Little Caesars® Pizza Continues International Growth With Sights Set on India

Over the past few months, Little Caesars® Pizza, the third-largest pizza chain in the world, has focused on international expansion with its first restaurants in several new countries. The global brand, which currently operates in 26 countries and territories, recently celebrated the opening of two restaurants in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, two restaurants in Madrid, Spain, two in Barbados and one coming soon to Columbia. Now, Little Caesars Pizza is planning to open hundreds of international stores this year, with a specific target market of India.

The leading pizza chain opened its first international restaurant in Canada in 1969. Its focus for many years was just on North America, but Little Caesars® Pizza has recently taken a more aggressive approach abroad in the last several years.

“We’ve had six years of positive growth internationally,” said Brett Larrabee, Director of International Development. “We are the last major pizza chain available in most if not all of these countries where there’s a business opportunity for franchisees to get involved and bring a legacy, American pizza brand to their country. Whether it is Poland or Bolivia, if entrepreneurs want to bring a major American pizza chain to their country, Little Caesars® Pizza is an attractive choice thanks to our value-driven business model and family-oriented brand.”

Little Caesars® Pizza offers world-class support and makes significant investments in new technology to help the business stay relevant to customers. With a straightforward business model focused on profitability, a strong culture of support and state-of-the-art technology, the concept is being picked up by franchisees all over the globe.

In the last few years, Little Caesars® Pizza has dramatically increased its international presence in markets including Latin America, the Middle East, Australia, Canada, the Caribbean and Asia Pacific.

“In 2020 our top specific growth markets for franchise expansion are Bolivia, Ecuador, Russia, UAE, Ukraine, Poland, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, U.K. and Indonesia,” continued Larrabee. “In addition, we’re looking to expand in newly established international markets, with an emphasis on India.”

According to a May 2019 report by Care Ratings, the QSR industry in India is expected to grow to $77 billion by 2022. Quick-service restaurants (QSR) have long been a favorite of pizza lovers in the United States but the popularity of QSR restaurants also extends to international guests who are in search of delicious, affordable, quick-service meals. Little Caesars® Pizza is the perfect concept to fill this need. Based on a nationwide survey of QSR consumers in the U.S. conducted by Sandelman & Associates, Little Caesars® Pizza has been the “Highest Rated Chain Value For the Money” for 13 years in a row.

The first two Little Caesars® Pizza restaurants in India are owned and operated by the franchise partner Phoenix Enterprise Nexus India Private Limited, which is owned by Nandish Patel, who also owns several Little Caesars® Pizza restaurants in the U.S.

“India is an incredibly important new market for Little Caesars® Pizza, and we anticipate significant growth throughout the country in the next several years,” said Larrabee. “Now, we are looking to develop nationally, with territories available in all areas except for Gujrat and Maharashtra. As one of the most populous countries in the world with a needed value option for western brands, India has the potential to have hundreds of stores. Plus, India’s culture focuses on shared dishes, and pizza lends itself well to that trend.”

In Ahmedabad, Little Caesars® Pizza introduced an all-vegetarian menu featuring a signature 10” HOT-N-READY® Veggie Pizza for ?159 all day, every day, plus other delicious offerings. The innovative HOT-N-READY® concept allows customers to simply stop in and carry out a selection of freshly made, great-tasting pizza and side items without waiting or ordering ahead.  The restaurant will feature a range of other vegetarian pizzas and side items to delight the taste buds of Gujarati pizza lovers, including a Tandoori Paneer, Spicy Veggie and Zesty Cheese Bread. Additionally, a 10” Tikka Masala pizza will be available HOT-N-READY for ?289 from 7-10 p.m. All pizzas will feature a delicious 10-season flavored crust, edge-to-edge.

In the $145 billion worldwide pizza industry, Little Caesars® Pizza stands out as a brand that has both a 60-year legacy of helping franchisees thrive and an aggressive growth strategy.

“In every country we operate, we offer an affordable alternative to our competition, with quality pizza at a value all families can afford,” said Larrabee. “Now, Little Caesars® Pizza plans to continue growth throughout India and is actively seeking interested entrepreneurs eager to join a world-famous pizza brand in order to bring our three brand pillars of value, quality, and convenience to their communities.”

For more information on Little Caesars® Pizza in India, visit https://international.littlecaesars.com/india-fb/