Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed May 8, 2024 as Marian Ilitch Day. On May 8, 1959, Marian and Mike Ilitch opened the first Little Caesars store in Garden City, Michigan, marking a significant milestone in entrepreneurism in Michigan.

“Marian Ilitch is a trailblazing leader in business, a loving mother and grandmother, and a pillar in her community,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Through her efforts to support education and entrepreneurship, she has empowered Michiganders in every corner of our state. On Marian Ilitch Day, I encourage every Michigander to uplift the small business owners who are the backbone of our state’s economy.”  

An accomplished businesswoman and philanthropist, Marian Ilitch has dedicated her life to entrepreneurship, community development, and fostering economic growth within our state. In addition to her ownership of Little Caesars, the Detroit Red Wings and other businesses, Marian and her husband in 1985 established a mobile pizza restaurant, the Little Caesars Love Kitchen that has fed more than 6.5 million people across the U.S and Canada. They also established Ilitch Charities, a non-profit organization that has sponsored numerous programs for hundreds of children in the Detroit area and beyond. Previously a partial owner of MotorCity Casino Hotel, in 2005, Marian took full ownership, keeping the revenue in the state of Michigan, benefitting local residents. It remains the only casino in Detroit where that is the case.  

On Wednesday, June 7, Olympia Development of Michigan and Related Companies held the first design charrette session with representatives from the City of Detroit and members of the community to exchange ideas about programming Columbia Plaza, the pedestrian-only area in front of Comerica Park’s main entrance.

A charrette is wonderful community engagement event where stakeholders and decision makers work alongside experts to co-develop solutions. The interactive session lasted more than two hours and included community members from labor unions, veteran’s organizations, and block clubs along with representatives from multiple City of Detroit departments, providing valuable input. The sessions were facilitated by JIMA Studio and MKSK Studios in partnership with Olympia Development and Related.

JIMA Studio is a Detroit-based, woman-owned and Black-owned landscape architectural design and urban planning studio that collaborates with community groups, organizations and builders committed to culturally relevant placemaking and strategic implementation.

Founded in 1990, MKSK Studios is a Detroit collective of Planners, Urban Designers, and Landscape Architects who are passionate about the interaction between people and place. MKSK is an employee-owned practice with a network of twelve metropolitan studios.

“This is our first direct community engagement on a specific development focused on Columbia Plaza that allowed us to hear directly from the impacted community,” said Rian English-Barnhill, Vice President of Government and Community Affairs at Olympia Development. “We have had hundreds of engagements with Detroiters from all walks of life and that two-way communication will continue as our vision for an inclusive, purpose-driven development comes to life.”

The meeting was held at the University of Michigan Detroit Center. Residents heard draft proposals for activating the plaza which is being designed to build community and enhance social interaction. Attendees shared their thoughts on how the plaza can be purposeful, culturally relevant, and useful for Detroit residents and visitors.

Representatives from Olympia Development and Related presented their ten-building real estate development plan and JIMA and MKSK guided smaller breakout groups through highly interactive exercises to continue the conversation and generate ideas. Suggestions for programing at the plaza included: seasonal activation, quiet places, areas for children, a water feature, space for people to play chess and many others.

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Marian Ilitch is a leading entrepreneur in the food, sports, and entertainment industries. As a first-generation American, the daughter of Macedonian immigrants raised on grit and hard work, Marian has been recognized as one of the most successful businesswomen in the country and has inspired and created opportunities for generations of people in the city of Detroit, the state of Michigan and beyond.  

Family Values and Work Ethic

Marian was grounded by strong family values and work ethic. One of four children, born in Dearborn to parents Sam and Mitra Bayoff, Marian thrived under the structure her parents set.

She never shied away from working hard, whether it was cleaning the house with her mother or helping at her father’s restaurant filling napkin containers and salt and pepper shakers.

Marian’s first paying job was at SS Kresge in Dearborn, where she often shopped with her mother. Before marrying her husband and lifetime business partner, Mike Ilitch, Marian worked as a reservation clerk for what would become Delta Airlines in Detroit, where was captivated by the hustle and bustle of working downtown during Detroit’s prime.

