Little Caesars Expands Its Presence on the University of Kansas Campus

Little Caesars Expands on the University of Kansas Campus

Little Caesars, known as the third-largest pizza chain globally, is making waves at the University of Kansas by establishing a notable presence at the famed Allen Fieldhouse, the home of the Jayhawks basketball and volleyball teams. Through this initiative, the brand is set to enhance the game day experience for students and fans alike, offering hot slices via dedicated concession stands and grab-and-go carts throughout the venue.

The collaboration with the University of Kansas marks a significant step in Little Caesars’ strategy to grow in non-traditional locations, a venture being led by the franchisee group, CMG Companies. Headquartered in Plano, Texas, CMG Companies is a multi-brand investment and operations firm handling over 550 locations across the restaurant, retail, hospitality, and real estate sectors, making them the ideal partner for this initiative.

CMG's restaurant portfolio, featuring names like KFC, Taco Bell, and Sonic Drive-In, showcases their expertise in the food service segment. They currently operate over 60 Little Caesars restaurants and are poised for continued expansion in this market.

Ron Parikh, a founding partner at CMG Companies, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "We’ve been growing our Little Caesars presence through traditional formats in Kansas, and this university partnership fuels the next stage of our momentum." This sentiment underscores not just their commitment to expanding access to affordable and convenient food options but also to becoming a part of the vibrant campus culture.

Bryan Ketelhut, Vice President of Franchising and Business Development, emphasized that growing in non-traditional venues like universities is essential to their strategy. He welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with a seasoned franchisee group, stating, "We’re proud to work with experienced franchisees like CMG Companies, whose focus on quality and hands-on leadership is crucial for successful expansion."

Little Caesars is actively scouting for qualified multi-unit franchise operators to drive development across various target markets, especially in non-traditional venues such as water parks, airports, and stadiums. This expansion strategy aims to capture high-traffic areas, making it easier for fans to enjoy their favorite pizza during events.

With over 65 years of family-owned history, Little Caesars prides itself on providing value and quality. The franchise model capitalizes on an integrated supply chain, innovative menu items, and flexible restaurant formats like the new Elev8 design, empowering franchisees to adapt to a range of real estate options. Additionally, Little Caesars maintains a strong commitment to community involvement through initiatives like the Love Kitchen®, which has dispensed over 4 million meals nationwide.

Franchisees are offered support including an established operating system and a strong brand identity, aided by the iconic image of Little Caesar, which effortlessly resonates with audiences. The brand seeks to forge deeper connections within local communities through partnerships with schools and sports teams and actively participates in programs that support veterans and first responders.

For those interested in joining the Little Caesars family, more details can be found at franchise.littlecaesars.com. This initiative not only aims to provide delicious pizza to Kansas fans but also showcases the brand's commitment to innovation and community involvement. Little Caesars continues to reinforce its position as a leader in the pizza industry and is excited about what the future holds on college campuses and beyond.

About Little Caesars

Founded in 1959 by Mike and Marian Ilitch, Little Caesars has established itself as a staple in the pizza market. With its headquarters in downtown Detroit, Michigan, the brand is renowned for its HOT-N-READY® pizza, Crazy Puffs®, and famed Crazy Bread®. As a high-growth company, Little Caesars operates in all 50 states and over 30 countries, continually seeking franchisees to join their journey. Little Caesars is also the official pizza sponsor of the NFL, further solidifying its reputation in the food industry.

For additional information about Little Caesars, visit LittleCaesars.com and follow their social media platforms on TikTok, Instagram, and X.