Little Caesars, the global, family-owned pizza chain with franchise and company-owned stores in each of the 50 U.S. states and in 27 countries and territories, is looking to grow its Pacific Northwest presence with a goal of awarding more than 50 new franchise units across Portland and Seattle by 2026.

“We know the Pacific Northwest is ripe with aspiring entrepreneurs who value technology and innovation,” Craig Sherwood, vice president of U.S Development at Little Caesars, said. “And, the benefits of our new contactless options for both delivery and carry-out have never been more important. This includes our signature Pizza Portal pickup—the first heated, self-service mobile order pickup station in the restaurant industry—and our revolutionary Reserve-N-Ready system for pickup and delivery. We are confident that our business model is a perfect fit for prospects in these key areas.”

With more than 120 Little Caesars locations currently open and operating across the Pacific Northwest, the brand is building momentum for expansion, as it seeks out single and multi-unit franchisees looking to grow their businesses, primarily in Beaverton, Tigard, Tacoma and Bellevue.

The launch of this development initiative comes just as key executives from the Little Caesars franchise development team will be exhibiting and in attendance at the The Franchise Show occurring May 1–2 in Seattle at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center.  While at the expo, the brand looks forward to discussing franchise opportunities to interested prospects.

“Little Caesars is a family business and we pride ourselves on the solid relationships we form and maintain with our franchise owners around the world,” Sherwood said. “We’re excited to connect with potential new owners at the upcoming franchise trade show in Seattle as we continue growing our Pacific Northwest ‘family.’”

Little Caesars franchising investments start at around $360,000, with incentive programs for both veterans and first responders. Interested prospects should visit Franchise.LittleCaesars.com for inquiries about opening a franchise.

For more details on how to attend The Franchise Show in Seattle, visit FranchiseShowInfo.com/Seattle/Visitor.

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Little Caesars has named Glen McIntosh chief supply chain officer. In this newly created role, McIntosh will report directly to the CEO and lead end-to-end supply chain strategies for the company, including purchasing, replenishment, transportation, warehousing, distribution, international supply chain and export functions, and will oversee a first-rate, multi-disciplinary team.

“With his experience and leadership abilities, Glen will help support our continued growth all over the world,” David Scrivano, president and CEO of Little Caesars, said. “The development and execution of innovative, time and cost-saving strategies will benefit our franchisees and stores and ensure our customers continue to receive the very best in quality products at a great value.”

McIntosh has more than 25 years of supply chain experience, having served most recently as vice president of distribution operations at Blue Line Foodservice Distribution, a division of Little Caesars. Previously, he served in various supply chain capacities in the food and automotive industries. McIntosh is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and a graduate of the University of North Texas, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Management.

“We are experiencing rapid growth both in the United States and internationally, which presents a unique and exciting opportunity in my field,” McIntosh said. “I am looking forward to further developing and leading efficient and robust supply chain efforts, making it possible for Little Caesars stores around the globe to serve customers a delicious, fresh product with industry-leading convenience and value.”

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In celebration of Earth Day, and as part of an ongoing commitment to ensure that Detroit youth have access to sports, the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings and DTE Energy announced a $50,000 donation to enhance energy efficiencies at two community sports facilities in the city: Detroit’s Belle Isle Athletic Complex and East Side Ice Hockey Arena.

The Tigers, Red Wings and DTE made donations to the Belle Isle Athletic Complex, managed by HYPE Athletics Community, to install brand-new, energy efficient LED lighting and additional enhancements on the baseball and softball fields, and East Side Hockey Ice Arena to support upgrades to the nearly 50-year-old transformer. The donation to East Side Hockey Ice Arena builds upon a previous contribution from the Red Wings to support this vital project. Upgrades at both facilities will take place this summer.