While Marian was clear with her parents that she did not wish to date a Macedonian boy, she was intrigued by the possibility of going out with a baseball player – Mike Ilitch was both. Not long after meeting, she and Mike were married. They eventually would become parents to seven children, 21 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, and always made family time a priority.  

An Entrepreneurial Spirit

After Marian and Mike’s third child was born, the couple invested their savings to open their own business – a single pizza shop in Garden City, Michigan called Little Caesars Pizza Treat. A few years later, they explored an exciting new business model called franchising and in 1962, the first Little Caesars franchise was sold in Warren, Michigan. It was store number four.

Working hand-in-hand, Marian and Mike grew that start-up business into a global company. Today, it’s the third largest pizza chain in the world with stores in 27 countries and territories worldwide, including in each of the 50 U.S. states.  

Mike had no shortage of ideas to expand the business, and Marian’s strong business acumen was always there to make sure the finances made sense.  

Making Sports History

In 1982, Mike and Marian saw an opportunity to leverage their growing businesses and make an impact in the city they loved so much by purchasing the Detroit Red Wings.  With the hands-on and innovative approach Mike and Marian brought to the team, the Red Wings won four championships under their stewardship and made the playoffs an unbelievable 25 consecutive years. Marian played a key role in their success.  

Marian was only the fourth woman to have her name engraved on the Stanley Cup. Today, there are just 18 women recognized with a Stanley Cup inscription. Marian’s name appears for those four championships, along with her daughters. And in 2010, she was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame. 

Riding the success of the Red Wings, Mike set his sights on a team he had always dreamed of owning — the Detroit Tigers. Spurred by a desire to continue investing in Detroit, in 1992, he bought the team.

A Love for Detroit

Channeling the love she developed for Detroit as a young professional, Marian became a pioneer in the redevelopment of downtown Detroit when she and Mike purchased the Fox Theatre in 1987. They restored the neglected theatre to its original 1928 splendor and a year later moved their business headquarters to the surrounding office building.

In 1999, with determination and vision, Marian started the MotorCity Casino in partnership with Mandalay Bay, transforming the former Wonder Bread factory in Detroit into a destination. In 2005, Marian took full ownership and added a hotel, the revenue in the state of Michigan, benefitting local residents. MotorCity Casino Hotel, as it is known today, remains the only casino in Detroit where that is the case.

Marian’s vision laid the groundwork for the organization’s future development in Detroit. Her son Chris, who took over as CEO of Ilitch Companies in 2004, has continued to drive progress with the opening of innovation-filled Little Caesars Arena in 2017, a new global headquarters for Little Caesars in 2020, and other new office and residential buildings in Detroit.   

Investing in the Community

Giving back to the community has been one of Marian’s trademarks since her early days in business. Marian’s spirit of giving has grown from a lifetime of experiences, achievements, and relationships. Her efforts have deeply impacted hundreds of causes and organizations that are meaningful to her and have changed the future for thousands.

As a mother to children who played youth hockey, Marian recognized the positive impact that playing the sport can have in young people’s lives, on and off the ice. She wanted to support amateur hockey, so she and Mike established the Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club in 1968. It is now among the nation’s most elite amateur youth sports programs featuring Boys and Girls teams, winning 103 state championships and 23 national titles, and sending numerous players into the professional ranks. 

Following the successful creation of the Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club, one decade later she helped rapidly expand access to youth hockey by founding the non-profit Little Caesars Amateur Hockey League in 1978. For nearly half a century, this league has grown to feature hundreds of teams and approximately 15,000 student athletes across the country. 

In 1985, and to help those in need, Marian and Mike created the Little Caesars Love Kitchen program. It consists of two big-rig trucks on the road to serve pizza meals to the food insecure, people without housing, disaster survivors, military and first responders and others. To date, more than 6.5 million people have been served. The Little Caesars Love Kitchen has been awarded two President’s Volunteer Action Awards and a Presidential Citation.  

