Little Caesars was founded on May 8, 1959, by Mike and Marian Ilitch, who invested their family savings to open the first store in Garden City, Michigan.15 From this single location, the company grew to become the third-largest pizza chain in the United States by 2020.3 Today, Little Caesars remains under the ownership of Ilitch Holdings, Inc., a family-owned holding company established in 1999 to provide professional and technical services to the various Ilitch-owned businesses.3 Ilitch Holdings is currently led by Christopher Ilitch, one of Mike and Marian's seven children, who serves as CEO and President, while Marian Ilitch holds the position of chairman.3 This structure ensures that Little Caesars continues to operate under the family's vision, maintaining its position as a key component of the Ilitch family's diverse business portfolio that spans food, sports, and entertainment industries.

The Ilitch family's legacy extends far beyond Little Caesars, encompassing a diverse portfolio of businesses and philanthropic endeavors that have significantly impacted Detroit's landscape. Mike and Marian Ilitch, starting with a single pizza shop in 1959, built an empire that includes ownership of major sports franchises like the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers, as well as entertainment venues such as the Fox Theatre13. Their commitment to Detroit's revitalization is evident in projects like the restoration of the Fox Theatre and the development of Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena1. The family's influence on the city is further exemplified by their $220 million in charitable contributions since 2000, including a $40 million donation to Wayne State University for the Mike Ilitch School of Business4. Through Ilitch Holdings, the family continues to shape Detroit's economic and cultural fabric, with Christopher Ilitch now at the helm as CEO and President, carrying forward his parents' vision of urban renewal and community investment3.

Christopher Ilitch, the sixth of seven children born to Mike and Marian Ilitch, currently serves as the President and CEO of Ilitch Holdings Inc. Known for his methodical and analytical approach, Christopher has been with the family business for nearly 30 years, starting from managing a single Little Caesars store to overseeing the entire Ilitch empire13. Under his leadership, the company has expanded its reach, with the development of The District Detroit being a key project expected to deliver $2.1 billion in economic impact to the city1. Christopher's low-key management style, often compared to his mother's behind-the-scenes approach, has been effective in guiding the company through significant growth and diversification3. His vision for Detroit's revitalization continues the family's legacy of urban development and community investment, as evidenced by projects like the new Little Caesars Arena and the expansion of the company's downtown headquarters3.