“The Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings are honored to inspire future generations of baseball, softball and hockey players in our great city,” Kevin Brown, director of community impact for the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings, said. “We’d like to thank our friends at DTE for supporting that commitment. This summer’s enhancements at Belle Isle Athletic Complex and East Side Hockey Ice Arena represent another important step in the process of ensuring widespread sport accessibility for young Detroiters.”  

The donations follow similar energy-saving enhancements DTE has made. DTE’s Community Lighting team has installed nearly 900 outdoor lights in neighborhoods and businesses throughout the City of Detroit over the past two years. All lights installed were energy efficient LEDs which typically save customers roughly 30% on the cost of lighting.

“Detroit has such a rich sports history, and DTE is excited to add to that heritage today by partnering with the Tigers and Red Wings to update field and arena facilities in which children can play baseball, softball and hockey under bright lights – just like their professional heroes,” John Boladian, director of Energy Efficiency at DTE, said. “These children are our future college athletes, coaches and leaders. While they are young, we can all pitch-in in our own ways to provide them a with positive environment that will help them physically develop and have fun.”

Everyone can contribute on Earth Day. When considering ways to conserve resources, fans also can manage and save on their own energy usage. DTE offers energy-saving tips, tools and rebates to help fans lower their energy bill and reduce their carbon footprint. You can start by replacing your most frequently used bulbs with ENERGY STAR® certified LEDs. LEDs last longer and use less energy. To learn more ways to save go to DTEenergy.com/SaveEnergy.

The Tigers and Red Wings, in partnership with DTE Energy, will celebrate Earth Day at Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena on Thursday, April 22. The Tigers will take on the Pittsburgh Pirates at 1:10 p.m., while the Red Wings will host the Dallas Stars with a 7:30 p.m. puck drop. The Tigers and DTE Energy will also host “Going Green Night” on Saturday, May 29 against the New York Yankees, including a reusable tote bag giveaway for fans in attendance at Comerica Park.

Both teams have other recent initiatives that further their commitment to increase youth sports involvement and accessibility within the city of Detroit. The Red Wings’ Learn, Play, Score program consists of several innovative and engaging hockey-related platforms, while the Tigers’ involvement with Fun At Bat, in partnership with USA Baseball, offers a free online curriculum for kids that emphasizes character development, functional movement, active play and fun.

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The Detroit Tigers have launched the “Thank You Tuesdays” program to celebrate the dedication and sacrifice of frontline and essential workers throughout Detroit, our region and state. For every Tuesday home game at Comerica Park during the 2021 season, many of these incredible heroes will be invited to the ballpark, where their commitment to saving lives and helping Michigan recover from the COVID-19 pandemic will be recognized.

“We are honored to recognize the courageous frontline and essential workers of our region and the great state of Michigan at Comerica Park this season,” said Chris Granger, Group President, Sports & Entertainment. “We are grateful for their service and hope to bring a smile to their faces as they root on the Tigers this season.”

In partnership with Major League Baseball and the Commissioner’s Community Initiative, “Thank You Tuesdays” will officially launch at Tuesday’s home game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Over 1,200 frontline and essential workers will be honored during the series with Pittsburgh, with invited guests recognized on Tuesday, and throughout the season, on Comerica Park’s scoreboard, on social media @Tigers and during Bally Sports Detroit game broadcasts. “Thank You Frontline Heroes” base jewels will also placed on all four corners of first, second and third base. In addition, for select home games throughout the 2021 season, there will be virtual first pitches, National Anthem performances and pregame ceremonies in celebration of these workers.

Prior to Tuesday’s launch, the Tigers had already celebrated the efforts of more than 1,200 frontline and essential workers through the first six games of this season.

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Little Caesars, the global family-owned pizza chain, has named Jeremy Vitaro chief development officer. In a role responsible for new growth domestically and abroad, Vitaro will drive the organization’s efforts to capitalize further on the phenomenal global opportunity of the Little Caesars brand.