In 2018 Mike and Marian made a $40 million gift to Wayne State University, and the Mike Ilitch School of Business opened. This gift remains the largest in the university’s history and demonstrated a continuing commitment to the city by Mike and Marian. In 2023, Marian received an honorary degree – a doctor of laws, honoris causa, from Wayne State University. The honorary doctorate is the highest academic recognition the university can confer.  

“Giving back to the communities in which we do business has been a part of my parents’ operating philosophy since the very early stages of their careers,” Chris Ilitch said. “Those values and the drive to make a positive impact on people’s lives remains a focus of organization today.”

Lasting Legacy

Marian and Mike expanded their interests over the years to include food, sports, entertainment, gaming and other industries. Today, under the leadership of their son Chris, the Ilitch Companies have grown to represent 12 businesses under common private ownership that employ thousands of people in the Detroit area and around the world.  

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313 Presents announced today they have entered into a multi-year corporate partnership agreement with Oakland University Credit Union (OU Credit Union) as the exclusive Proud Partner of Meadow Brook Amphitheatre on the campus of Oakland University. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“We are excited to welcome Oakland University Credit Union as the exclusive Proud Partner of Meadow Brook Amphitheatre,” said 313 Presents President Howard Handler. “313 Presents and Oakland University Credit Union have both been longtime partners to Oakland University, so you couldn’t ask for a better fit. Together, we look forward to providing the best in live entertainment and service to our guests.”

“As part of our core value of giving back to the community, OU Credit Union is thrilled to be the exclusive Proud Partner of Meadow Brook Amphitheatre,” said Susi Elkins, OU Credit Union Chief Community Impact Officer. “Located on Oakland University’s campus, the Amphitheatre is a unique space where our members and the community can come together to enjoy live music and entertainment. This partnership is just one of the ways we are working together to create a vibrant community for all.”

“We are thrilled that Oakland University Credit Union has entered into this exciting partnership with 313 Presents for the Meadow Brook Amphitheatre,” said John O. Young, Oakland University Vice President of Communications and Marketing. “This is a perfect partner for a site with such deep roots and history.”

OU Credit Union becomes the exclusive presenting partner and official credit union of Meadow Brook Amphitheatre. 313 Presents will incorporate OU Credit Union branding components, including signage and graphic displays throughout the venue grounds, and social and web integration online.

The Credit Union has had a long-standing partnership and history of serving Oakland University faculty, staff, students and alumni, helping them reach their financial goals and dreams.

313 Presents oversees managing, marketing and booking of the 7,700-capacity amphitheatre as part of an agreement with Oakland University. Meadow Brook’s traditional and eclectic programming has flourished over the years and has recently become a destination for music’s biggest emerging stars. Today, concerts of all genres highlight and showcase the venue’s unique ambiance and intimate setting.

Platinum-selling singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy brings “The Sonder Tour” with special guest Sasha Alex Sloan to officially open the summer schedule at Meadow Brook Amphitheatre this Friday, June 9 at 7:30 p.m.

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Earlier this month, hundreds of young people from all over the city attended the Detroit Branch NAACP’s 2023 Career Day and Youth Summit, which allowed students to explore potential post-high school pathways. The free learning and networking event, sponsored by the DTE Foundation and Freedom Institute, featured industry experts and an on-site college and career resource fair.

Hosted at Fellowship Chapel, where Detroit Branch NAACP President Dr. Wendell Anthony is pastor, students from various Detroit Public Schools Community District high schools rotated through daylong sessions about careers from STEM and the arts, to branches of the military and entrepreneurship. Little Caesars pizza was donated for attendees to enjoy during refreshment breaks.

“Events like this are important because they teach young people about the multitude of routes they have after graduating from high school,” said Kamilia Landrum, Executive Director of the Detroit Branch NAACP. “We want students to know that there isn’t just one option. There are Black colleges across the country, as well as local colleges where students can stay in Detroit and work to make our city a better place. Here, we’re allowing them the chance to network and find those opportunities.”

For over a century, the Detroit Branch NAACP has been one of the most active and influential branches in the country. The organization is involved in numerous initiatives, including voter registration drives, educational programs, community outreach, as well as their Youth Initiative, which seeks to engage young people and empower them to become leaders in their communities.

