each year, the Little Caesars Love Kitchen, a mobile 18-wheel truck that serves hot pizza to those in need at no cost, returns to the company’s hometown of Detroit during winter to offer help to Detroiters in need in its coldest months.

“Food insecurity is something that affects many in our city and the Love Kitchen is one way to help provide meals to those in need,” said Lisa Ruthven, who manages the Little Caesars Love Kitchen. “We are honored to serve alongside many nonprofits who are caring for those in need all year ‘round and build on our legacy of community impact each year.”

Throughout the month of February, the Love Kitchen is scheduled to visit more than a dozen community organizations throughout the city of Detroit. Among the planned stops are multiple Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries locations, an organization that has spent more than 100 years providing food, shelter and services to those in need, with services and programs designed to help them live productive and restored lives.

“Guests at our various locations in the Detroit area deeply appreciate the pizza treat they get from Little Caesars Love Kitchen, and we are happy they are getting yet another treat. Thank you, Little Caesars, for the love you show the homeless, ” says Dr. Chad Audi, Detroit Rescue Mission president and CEO.

Additional servings include the Salvation Army, Central United Methodist Church, St. Patrick Center, the Barack Obama Leadership Academy and SAY Detroit, Boys & Girls Club, Michigan Veterans Foundation, Capuchin Soup Kitchen and Covenant House.

For 37 years, the Little Caesars Love Kitchen has traveled across the United States and Canada to donate and serve pizza meals to those in need in the 48 contiguous states and four Canadian provinces. In addition to serving those in need daily, it has responded to natural disasters such as the Western Kentucky tornado in 2021, as well as provided meals in national times of need, such as Sept. 11, 2001. An estimated 50,000 Little Caesars franchise owners and employees have volunteered their time to support the program and feed over 3.7 million people in their local communities. The Love Kitchen exemplifies Little Caesars strong tradition of giving back to the communities where the company operates.

Learn more at LittleCaesars.com/LoveKitchen.

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Permanent comedy club will fill a niche in the city and occupy the City Theatre space inside Hockeytown Cafe.

Detroit’s comedy fans have something exciting on the way. Detroit House of Comedy, a comedy and entertainment venue at the corner of Woodward Avenue and Montcalm Street, will open in this summer in The District Detroit as Detroit’s only permanent comedy club.

The Detroit House of Comedy will be run by co-owners John Tobin and Rick Bronson and will host stand-up, improv and podcasts from established local, regional and national headliners, as well as up-and-comers with a focus on supporting comedians from Detroit and throughout Michigan.

The Detroit House of Comedy is patterned after Laugh Boston which rose to the forefront of the Boston comedy scene in recent years and the Plano House of Comedy in Texas. In addition to Laugh Boston, Tobin owns Nick’s Comedy Stop and a production company, John Tobin Presents. Bronson owns multiple House of Comedy locations in the U.S. and Canada. The two have more than 60 years of comedy and entertainment experience.

“I’ve had a long-time affection for Detroit and a deep respect for its people. We are really looking forward to providing top quality and wide-ranging entertainment for hard working Detroiters and the city’s many visitors,” said Tobin. “Stand-up comedy and its many off shoots bring joy and laughter to people by looking at life through diverse voices with different points of view. Comedians are always challenging the status quo and the absurd, and we feel that people, particularly today, are really looking for that kind of entertainment.”

The Detroit House of Comedy adds to the bustling entertainment offerings within The District Detroit, including the Columbia Street dining and retail destination, the iconic Fox Theatre, Comerica Park and the award-winning Little Caesars Arena.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Detroit House of Comedy and their premier brand of entertainment to The District Detroit,” said Stefan Stration, Vice President of Development at Olympia Development. “We know there is a huge market need for comedy in the city, and their highly interactive format combined with a roster of national headliners creates an ongoing must-see experience.” The 300-seat Detroit House of Comedy will be housed in the former City Theatre located inside Hockeytown Café and is expected to host multiple shows per week.

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Horcoff Spent Last Six Seasons as Red Wings Director of Player Development

Detroit Red Wings executive vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman today announced that Shawn Horcoff has been named Red Wings assistant general manager and general manager of the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League.

Horcoff will work alongside Yzerman on all hockey operations matters for the Red Wings, in addition to being responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Griffins, including personnel decisions, contract negotiations and player movement.  

“I’m very excited for my new role with the Red Wings and look forward to continuing the winning culture and tradition in Grand Rapids,” Horcoff said. “I’ve been very fortunate to establish relationships with the players, coaches and front office personnel within the Red Wings organization over the last six years and I’m excited for the opportunity to continue developing our prospects in Grand Rapids and helping them become impactful players at the NHL level.”