Vitaro most recently served as Vice President of U.S. Development at Dunkin’ Brands where, for the past 18 years, he held various franchise leadership positions. He brings this extensive development experience to Little Caesars at a time when the chain’s revolutionary Pizza Portal Pickup and delivery options have led to a surge in brand interest among consumers and franchise prospects.

“Little Caesars is experiencing one of its largest periods of domestic and international expansion in its 60+ year history,” David Scrivano, Little Caesars president and CEO, said. “With a very attractive business model, strong brand awareness and quality products, we are thrilled for Jeremy to join our team, continue our momentum and provide new growth opportunities for entrepreneurs all over the world.”

Now in 27 countries and territories, Little Caesars most recently entered Colombia, Singapore, Peru and Chile. Later this year, new stores are set to open in Portugal, Russia and the United Kingdom.

The brand is actively seeking to grow in new markets across Europe, Southeast Asia and South America, as well as in existing markets like Spain, Canada, Latin America and the Philippines. Opportunities also exist in New York City, Seattle, Portland, Tampa and other U.S. markets.

Before spending nearly two decades guiding both international and U.S. growth for Dunkin’, Vitaro lived in Italy, where he served companies including Casoni S.P.A. and the Benedict Group in various franchise leadership roles. Vitaro holds master’s degrees in business administration from Columbia Business School and economic history from Stanford University.

“I am grateful to have the opportunity to join a world-renowned brand primed for continued expansion,” Vitaro said. “Little Caesars is poised to experience further exponential growth due to its affordable prices, quality product and rewarding business model. I look forward to helping guide Little Caesars towards continued success and working with entrepreneurs interested growth opportunities.”

Those interested in opening a franchise in their area should visit Franchise.LittleCaesars.com.

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Little Caesars Pizza, the global family-owned pizza chain, has named Erin Martin chief of staff. In the newly created role, Martin will act as strategic advisor to Little Caesars president and CEO Dave Scrivano and its leadership team. Martin has been with Little Caesars since 2007, previously serving as vice president, business support services and general counsel.

“This is an exciting time for Little Caesars, marked by continued growth domestically and internationally, as well as an ongoing focus on tech and innovation that allows us to provide best-in-class service and value,” Scrivano said. “Erin’s extensive knowledge and experience in employment and franchise law, as well as her ability to successfully manage various departments within Little Caesars, will help us build on our incredible momentum.”

As the vice president, business support services and general counsel, Martin led the legal and business support teams, including real estate, construction, U.S. development, training and communications. Under her leadership, she provided counsel during several key initiatives for Little Caesars, including the chain’s new world headquarters expansion in downtown Detroit, and several projects designed to advance the company’s interests in the areas of diversity, government relations and corporate growth. Martin also supported the legal needs of several other businesses within the Ilitch Family of Companies, including Blue Line Foodservice Distribution, Champion Foods and the Little Caesars Fundraising Pizza Kit program.

“I care deeply about Little Caesars and am honored to take on this new role to help guide the strategic direction of the business and closely support Dave,” Martin said. “I look forward to continuing to work alongside my talented colleagues to achieve unprecedented success for the company in areas such as growth, expansion, innovation and service.”

Martin has more than 20 years of experience in corporate and franchise law. Before joining Little Caesars, she was an attorney at Bodman PLC.

A Michigan native, Martin earned a B.A. in political science from Michigan State University in 1997, a J.D. from Detroit’s Wayne State University Law School, and was admitted to the Michigan bar in 2001. She resides in Grosse Pointe, Mich. with her family.

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As the new vice president of information security, Afia Phillips handles cyber security for all business units throughout the Ilitch companies, from box office ticket sales to network-connected screens at venues and beyond. With a strong background composed of 20 years’ experience working in multiple sectors, Afia offers a strong foundation for the companies in a world increasingly reliant on IT.

After she earned her Bachelor of Arts in computer science from Wayne State University, Afia started working as a network administrator for the City of Detroit, where she applied and broadened her general IT knowledge. From there, she sharpened her focus to cyber security. She began consulting at KPMG before working at Daimler, where she was promoted several times in 11 years.