The Ilitch Companies have, for decades, supported the Detroit Branch NAACP in community efforts, in creating opportunities for Detroit residents and in fundraising for the NAACP Youth Council. One of the Detroit Branch NAACP’s most important fundraising events is the annual Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner, and this year, Ilitch Companies CEO Chris Ilitch is serving as the event’s Senior Corporate Chair.

To see more about the Youth Summit, watch here.

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The tradition of “Pink Out the Park” continued as the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, in collaboration with the Detroit Tigers and McLaren Health Care – the official health care system of the Tigers – hosted a special event during a game, earlier this month. This annual event has been instrumental in promoting breast health awareness for the past 11 years. The game kicked off with a heartfelt pre-game ceremony on the field, dedicated to honoring breast cancer survivors.

Comerica Landing embraced the Pink Out the Park theme for the “Party in the Park,” offering attendees an atmosphere complete with a specialty cocktail, $5 food and drink specials, and a DJ.

Throughout the game and on the concourse, fans had the opportunity to participate in various initiatives, including a ceremonial first pitch and an on-field recognition ceremony that paid tribute to the dedicated members of the Karmanos Breast Cancer Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) across the cancer center’s network throughout the state.

“Pink Out the Park is a powerful way to unite our community and honor the strength of those battling breast cancer. Together, we can make a difference and support the fight against this disease,” said Kevin Brown, Director of Community Impact for Ilitch Sports and Entertainment. “We are honored to join forces with the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute and McLaren Health Care in raising awareness and funds in an annual demonstration of solidarity and support for breast cancer patients and survivors.”

During the fourth inning, Tigers fans were encouraged to hold up “Pink Out the Park” cheer cards featuring the names of loved ones who had bravely faced breast cancer. This touching tribute offered a moment of reflection and remembrance. Both teams joined in this meaningful annual recognition. As the game concluded, attendees were treated to a spectacular display of Friday Night Fireworks, a first-time feature at Pink Out the Park events, captivating the crowd from the outfield.

Dr. Eric Brown, co-leader of the Breast Cancer MDT at Karmanos, expressed his admiration for the spirit and perseverance displayed by those undergoing breast cancer treatment, saying, “I draw inspiration from the unwavering strength and determination of the women and men fighting breast cancer. Cancer does not discriminate based on age, religion, skin color, or income level, but neither does resilience and toughness. Pink Out the Park provides a wonderful platform to honor and celebrate these patients, their incredible strength, and their victories. It is a true privilege to be entrusted by patients to be part of their journey. They are my heroes.”

To commemorate the event, the first 15,000 fans received a special Pink Out the Park pullover. Additionally, exclusive Pink Out the Park ticket packages were made available, with each package including tickets for the game, a stylish pink Tigers bucket hat, and a $5 donation to the Karmanos Cancer Institute.

Opportunities for further contributions to breast cancer awareness were readily accessible throughout the event. Fans could make donations by scanning QR codes available at the Karmanos tables strategically placed around the Comerica Park concourse. Moreover, a portion of the 50/50 raffle sales was designated for donations to the Karmanos Cancer Institute.

Breast cancer, excluding skin cancer, remains the most prevalent cancer among American women, as noted by the American Cancer Society (ACS).

Patient referrals are not needed to receive a screening mammography at Karmanos or McLaren locations. To request a mammogram appointment or learn more, visit karmanos.org/cancerscreening or call 1-800-KARMANOS.

Watch highlights from the event, here.

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• Tigers home and road jerseys will feature Meijer branding on sleeves beginning May 25

• Meijer and Tigers will contribute $100 for every opponent strikeout to the Meijer Simply Give program each season as part of “Striking Out Hunger” initiative

• Tigers, Meijer and Detroit Red Wings will continue teaming up for Hometown Holiday Assist program, supporting Detroit families and local non-profits in need during holiday

The Detroit Tigers and Meijer are broadening their longstanding partnership, and their commitment to serving communities across Michigan.

The Tigers and Meijer announced on Thursday, May 25 that the Michigan-based grocer will serve as the club’s first Jersey Patch Partner. As part of a multi-year extended partnership, Meijer will have its brand marks featured on the sleeves of Detroit’s home and away jerseys.

Tigers players and Ilitch Sports + Entertainment leadership joined Meijer executives and store team members at the Meijer supercenter at 1301 W. Eight Mile Road – the retailer’s first store location in the city of Detroit – to make the announcement.“

The Detroit Tigers and Meijer are synonymous with the state of Michigan, and we’re thrilled to extend our partnership with an organization that has a common vision about community engagement,” said Ryan Gustafson, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer. “These are two of the most iconic brands in the state, creating millions of memories for fans and families each year. We appreciate Meijer’s support and partnership, and look forward to working together serving our great fans and customers for years to come.”

As part of the new “Striking Out Hunger” initiative, Meijer and the Tigers will contribute $100 every time a Tigers pitcher strikes out an opposing batter, or $100,000 per season during the partnership, to the Meijer Simply Give hunger relief program. Simply Give has helped feed families across the Midwest by helping local food pantries keep their shelves stocked since November 2008. The program has generated more than $80 million in donations to food pantries thanks to the continued generosity and support of Meijer customers, team members and food pantry partners, who are committed to helping those experiencing food insecurity.

“When you think about Michigan, Meijer and the Detroit Tigers are quintessential brands. Both organizations are rich with history and a genuine commitment to community, which spans generations,” said Rick Keyes, Meijer President & CEO. “The creation of the Striking Out Hunger initiative enhances this relationship, while supporting families in need throughout our state. This partnership really sums that up perfectly. We’re so pleased to strengthen our longstanding partnership with the Tigers and the Detroit community.

”The Tigers, Detroit Red Wings and Meijer will also continue teaming up for the Hometown Holiday Assist program, supporting Detroit families and local non-profit organizations in need during the holiday season. The Tigers, Red Wings and Meijer have hosted the Hometown Holiday Assist event for the past nine years, including a festive experience at Little Caesars Arena and Comerica Park for more than 100 children from Detroit’s Downtown Boxing Gym in 2022.

Elevate Sports Ventures advised Ilitch Sports + Entertainment throughout the process, contributing to the expanded partnership between the Tigers and Meijer.

As part of their ongoing Game Changers series, the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings recognized four Game Changers honorees – presented by Comerica Bank – for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at Comerica Park prior to the Tigers hosting the Chicago White Sox on May 25.

The latest four individuals celebrated for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, have made significant contributions in their respective fields, creating an impact on young community members, businesspeople, and others throughout their careers. Each Game Changer received a $1,000 donation to their charity of choice, thanks to generous support from Comerica Bank.

Director of Community Impact for Ilitch Sports and Entertainment, Kevin Brown, remarked, “These Game Changers have truly made a difference in our community. Their dedication and achievements serve as an inspiration to us all.”

Among the honorees was Lisa Gray, the Founder and Executive Producer of Dragon Eagle TV (DETV), an Asian Pacific Islander American News Network in Detroit. Gray has demonstrated her dedication and results-oriented approach as a cross-cultural ambassador between China and the US. She focuses on building bridges between the AAPI community and the Detroit community at large, fostering social, cultural, business, educational, and political connections.

The next Game Changer recognized was Roland Hwang, former Assistant Attorney General for the state of Michigan. Hwang, born and raised in Detroit, initiated his activism journey as a volunteer attorney in the Vincent Chin murder case. In addition his career in law, Hwang is also a lecturer at the University of Michigan on Asian Pacific American history. Hwang’s significant contributions extend to co-founding the American Citizens for Justice, where he served as the organization’s first treasurer and now acts as the Board’s President. Additionally, he has held prominent positions such as the Civil Rights Hearing Referee for the state of Michigan and as a member of the Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission.

Dr. Su McKeithen-Polish, a Bilingual Education Program Director/Title III Consultant, was also honored as a Game Changer. In her role as President of the Thai-American Association of Michigan, she provides support and leadership to the Thai and other Southeast Asian communities. Dr. McKeithen-Polish’s involvement extends to her position as an Adjunct Professor at Wayne State University and her board positions with the Council of Asian Pacific Americans and the Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce.