Horcoff, 43, spent six seasons as the Red Wings’ director of player development – in addition to the last three seasons as assistant director of player personnel – after joining the Red Wings prior to the 2016-17 season following a 1,008-game NHL career. As director of player development, Horcoff oversaw and evaluated Detroit’s prospects playing at the junior or collegiate level or in Europe. He was also tasked with running the team’s Development Camp, held immediately following the annual NHL Entry Draft.

“Shawn has a tremendous work ethic and has done a great job developing the prospects within our organization, helping them prepare for the next steps in their careers,” said Yzerman. “The relationships he’s formed within the organization – and throughout the hockey community – make him a valuable asset to our future both in Detroit and Grand Rapids, and I look forward to continue working alongside him.”

As a player, Horcoff was originally a fourth-round pick (99th overall) of the Edmonton Oilers in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft and went on to skate in the NHL for 15 seasons (2000-16), logging 511 points (186-325-511) and 624 penalty minutes. An NHL All-Star in 2008, Horcoff spent most of his NHL career with Edmonton (2000-13), serving as team captain from 2010-13 and producing a career-high 73 points (22-51-73) in 2005-06, while helping the Oilers reach the Stanley Cup Final. Horcoff also spent two seasons with the Dallas Stars (2013-15) and spent his final NHL campaign with the Anaheim Ducks in 2015-16. Horcoff also has ties to the state of Michigan, having racked up 152 points (50-102-152) in 155 games with the Michigan State Spartans from 1996-00. The Spartans were two-time CCHA champions (1998 and 2000) during Horcoff’s collegiate career, which he capped off by winning the CCHA Player of the Year in 1999-00.

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Little Caesars, home of the HOT-N-READY^® and the Crazy Calzony™, is partnering with the all-new film The Batman to bring fans of the legendary comic book character for a global promotion featuring a one-of-a-kind new product, The Batman Calzony. The Batman is coming to theaters in North America March 4 and internationally beginning March 2, 2022.

The Batman Calzony is created by combining a pizza lover’s own dynamic duo: calzone and pizza. This bat-shaped product features a tantalizing flavor profile of buttery-tasting, calzone crust filled with garlic white sauce, cheese, and julienned pepperoni, combined with a pepperoni pizza and served with a side of Crazy Sauce®. The new menu item will be available for $7.99 starting January 24.

“Anyone can now bring superhero vibes to pizza night by trying the new The Batman Calzony, “said Jeff Klein, chief marketing officer at Little Caesars, “It’s the most delicious part of our partnership with the upcoming film The Batman.”

The Crazy Calzony was originally introduced by Little Caesars in August 2021 as a limited-time offer, adding an instant classic to the chain’s already storied menu.

Customers can order The Batman Calzony for delivery using the Little Caesars app, or pre-pay and then conveniently collect their order using Pizza Portal® pickup (a heated, self-service mobile order pickup station) at any participating Little Caesars Locations. Customers can stop in between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. to pick up The Batman Calzony without preordering.

*Plus tax where applicable. Available at participating locations. Prices may vary. Prices may be higher in AK, HI, CA and third-party online sites. Delivery available from participating locations with online orders only. Delivery fees apply. Small order fee for orders less than $10.

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Formerly known as DTE Energy Music Theatre, and welcomes United Wholesale Mortgage and Trinity Health as proud partners

2022 summer concert season will mark renowned venue’s 50th anniversary

313 Presents is excited to announce that DTE Energy Music Theatre – the nation’s top amphitheatre in 2019 – located in Clarkston, Michigan, is going back to its roots with the venue’s original name and will now be known again as Pine Knob Music Theatre. They also welcome United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) and Trinity Health as new Proud Partners. The renaming couldn’t come at a better time as the 2022 summer concert season will mark the renowned venue’s 50th anniversary.

As part of their rebranding, 313 Presents unveiled a new venue logo with a font that offers a vintage feel and art that captures the beloved, scenic landscape symbolic of Michigan’s premier summer concert destination. Designed by Troy-based Simons-Michelson-Zieve Inc. (SMZ), Pine Knob Music Theatre’s new logo pays homage to the venue’s rich 50-year history with a fresh new touch, and embodies 313 Presents’ mission to provide access to amazing entertainment and alive moments inspired by the soul of Detroit.

Pine Knob Music Theatre is continually ranked among the top amphitheaters in the world and is a preferred venue for many of the nation’s top touring acts. Ranked #1 in the world in Pollstar’s 2019 Year-End Rankings, the venue plays host to world-class entertainment events, concerts, comedy, family shows and community functions.

Pine Knob Music Theatre’s 2022 summer concert season will mark its 50th anniversary, as the iconic venue opened its doors on June 25, 1972 with a matinee performance by David Cassidy. At the time of its opening, Pine Knob was the largest amphitheater in the U.S., becoming one of the most active and successful outdoor venues in the country. Through hosting acts ranging from rock, pop, country and contemporary, Pine Knob became a template for other outdoor venues to follow.

