Who founded the Little Caesars pizza chain with his wife Marian in 1959?

Mike Ilitch founded Little Caesars with his wife, Marian Ilitch, in 1959.

The couple opened their first restaurant in Garden City, Michigan, and named the business Little Caesars. Mike Ilitch had played professional baseball in the minor leagues before entering the restaurant business. Marian became an important partner in building the company and its wider business interests.

Little Caesars expanded from a single pizza restaurant into a major delivery and carryout franchise. Its “Pizza! Pizza!” slogan became closely associated with the brand, especially after the company promoted two pizzas together as a value offer.

A common mistake is attributing Little Caesars to Tom Monaghan, who founded Domino’s, or John Schnatter, who founded Papa John’s. Those are separate pizza companies with different founders. Mike and Marian Ilitch also became prominent owners of Detroit sports teams, including the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers.