U.S. Military Veteran Opens Pizza Franchise Under Little Caesars Veterans Program

"I am thankful to have the opportunity to join a franchise system that proudly supports veterans," said Bloomquist. "The Little Caesars Veterans Program has assisted me in fulfilling a life long goal of owning my business with the help and support of a well-known brand like Little Caesars."

Bloomquist served four years as a baker aboard the U.S.S. Kamehameha submarine ship. After Bloomquist was honorably discharged he decided to build on the skills he learned in the military and enrolled as a full-time student at Southwest State in Marshall, Minn. He received his degree in restaurant and hotel management and has more than three decades of experience with highly recognizable quick service restaurants.

In 2008, after a company restructuring, Bloomquist was laid-off and faced with the challenge of finding a new job in a difficult economy. Seeking more independence, he began to research business investments that would provide him with more job security and the opportunity to be his own boss. After speaking to a few former restaurant industry colleagues who were familiar with Little Caesars, Bloomquist researched franchising opportunities with the brand.

"I was looking for a brand with a strong concept and a proven system," said Bloomquist. "Little Caesars has a great concept that offers customers with high quality pizza at a great price, ready when they are. I look forward to bringing that quality, convenience and value to the Lakeville community."

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, who qualify as Little Caesars franchisees, a benefit of up to approximately $68,000 on their first store. Honorably discharged, non-service-disabled veterans such as Bloomquist, 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 Mark 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 Mark 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 Bloomquist will feature in his store include HOT-N-READY Pizza, Crazy Bread , Caesar Wings and Caesar Dips .

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 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 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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