U.S. Military Veteran Opens Store Under Little Caesars Veterans Program

Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc. today proudly celebrates the grand opening of another store under the Little Caesars Veterans Program, as former U.S. Army Captain David Luckett opens his Little Caesars Pizza restaurant at 8986 Jennings Station Road in Jennings, MO.

"I am excited to be part of the Little Caesars Veterans Program because it offers veterans like me the opportunity to own and operate our own businesses," said Luckett. "I appreciate this innovative program that helps former U.S. military members build for our futures."

Growing up in Memphis, Tenn., David received a commercial aviation degree from the University of Memphis in 1995 before he was commissioned into the United States Army as a lieutenant. After serving in several roles, including platoon leader with the field artillery and company executive officer and battalion logistics officer in the signal corps, David was honorably discharged as a captain in 2000. Three years later, he deployed to Iraq to assist with the reconstruction efforts. He was stationed there for five years as a contractor responsible for training the New Iraqi Army as well as training and support for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

After returning from Iraq in 2008, Luckett moved to St. Louis to be closer to his son, Tyler and pursue his dream of becoming an entrepreneur. He saw the Little Caesars franchise opportunity advertised on a pizza box at the Little Caesars store where his son worked in St. Louis and decided to research the opportunity more. After learning about the Little Caesars Veterans Program he knew he had found the right franchise system to make his dreams a reality.

"Little Caesars provides outstanding training to its franchisees and gives us the support and tools necessary to run our businesses," said Luckett. "It is a strong brand with a high-quality product and I look forward to serving fresh, hot pizza to Jennings residents ready when they are, with no waiting or need to call ahead."

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

Some of the menu items Luckett will feature in his store include HOT-N-READY(R) Pizza, Crazy Bread(R), Caesar Wings(R) and Caesar Dips(R).

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.

Logos, product and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

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