Afia also works hard to promote diversity in the male-dominated field. In her spare time, she mentors younger family members to help them with life skills and preparation for higher education. Her passion for uplifting those like her inspired her to create Girls Get IT, her “prized possession,” a program which seeks to close the gender gap in the field. “Knowing that we could make a positive difference and help students be confident, intelligent future leaders in IT was amazing and very rewarding. Impacting the younger generation is near and dear to me,” she said.

Additionally, Afia is also a member of the Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation and a former co-chair for the Professional Membership Services Committee of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA). Additionally, she served as Audit Committee Member for the St. John Providence Health System. In 2019, she received a Crain’s honor for Notable Women in STEM.

Afia said that her short time at Little Caesars has exceeded her expectations. “Whenever I meet with people, they understand the importance of information security and want to know how we can make things better. Having that support is invaluable.”

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Olympia Development of Michigan welcomes Warner Norcross + Judd LLP to The District Detroit with the opening of their new Detroit office at 2715 Woodward Ave. Warner is the first tenant to occupy the state-of-the-art new-construction building located between Little Caesars Arena and the Mike Ilitch School of Business. Boston Consulting Group will also move into the new facility later this year.

Warner plans to move up to 60 attorneys and staff into the building when in-person office workplace restrictions are lifted and it can safely do so. The firm continues to comply with COVID-19 workplace safety rules and regulations.

“Although this is our first Detroit address, Warner has been active in Southeast Michigan for nearly 25 years,” said Linda Paullin-Hebden, executive partner of the Detroit office. “This new Detroit office is the culmination of this history and is a catapult to our future, allowing us to continue serving clients with premiere legal services in an engaging, welcoming environment.”

The sole tenant of the building’s third floor, Warner’s office features a lounge overlooking Woodward Avenue, amazing downtown skyline views, a 40-seat cafe and a media center.

“The striking five-story, $70-million building offers 127,000 square feet of business and retail space that further enlivens The District Detroit,” Keith Bradford, senior vice president, Olympia Development of Michigan, said. “With these types of developments, The District Detroit will continue to attract world-class companies, address market demands and bring new jobs, opportunities and vitality to our city.”

The advanced design of 2715 Woodward offers tenants access to an abundance of natural light with floor to ceiling glass, enhanced light quality features and sound attenuation which encourages collaboration and improves the ability to focus. It was also engineered with state-of-the-art indoor air-quality systems, allowing for 50 percent more fresh-air circulation than standard systems, as well as enhanced air/particle filtration.

“This building is a timely delivery to the market and exactly what people need and expect in today’s workplace. We have designed for flexibility and inspiration in an environment that moves us in the direction of health and well-being,” Stefan Stration, vice president of development for Olympia Development of Michigan, said.

2715 Woodward joins other recent Olympia Development projects such as the Little Caesars world headquarters building and Little Caesars Arena, and other projects expected to be completed this year such as the historic restoration of the former Eddystone Hotel into residential apartments and retail, as well as the historic restoration of the former Women’s City Club into office and retail.

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Baseball’s back — and so are the fans! Comerica Park welcomed just over 8,000 fans for Opening Day on Thursday, April 1. Hear from some of the attendees on what made them feel comfortable returning to the ballpark for the 2021 season:

For everyone’s safety, please remember this season’s safety measures:

• All attendees must complete a Gameday Wellness survey within 24 hours of entering Comerica Park.
• Only medical and diaper bags are permitted inside the park.
• Fans will be seated in pods with at least six feet of physical distance between other groups.
• Facemasks are required, except when actively eating or drinking at your assigned seat.
• Only cashless payment methods are accepted at points of sale.
• Fans must download their mobile ticket using the MLB app before arriving.

Learn more about the new health and safety measures at Comerica Park at MLB.com/Tigers.

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