313 Presents has entered into multi-year corporate partnership agreements with United Wholesale Mortgage and Trinity Health, making them the official Proud Partners of Pine Knob Music Theatre. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

United Wholesale Mortgage – the No. 1 wholesale mortgage lender in the country for seven consecutive years, and recognized as a best place to work in metro Detroit – becomes the exclusive mortgage partner of Pine Knob Music Theatre, and will have exclusive naming rights to Pine Knob Music Theatre’s UWM West Entrance/Exit, UWM West Parking Lot and UWM West Box Office.

UWM’s unique business model focuses on providing independent mortgage brokers with superior service through state-of-the-art technology that enables a faster, easier and cheaper mortgage experience for consumers across the nation. This partnership will help the wholesale mortgage lender reach new local and national concertgoers who attend events at Pine Knob Music Theatre, further catapulting awareness around the benefits of independent mortgage brokers, in addition to promoting UWM as a top workplace in Michigan. Follow UWM Life on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

Trinity Health is the official and exclusive health care partner of Pine Knob Music Theatre. The VIP area of Pine Knob Music Theatre will now be branded as the Trinity Health VIP Entrance/Exit, Trinity Health VIP Parking Lot, Trinity Health VIP Box Office and Trinity Health Ivy Lounge.

Trinity Health is one of the largest not-for-profit, Catholic health care systems in America. It is a leading health care provider in Michigan and one of the state’s largest employers. Its eight hospital locations include the five hospitals of Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, located in Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Howell, Livonia and Pontiac, and the three-hospital Mercy Health system, operating in Grand Rapids, Muskegon and Shelby. The health system provides the full continuum of care for patients, offering them safe, high-quality medical services close to home.  This includes access to ambulatory care locations, home health agencies, a hospice agency and senior living communities throughout the state.

Committed to bringing care to where patients live and work, the partnership will help elevate Trinity Health’s brand within the communities it serves. For more information on medical services available at Trinity Health, please visit www.TrinityHealthMichigan.org.

313 Presents will incorporate its Proud Partners throughout its updated branding components.  

“We are beyond thrilled to welcome United Wholesale Mortgage and Trinity Health as Proud Partners of Pine Knob Music Theatre,” said 313 Presents President Howard Handler. “These two premier Michigan-based organizations share our passion for providing unparalleled service and understood the importance the Pine Knob brand resonates in our community and they embraced the opportunity to help bring it back to life in a new and exciting way. This is only the beginning as we look to our 50th anniversary and beyond to engage and bring the best in live entertainment and activation to our guests.”

“As a company rooted in metro Detroit for the last 35 years, we are thrilled to be a Proud Partner of Pine Knob Music Theatre, and look forward to everything we will accomplish together during this historic rebrand, and beyond,” said Sarah DeCiantis, UWM’s Chief Marketing Officer. “At UWM, we make it a priority to stay embedded in our local community, and are excited for this opportunity to further promote our award-winning workplace, in addition to educating consumers around the benefits of working with an independent mortgage broker.”

“Like myself, colleagues from across our health system have fond memories of having spent many summer nights with friends and family out at Pine Knob Music Theatre,” said Rob Casalou, President and CEO of Trinity Health Michigan and Trinity Health Southeast Regions. “I congratulate the 313 Presents team on bringing back such an iconic name and look forward to promoting good health and good music together here in our community.”

In 2001, then Palace Sports & Entertainment, announced a title partnership with DTE. With a dedicated partner on board, that would go on to span 20 years, the venue continued to build its industry recognition and propel to prominence as the world’s best-selling amphitheater in the world.

“We are grateful to DTE for their commitment,” said Handler. “Through their partnership, we were able to provide incredible experiences and memories for our guests that will long remain a part of our venue’s rich history.”

Follow Pine Knob Music Theatre Presented by Proud Partners United Wholesale Mortgage and Trinity Health on Twitter at @PineKnobMusic, Facebook at Pine Knob Music Theatre and Instagram at @PineKnobMusic.

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Detroit Red Wings executive vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman today announced that the team has hired Nicklas Lidstrom as vice president of hockey operations.

One of the most decorated players in NHL history, Lidstrom, 51, will be involved in all aspects of hockey operations for the Red Wings in his new role. Lidstrom spent his entire 20-season NHL career with Detroit, joining the organization as a third-round draft pick (53rd overall) in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft, debuting for the team during the 1991-92 season and serving as the team’s captain in his final six seasons with the team (2006-12) before retiring on May 31, 2012. Lidstrom’s No. 5 jersey was retired by the organization during the 2013-14 campaign, and he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2015 in his first year of eligibility.

