With a continued focus on culinary innovation, accessibility and speed, Little Caesars launched their inaugural POD-style restaurant in Keokuk, Iowa, on December 12, 2023.

Unique from other standalone Little Caesars restaurants, the modular buildings, known as PODs, are about 800-square-feet, comprised of modular shipping container units. Manufacturing of the units is completed off-site by Las Vegas-based modular construction company, Kitchen Podular. The completed PODS are then shipped to their respective location for a basic setup that takes less than 30 minutes to assemble.

The completion process at the POD’s final destination then focuses on the installation of the window glass, signage, and inside equipment, with the entire on-site process from start to finish taking about three months. This approach reduces construction time, and minimizes the impact on the surrounding community, aligning with Little Caesars commitment to environmentally friendly practices and community-centric projects.

“The quick service restaurant industry is evolving and more competitive than ever before. To continue to be top of mind with consumers and prospective franchisees, it’s important that we invest in new restaurant designs and technology to advance current practices and streamline operations,” said Bryan Ketelhut, Little Caesars national director of non-traditional and development services. “The new PODs are the perfect addition to the list of Little Caesars restaurant models, helping us further differentiate our concept from others in the QSR and pizza segments.”

Advancing Little Caesars ongoing goals of convenience and prompt service, the POD-style restaurant features a layout tailored for both drive-thru and walk-up formats. While the PODs feature a smaller physical and environmental footprint, they still offer Little Caesars full menu. The units only require two to three employees to operate the restaurant and can accommodate additional on-site staff at peak times, ensuring Little Caesars commitment to quality and efficiency is upheld.

This expansion continues to respond to the growing demand for Little Caesars restaurants and positions the brand as a leader in innovative dining experiences.

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• Forward Has Recorded 51 Points in 189 NHL Games Since 2016-17

The Detroit Red Wings today recalled center Austin Czarnik from the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins under emergency conditions.

Czarnik, 31, has skated in 18 games with the Red Wings this season, recording one assist, six penalty minutes and 14 shots in 8:44 average time on ice. The 5-foot-9, 167-pound forward has also collected 26 points (9-17-26) and 10 penalty minutes in 36 games with the Griffins in 2023-24. Czarnik split the 2022-23 campaign between the Red Wings and Griffins, logging five points (3-2-5) and eight penalty minutes in 29 games with Detroit, in addition to 37 points (14-23-37) and eight penalty minutes in 43 games with Grand Rapids. Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Boston Bruins on March 31, 2015, Czarnik has played in parts of eight NHL seasons with the Bruins, Calgary Flames, New York Islanders, Seattle Kraken and Red Wings, totaling 51 points (18-33-51) and 34 penalty minutes in 189 games since 2016-17. He has also compiled 288 points (104-184-288), a plus-21 rating and 104 penalty minutes in 306 AHL games with the Providence Bruins, Stockton Heat, Bridgeport Islanders and Griffins. Czarnik paced all AHL rookies with 61 points (20-41-61) in 68 games during the 2015-16 season and went on to represent Providence at the 2018 AHL All-Star Classic.

A native of Washington Township, Mich., Czarnik played four seasons at Miami University from 2011-15 prior to turning professional, serving as team captain during his junior and senior years. In all, Czarnik accumulated 169 points (46-123-169), a plus-50 rating and 119 penalty minutes in 159 games with the RedHawks and was a Hobey Baker Award finalist as a sophomore in 2012-13. Before joining the RedHawks, Czarnik spent the 2010-11 season with the Green Bay Gamblers of the United States Hockey League, posting 34 points (20-14-34) and 33 penalty minutes in 46 contests. He previously skated with the U.S. National Team Development Program from 2008-10. On the international stage, Czarnik represented Team USA at the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship, notching four points (2-2-4) in six games. Czarnik earned a gold medal at the 2010 IIHF World Under-18 Championship after recording six points (5-1-6), a plus-seven rating and four penalty minutes in seven games, and also won a bronze medal at the 2009 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge after collecting four points (1-3-4) in five appearances.

Little Caesars is celebrating the grand opening of its new restaurant in Corona at 108-68B Roosevelt Ave on March 21st. Starting at 10:00 a.m., the restaurant will reward the first 50 guests in line with free Hot-N-Ready Pizza for a year!*

From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the community can visit the Little Caesars in Corona to receive giveaways from the Little Caesars prize wheel and enjoy delicious pizza. In addition to serving great pizza at an affordable price, Little Caesars believes strongly in supporting its communities. The Little Caesars franchisee, Rod Valencia is making a generous donation of $1,000 to a local organization, Forestdale Foster Services.