Soh Suzuki, the Co-Founder and former Coordinator of the Detroit Asian Youth Project (DAY), was also recognized. The DAY Project was aimed at empowering Asian American youth in Detroit by cultivating their leadership skills and promoting social justice through community projects that fostered greater appreciation for Detroit’s Asian American community. Today, Suzuki is the Operations Manager for Allied Media Projects, currently serves on the Board of Education for the James & Grace Lee Boggs School and supports local political candidates with campaign finance compliance and reporting.

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• Hip-Hop Star Kash Doll to Walk Shields to the Ring & Motown Legends the Four Tops to Sing National Anthem Marking Big-Time Boxing’s Return to The Motor City
• Undisputed World Champion Shields Defends Against Top-Ranked Contender Maricela Cornejo Saturday, June 3 from Little Caesars Arena in Detroit & Streamed Live on DAZN

Boxing superstar and Michigan’s own Claressa “G.W.O.A.T.” Shields brings big-time boxing back to Detroit on Saturday, June 3 and will do so alongside two seminal music acts from The Motor City as Detroit hip-hop superstar Kash Doll and Motown legends the Four Tops are set to play key roles in festivities at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.

The Four Tops will perform the National Anthem prior to the night’s main event, while Kash Doll will rap Shields to the ring as she makes the walk to defend her undisputed middleweight crown against top-rated contender Maricela Cornejo in action streamed live on DAZN in the U.S. and Canada.

“I have been looking forward to fighting at Little Caesars Arena for so long, and to have Kash Doll and the Four Tops as part of the event will make it even more special,” said Shields. “The Masters of Motown and the Queen of Detroit joining the Queen of Flint…I can’t wait for June 3rd!”

Citing poignant words from her hit song, Kash Doll said, “Run me my money. All bets are on Shields!”

The Four Tops, expressing their excitement for June 3, stated: “We The Four Tops are so proud to be singing the national anthem and representing the city of Detroit at Claressa Shields vs. Maricela Cornejo at Little Caesars Arena.  We wish both the fighters the best of luck in this great matchup between two of the finest women boxers in the business.”

“Detroit has been a center of sports and culture for decades. June 3 is the return of championship boxing to Detroit and we want to highlight the city in all its glory,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions, the event’s promoter. “June 3 live on DAZN at Little Caesars Arena is the place to be, with championship action inside the ring and a legendary atmosphere to give fans in Detroit and beyond a 2023 flavor of Motown.  Detroit is America’s greatest comeback city.”

The Detroit-native Kash Doll has become a gold-certified award-winning rapper, sought-after actress, and proven entrepreneur. Throughout her career, she’s been personally invited to open for Drake, and joined DJ Khaled’s set during Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s OTRII Tour, in addition to joining Meek Mill on the Motivation Tour. Her debut album “Stacked” reached top of the Billboard Top Rap Albums Chart and reeled in over 100 million streams, in addition to appearing on soundtracks for blockbuster film franchises such as “Charlie’s Angels”. On top of that, she stole scenes on the STARZ smash “BMF” and the cultural phenomenon “Empire”. Simultaneously, she consistently distinguishes herself as a dynamic businesswoman, presiding over her own Kash Doll Enterprises and charities such as her B.A.D. (Black American Doll) Girls.

The Four Tops made their first single in 1956 before Motown’s Berry Gordy signed them without audition to be the marquee action for the company’s Workshop Jazz label. Indelible hit after hit soon followed, with iconic songs including “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” and “Reach Out I’ll Be There”. The group later combined with The Supremes to make a series of  albums as The Magnificent Seven, and added another number one hit in 1980, making them one of the few groups to have hits in three consecutive decades. In 1990, with 24 Top 40 pop hits to their credit, the Four Tops were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Duke Fakir, an original founding member, continues to lead the group, joined by Lawrence Payton Jr., son of original member Lawrence Payton, Ronnie McNeir and Alex Morris.