Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc.  proudly celebrates the grand opening of another store under the Little Caesars Veterans Program, as former U.S. Marine Corps Platoon Sergeant Billy Tucker opens his Little Caesars Pizza restaurant at 1371 Hancock Road in Bullhead City, Ariz.

The Little Caesars Veterans Program was created in 2006 to thank veterans for their service and provide them with career opportunities when they transition to civilian life or seek a career change. It offers honorably discharged, service-disabled veterans, such as Tucker, who qualify as Little Caesars franchisees, a benefit of up to approximately $68,000 on their first store. Honorably discharged, non-service-disabled veterans who qualify as Little Caesars franchisees are eligible for a benefit of up to approximately $20,000 on their first store.

"With talented veterans such as Billy joining the Little Caesars team, the Little Caesars Veterans Program continues to grow and offer veterans business ownership opportunities," said David Scrivano, president of Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc. "The skills Billy gained in the military, such as teamwork, dedication and a familiarity with processes, will enable him to become a strong Little Caesars franchisee."

In one of the largest U.S. quick serve restaurant research studies in 2008, Little Caesars was named the best value for the money of all quick serve restaurant chains.* Sandelman & Associates' Quick-Track(R) research study tracks key consumer behavioral and attitudinal measures for all major fast-food chains. Surveys were conducted among more than 94,000 quick service restaurant customers in 75 major markets across the U.S. Little Caesars was also named highest rated pizza chain for "Convenience of Locations" and "Speed of Service."

Since the program launched in over two years ago, interest has remained high in the Little Caesars Veterans Program. Currently, more than 50 veterans collectively are applying more than $1.5 million in credits and benefits to help them grow their Little Caesars businesses. To date, more than 2,500 inquires have been made about the program.

The Center for Veterans Enterprise (part of the Department of Veterans Affairs), Marine For Life (an organization that helps Marines and Sailors transition to civilian life), and the International Franchise Association (through its VetFran program) are points of contact for the Little Caesars Veterans Program. They can provide information about the requirements and qualifications of becoming a Little Caesars franchisee.

About Little Caesars Franchise:
Little Caesars Pizza founders Michael and Marian Ilitch opened their first restaurant in Garden City, Michigan, in 1959. Little Caesars, the fastest growing pizza chain, built more stores in the world in 2008 than any other pizza brand and today is the largest carry-out chain globally with restaurants on five continents. Little Caesars is growing in prime markets across the country, and is offering strong franchisee candidates an opportunity for independence with a proven system. For the second year in a row, Little Caesars was named "Best Value in America"* of all quick-serve restaurant chains. In addition, Little Caesars offers strong brand awareness with one of the most recognized and appealing characters in the country, Little Caesar.