“Little Caesars is a globally recognized pizza chain that has revolutionized the industry with its continuously evolving menu and innovative technology,” said Little Caesars franchisee Rod Valencia. “This store opening marks an important moment for Little Caesars as we look to continue expanding the brand throughout New York. We look forward to serving Little Caesars world-famous pizza and becoming part of the Corona community!”

“We are thrilled to be opening a new Little Caesars location in the vibrant community of Corona, New York,” said Paula Vissing, Little Caesars President of Global Retail. “This opening is a testament to our commitment to expanding our footprint not only in New York but also across the entire Northeast. Our growth plans are ambitious, and we believe that Corona represents the dynamic and diverse markets we aim to serve. We’re thrilled to expand our reach, offering more pizza lovers the unbeatable combination of delicious flavors, unbeatable prices, and unmatched convenience. This new location epitomizes our commitment to serving up top-notch pizza that satisfies cravings without breaking the bank. We can’t wait to become an integral part of the Corona community and look forward to serving our world-famous pizza to everyone.”

With the core pillars of quality, value and convenience, Little Caesars has thousands of stores globally, with restaurants in each of the 50 U.S. states and 28 countries and territories. The new store in Corona is the brand’s first restaurant in the city and will serve signature Little Caesars products, including Hot-N-Ready^® pizza, Crazy Bread® and Caesar Wings®, as well as the new Crazy Puffs $3.99 and Detroit-Style Slices-N-Stix $4.99, perfect for on-the-go New Yorkers.

The Corona Little Caesars location is open Monday-Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. For more information about Little Caesars in Corona, visit LittleCaesars.com.

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A purchase will not increase your chances of winning. Begins at 10 a.m. (local time) on 3/21/24, 2024 (“Grand Opening Day”) and ends once Fifty (50) Promo Cards have been awarded, or upon close of the store on Grand Opening Day, whichever occurs first. Limit one (1) per person. Open to legal residents of 50 U.S. (D.C.) who are 18 years or older. Void where prohibited. Promo Card entitles recipients to 1 free large classic pizza (pepperoni or plain) per week for 52 consecutive weeks in accordance with the schedule set forth on the Promo Card. Subject to Official Rules, which will be posted at the Grand Opening Store. Sponsor: LEGACY TSWALU QSR, LLC, 108-68b Roosevelt Ave, Corona, NY 11368

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• 6-Foot-6 Forward Has Recorded 25 Points in 51 Games With Grand Rapids

The Detroit Red Wings today signed left wing Tim Gettinger to a one-year, two-way contract extension.

Gettinger, 25, has skated in 51 games with the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins this season, recording 25 points (12-13-25) and 16 penalty minutes. The 6-foot-6, 217-pound forward spent the entire 2022-23 campaign with the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack, tallying 35 points (13-22-35), a plus-four rating and 26 penalty minutes in 52 games, in addition to eight points (2-6-8) in nine postseason contests. Gettinger played in eight games with the New York Rangers in 2021-22 and collected 25 points (10-15-25), a plus-nine rating and 39 penalty minutes in 45 games with the Wolf Pack. Originally selected by the Rangers in the fifth round (141st overall) of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, Gettinger has logged one assist in 16 NHL games since 2018-19. He has also accumulated 158 points (74-84-158) and 142 penalty minutes in 288 AHL games with the Wolf Pack and Griffins.

Prior to turning professional, Gettinger played four seasons with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League, compiling 187 points (91-96-187), a plus-67 rating and 125 penalty minutes in 242 games from 2014-18. He was named to the OHL First All-Rookie Team in 2014-15 after recording 25 points (10-15-25), a plus-10 rating and 13 penalty minutes in 54 games. The Cleveland, Ohio, native also spent time with the U.S. National Team Development Program, netting two goals and six penalty minutes in four appearances with the under-17 team during the 2014-15 season. On the international stage, Gettinger played for Team USA at the 2015 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, showing four points (2-2-4) and 30 penalty minutes in four games.

• Forward Leads Griffins With 46 Points in 43 Games

The Detroit Red Wings today recalled right wing Jonatan Berggren from the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins.

Berggren, 23, has skated in nine games with the Red Wings this season, recording five points (2-3-5), a plus-four rating and two penalty minutes. The 5-foot-11, 194-pound forward also leads the Griffins in goals (19), assists (27) and points (46) through 43 games and represented the club at the 2024 AHL All-Star Classic. Berggren spent the majority of the 2022-23 season with the Red Wings and ranked among the team leaders with 15 goals (5th), 28 points (9th), five power play goals (T4th), nine power play points (7th) and a 15.3 shooting percentage (1st) in 67 games. He also registered seven points (4-3-7) in seven appearances with the Griffins in 2022-23. Selected by the Red Wings in the second round (33rd overall) of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, Berggren has collected 33 points (17-16-33) and 18 penalty minutes in 76 career NHL games. He has also logged 117 points (44-73-117) and 74 penalty minutes in 120 AHL games with the Griffins since 2021-22.

Prior to arriving in North America, Berggren played for Skelleftea AIK in the Swedish Hockey League, tying for the team lead with 45 points (12-33-45) in 49 games during the 2020-21 campaign, in addition to four assists in 12 postseason contests. In all, Berggren notched 60 points (14-46-60), a plus-seven rating and 28 penalty minutes in 99 games with Skelleftea AIK in Sweden’s top professional league from 2017-21. Berggren also registered 69 points (24-45-69), a plus-19 rating and 42 penalty minutes in 67 career games for Skelleftea’s under-20 team from 2016-18. The Uppsala, Sweden, native represented his country at the 2023 IIHF World Championship, tallying seven points (2-5-7), a plus-five rating and two penalty minutes in eight games. Berggren earned a bronze medal at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship, recording five points (1-4-5) in seven games. He captured a bronze medal with Sweden at the 2018 IIHF World Under-18 Championship after leading the team with 10 points (5-5-10) in seven games, and also won bronze after picking up five points (3-2-5) in five games at the 2017 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament. Additionally, Berggren won a gold medal with Sweden during the 2016 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, tallying three points (2-1-3) in six games.

• Newest handheld sensation launches Monday, March 11 for $3.99 for a four-pack
• Pepperoni with cheese or classic cheese filling options perfect for a portable pizza party

Little Caesars, home of the HOT-N-READY® pizza, is redefining handheld goodness with the launch of Crazy Puffs.  These bite-sized pockets of pizza perfection are a versatile option for any dining occasion and are perfect as your new road trip companion, lunchtime hero, crowd-pleasing treat, and game-day MVP.

The new Crazy Puffs product contains the crave-worthy flavors of a classic pizza, wrapped in a handheld golden, flaky crust. Melty mozzarella cheese, sizzling pepperoni (or classic cheese, if you prefer), and Little Caesars’ legendary sauce are nestled inside, waiting to explode with flavor in every bite. But the fun doesn’t stop there. Each Crazy Puff gets drizzled with a buttery garlic flavor and dusted with a secret blend of Italian herbs and spices, adding layers of complexity that will tantalize taste buds everywhere.

“We know our customers live busy lives,” said Greg Hamilton, Chief Marketing Officer of Little Caesars. “That’s why we created Crazy Puffs – to deliver the iconic Little Caesars experience in a handheld format perfect for anyone on the go. Whether you’re conquering errands, cheering on your team, or need a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, Crazy Puffs are your delicious answer.”

These portable pockets of pizza joy come in two flavors: pepperoni and cheese, ensuring there’s something for everyone. A four-pack of Crazy Puffs is just $3.99*, or level up a mealtime routine with a Hot-N-Ready® combo meal that includes a favorite pizza along with a side of Crazy Puffs.

Crazy Puffs are more than just snacks – they’re handheld happiness. They’re the perfect size for single-serving satisfaction, ideal for sharing with friends, and will bring a smile to your face with every bite.

Crazy Puffs are coming to Little Caesars nationwide on March 11, 2024.

‍Available at participating locations. Prices may vary. Prices higher in AK, HI and third-party online sites. Plus tax.

• Detroit Assigns Simek to Grand Rapids

The Detroit Red Wings today acquired defenseman Radim Simek and a seventh-round pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for forward Klim Kostin. The Red Wings have assigned Simek to the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins.

Simek, 31, has spent the 2023-24 season with the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda, recording 16 points (4-12-16), a plus-four rating and 29 penalty minutes in 40 games during the 2023-24 season. The 6-foot, 204-pound defenseman was named the fifth captain in Barracuda history on Feb. 2. Simek played the entire 2022-23 season with the San Jose Sharks, logging three points (1-2-3) and 29 penalty minutes in 44 contests. Originally signed by the Sharks as an undrafted free agent on May 23, 2017, Simek has collected 29 points (7-22-29) and 74 penalty minutes in 209 NHL games since 2018-19. He has also registered 45 points (11-34-45) and 49 penalty minutes in 109 AHL games with the Barracuda.

