pick in 2025 NHL Entry Draft from Utah Hockey Club in Exchange for Olli Määttä

October 28, 2024

Määttä Has Skated in 691 NHL Games with Penguins, Blackhawks, Kings and Red Wings Since 2013-14

The Detroit Red Wings today acquired a third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft from the Utah Hockey Club in exchange for defenseman Olli Määttä.

Määttä, 30, has skated in seven games with the Red Wings during the 2024-25 season, recording three shots, seven blocks and three hits in 15:52 average time on ice. The 6-foot-2, 208-pound defenseman tallied 18 points (4-14-18), a team-high plus-14 rating and 14 penalty minutes in 72 games with the Red Wings during the 2023-24 campaign. Originally selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round (22nd overall) of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Määttä has totaled 177 points (40-137-177), a plus-75 rating and 162 penalty minutes in 691 games with the Penguins, Chicago Blackhawks, Los Angeles Kings and Red Wings, helping the Penguins win back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2016 and 2017. He placed fifth in voting for the Calder Memorial Trophy as a 19-year-old after picking up 29 points (9-20-29), a plus-eight rating and 14 penalty minutes in 78 games with the Penguins in 2013-14.

Prior to turning professional, Määttä spent two seasons with the Ontario Hockey League's London Knights from 2011-13, helping the team earn two-consecutive OHL titles. During his major junior career, Määttä logged 70 points (13-57-70), a plus-34 rating and 55 penalty minutes in 115 regular-season games, in addition to 37 points (10-27-37) in 40 postseason contests. A native of Jyväskylä, Finland, Määttä has represented his country at three IIHF World Championships (2021, 2023, 2024), winning a silver medal at the 2021 tournament. He also made three appearances with Finland at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. Additionally, Määttä captured a bronze medal at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, where he logged five points (3-2-5) in six games. Määttä competed in three-straight IIHF World Junior Championships from 2011-13 and served as an alternate captain at the 2011 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, where he collected four points (1-3-4) in six games.

 

Little Caesars® Heats Up Development Efforts in Ontario with the Opening of New Express Restaurant in Mississauga

October 27, 2024

Leading Fuel and Convenience Retailer BG Fuels Launches First Little Caesars Franchise on November 8

Little Caesars, the third largest pizza chain in the world, is celebrating its 55th year of franchising in Canada by accelerating its development efforts across target markets, including the Greater Toronto Area, and opening new locations with ambitious franchise groups. Today, the company announced it is debuting an express restaurant in Mississauga on November 8. Located at 2330 Battleford Road in the Waypoint Convenience store located in the Mobil fuel station, Little Caesars is making it easier than ever for anyone on the go to enjoy the company’s iconic menu offerings, including HOT-N-READY® pizza, Caesar Wings™ and Crazy Bread®.

Spearheading the operations of the new express location is BG Fuels, a leading fuel and convenience retailer in Canada that operates almost 250 locations nationwide under the Mobil, Esso, and Waypoint Convenience brands. This collaboration between the two brands marks BG Fuels’ first Little Caesars, with plans to explore additional express locations in the near future.

“The synergies between our companies have been clear from the beginning and one of the main reasons we knew this partnership was a natural fit,” said Thea Bourne, Partner Marketing Manager at BG Fuels. “Many people that come into the gas station are looking for a quick bite that’ll satisfy their cravings – or those of their families – while running errands. With Little Caesars commitment to providing big flavor in every bite and using only high-quality ingredients, our customers will be just as excited about our partnership with the brand as we are.”

As Little Caesars continues to grow its footprint across Canada, the company is keen on providing franchisees flexible options to choose from that best meets their community’s needs and preferences. Among those is Little Caesars express, which is designed to operate in as little as 450 square feet and requires no more than two employees at a time. Leveraging the gas station’s point of sale system and the brand’s efficient operating model, companies like BG Fuels are able to keep operating costs low and margins high in these types of buildouts.

“We know there’s high demand for our brand across a variety of markets and venues, including gas stations and convenience stores,” said Kevin Winters, Franchise Development Manager at Little Caesars. “With BG Fuels’ industry leadership and commitment to delivering an unmatched guest experience, we are confident this partnership is the start to many great things to come in the future.”

Tigers Greats Cecil Fielder and Iván “Pudge” Rodríguez and Hockey Executive Ken Holland Inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame

October 27, 2024

Former Detroit Tigers Cecil Fielder and Iván “Pudge” Rodríguez, along with Detroit Red Wings Executive Ken Holland were inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame (MSHOF) at a ceremony on October 17.

The event, held at MotorCity Casino’s SoundBoard, also welcomed eight other inductees from the sports world into the Class of 2024 and presented the Michigan Treasure Award posthumously to Earl Cureton and the Sports Legacy Award to Special Olympics Michigan.

Cecil Fielder was a power-hitting first baseman who was a three-time All-Star in seven seasons with the Detroit Tigers, led all of baseball in home runs and RBIs in back-to-back seasons, including his memorable51 home run season in 1990.

“My older kids have seen me play. This has given me the opportunity to show my younger kids that their daddy put a mark here in Detroit,” said Fielder. “This is my city. I appreciate everything Detroit has done for me and my family.”

An executive with the Detroit Red Wings for 36 years, including 22 as General Manager, Ken Holland led the construction of four Stanley Cup winning teams.

“The Ilitch organization was incredible to work for,” said Holland. “I was born and raised in British Columbia, but this was home. This was an amazing way to cap off an unforgettable time for me and my family in Detroit as a Red Wing.”

Iván “Pudge” Rodríguez, a Baseball Hall of Fame catcher, earned four All-Star nods in five seasons with the Detroit Tigers and helped led the franchise to the 2006 World Series. Rodriguez was unable to attend the ceremony.

Other inductees in the Class of 2024 were:

·      Tony Esposito, a Michigan Tech goaltender who went on to win three Vezina Trophies during a 17-year NHL career. He passed away in 2021.

·      Larry Foote, a Detroit Pershing and University of Michigan linebacker who had a 13-year NFL career

·      Braylon Edwards, a Detroit native, Bishop Gallagher High School and University of Michigan football great

·      Jake Long, who led Lapeer East High School to football and basketball success and played offensive tackle at the University of Michigan

·      Deanna Nolan propelled Flint Northern High School to consecutive State Championships and was named 1995 Michigan Miss Basketball and was later a three-time WNBA Champion with the Detroit Shock

·      Shawn Respert, a Detroit native, Bishop Borgess High School and Michigan State point guard who is the Spartans’ all-time leading scorer

·      Jim Harbaugh returned to his alma mater as the University of Michigan head football coach from, leading U-M to a 86-25 record with three consecutive Big Ten Championships and the 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship

·      Don Shane served as Sports Director for Detroit’s WXYZ-TV for 23 years, where he won 23 Michigan Emmy Awards. He passed away in 2023.

The Class was voted on by the public and the Hall of Fame’s Election Task Force, a Statewide Election Committee comprised of current and former journalists, sports executives, and representatives from smaller Sports Halls of Fame in Michigan.

Mike Ilitch was inducted into the MSHOF in 2004, followed by Marian Ilitch in 2008.