Lidstrom’s on-ice accomplishments are headlined by four Stanley Cup championships in 1997, 1998, 2002 and 2008, the last of which made him the first European-born captain to hoist the Stanley Cup. He still ranks as the highest-scoring defenseman in franchise history, amassing 1,142 points (264-878-1,142) in 1,564 career games, while sitting second among players at any position in Red Wings history in playoff production, with 183 points (54-129-183) in 263 contests — which stands as the NHL record for postseason games played for a single franchise. The Red Wings qualified for the playoffs in each of Lidstrom’s 20 seasons, making him one of just two players (Larry Robinson) in NHL history to play in at least 20 seasons and never miss the playoffs. He was also awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most-valuable player in the playoffs in 2002.

Lidstrom became the first European-born and trained player to win the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman and went on to claim the trophy on six more occasions (2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2011). He was named to the NHL All-Star Game in 12 seasons and finished on the NHL’s First All-Star Team 10 times and on the Second All-Star Team twice. Lidstrom produced at least 60 points in nine of his seasons with Detroit and holds single-season franchise records for assists (64) and points (80) by a defenseman. A native of Vasteras, Sweden, Lidstrom is also a member of the exclusive Triple Gold Club with a Stanley Cup championship, a World Championship gold medal (1991) and an Olympic Games gold medal (2006).

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As 2021 comes to a close, across the Ilitch organization, we are grateful for the opportunity to give back to the communities in which we operate, and for the individuals and organizations who have helped us make a positive impact. A video featuring just some of the 2021 highlights of how the people of our companies work together to serve others can be viewed below.

On behalf of our family companies, happy holidays and best wishes for a bright and hopeful new year.

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On December 13, Olympia Development of Michigan joined with Related Companies and the University of Michigan to announce that the Detroit Center for Innovation (DCI) will be built in The District Detroit, a premier urban live, work, play destination featuring professional sports, entertainment, residential, retail, educational, and office space in the heart of the city.

The announcement was marked by an event inside the historic Women’s City Club, which has been meticulously restored by Olympia Development and is the future home of Spaces – an open, shared office concept from IWG plc.

In addition to Ilitch Holdings CEO Chris Ilitch, Related Companies CEO Stephen Ross, University of Michigan’s President Mark Schlissel and Chair of the Board of Regents Jordan Acker, representatives on behalf of the city, state and local educational institutions delivered remarks on the positive economic and social impact that the new DCI location will have on the people of Detroit, while propelling city-, region-, and statewide job creation and inclusive economic growth.

Other speakers included Michigan Lt. Governor Gilchrist, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, President Pro Tempore of Detroit City Council Mary Sheffield, Detroit’s Cass Technical High School principal Lisa Phillips, Founder of the Detroit Equity Report Bishop Edgar Vann and Sr. Director of Strategy of Operations for ServiceNow Cheick Camara.

The full event can be viewed in the video below.

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Anita Klopfenstein Named Chief Information Officer of the Year and IT Team Wins Breakthrough Technology Award for New Software

Little Caesars, the pizza chain known for revolutionary innovations like the Pizza Portal, received first place in two prominent technology-related award competitions. Michigan CIO has named Anita Klopfenstein Chief Information Officer of the Year and presented her with an ORBIE® Award. The company’s new store software has also won the 2021 Breakthrough Technology Award presented at this year’s MURTEC event by Hospitality Technology Magazine.

“We are thrilled to receive these prestigious recognitions from two of the most prominent voices in the technology industry,” said David Scrivano, President and CEO of Little Caesars. “Anita and our entire technology team have done an excellent job of implementing some of the most advanced software, apps, and innovations around. With such an innovative team, we are continuing to grow by adding even more top talent in the tech space.”

The CIO of the Year® ORBIE® Award is the premier technology executive recognition program in the United States. The award honors chief information officers who have demonstrated excellence in technology leadership. Finalists and winners are selected by an independent peer review process, led by prior ORBIE recipients, based upon leadership and management effectiveness, value created by technology innovation, and engagement in industry and community endeavors.

The MURTEC Breakthrough recognizes restaurant operators who have pioneered groundbreaking technology and innovative strategies in customer engagement or overall enterprise. It is presented to the company that has leveraged a specific strategy or technology beyond standard practice to improve overall restaurant operations and reveal an increase or marked improvement in efficiency or cost savings.

With so much opportunity in technology, Little Caesars is hiring across the business, focusing heavily on tech recruitment and recruitment of store crew members and managers. In addition, distribution centers are hiring warehouse team members and drivers. The company offers colleagues many opportunities for growth and advancement, with many corporate employees beginning their careers at the store level. In fact, 70% of Little Caesars crew members have been promoted to manager level or above and 25% of corporate employees began their careers as store crew members.

To learn more, visit https://littlecaesars.com/en-us/careers/

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