A native of Mlada Boleslav, Czechia, Simek played in parts of five seasons with Bili Tygri Liberec in Czechia’s top professional league before arriving in North America, tallying 68 points (30-38-68), a plus-46 rating and 88 penalty minutes in 171 games from 2012-17. He won a Czech Extraliga title with the club in 2016, earning playoff MVP honors after recording 10 points (3-7-10) in 14 postseason contests. Simek also notched eight points (2-6-8) and 69 penalty minutes in 67 games with HC Benatky nad Jizerou in Czechia’s second-tier from 2011-15. On the international stage, Simek captured a bronze medal at the 2022 IIHF World Championship, posting two assists in nine games. Simek had two points (1-1-2) in eight games at the 2017 IIHF World Championship, along with one goal in eight appearances at the 2016 tournament.

With hundreds of events across six sports and entertainment venues, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment event colleagues play a critical role in amazing, inspiring and uniting millions of guests each year. These incredible colleagues work in a diverse array of roles, including ushers, security, parking, in-venue entertainment and much more. Their dedication to providing a tremendous guest experience shines through in all that they do.

Meet Tim Fortin, Crowd Manager Supervisor | LCA

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The National Hockey League has fostered an inclusive and diverse environment through its ‘Hockey is for Everyone’ initiative. The Detroit Red Wings joined this commitment by celebrating their Black History Game at Little Caesars Arena on February 24. The event celebrated the rich history of Black players in the sport and recognized Black leaders in and around Detroit.

Hockey is for Everyone: Jason McCrimmon Kicks off the Game

Announcing the Red Wings’ starting lineup, Jason McCrimmon brought excitement to the game as the Red Wings faced the St. Louis Blues. McCrimmon, a prominent figure in the Detroit hockey community, was honored by the NHL with the Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award in 2023. This prestigious award acknowledges individuals who, like O’Ree, have made significant contributions to their communities through hockey. McCrimmon’s dedication is further highlighted by his establishment of Detroit Ice Dreams, which aims to bring the joys of hockey to children in Detroit.

Game Changers Honorees: Leaders Making a Difference

In addition to in-game and arena-wide activities and events, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment honored four outstanding individuals as part of their ongoing Game Changers series. The Game Changers series, presented by Comerica Bank, honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication and service to their communities.

Kenneth Donaldson – President and CEO of Black United Fund of Michigan
A lifelong Detroit resident, Donaldson has devoted more than four decades to philanthropy, mentorship and community organizing. Through the Black United Fund (BUF) of Michigan, he has helped establish more than 20 different programs specifically targeted to help the youth of metro Detroit.

Dina Harris – Founder and CEO of National Faith Homebuyers
With more than 40 years in the housing industry, Harris has played a pivotal role in establishing Ypsilanti’s Section 8 housing program. Her leadership at National Faith Homebuyers has enabled more than 10,000 families in Michigan to purchase homes or stay in their current residences.

Daniel A. Washington – Founder and Executive Director of NW Goldberg Cares
Born and raised in Detroit’s NW Goldberg neighborhood, Washington founded NW Goldberg Cares to sustain the neighborhood’s vitality for future generations. The organization has achieved remarkable milestones, including the creation of six public spaces, neighborhood events and the ongoing rehabilitation of homes.

Dr. Darienne Hudson – President and CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan
Starting her career as a teacher in the Detroit Public School System, Dr. Hudson’s passion for community service has been unwavering. Under her leadership, the United Way for Southeastern Michigan has raised more than $37 million, positively impacting more than 2.5 million people in Southeast Michigan. Dr. Hudson also actively serves on various boards, furthering her commitment to community development.

“I want to thank Ilitch Companies, Comerica, the Red Wings and the Tigers. They do so much for us at United Way and in our community,” Hudson said. “This program is so important because sports have a way of bringing people together from all walks of life. That’s the beauty of what I get to do every day.”

Mark Your Calendar: Next Celebration on March 14, 2024

The spirit of inclusion and community engagement will continue on March 14, 2024, with the next ‘Hockey is for Everyone’ and Game Changers celebration in recognition of Women’s History Month – purchase your tickets here.

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