Seasoned Development Leader to Drive Growth Across the Western United States

DETROIT – Little Caesars, the third-largest pizza chain in the world, today announced the appointment of Jack Veltema as Director of Franchise Sales for the West. Returning to the brand after previously serving in several franchise development leadership roles, Veltema will help drive franchise growth across key western markets as Little Caesars continues its expansion.

Veltema first joined Little Caesars in 2006 during one of the brand’s most transformative periods, supporting franchise development as the launch of HOT-N-READY® fueled rapid expansion. Throughout his career with the company, he held leadership roles spanning domestic and international franchise development, including supporting growth across the Middle East, leading franchise services throughout the Carolinas, and serving as Director of Franchise Sales for the East Coast. In 2023, Veltema stepped away to launch and operate his own home services business, gaining firsthand entrepreneurial experience before returning to Little Caesars.

“Little Caesars has always stood out to me because of its people, culture, and commitment to franchisee support,” said Veltema. “Returning to the brand during this phase of its growth is a great opportunity. There’s tremendous momentum behind our development strategy, and I believe the combination of value, convenience, and innovation continues to differentiate Little Caesars. I’m looking forward to partnering with both new and existing franchisees across the Western region as we continue building on that momentum together.”

As Director of Franchise Sales for the West, Veltema will lead franchise development efforts across key western markets, including the Pacific Northwest, Colorado, St. Louis, Minneapolis, and Des Moines. He will focus on recruiting qualified franchise operators, supporting existing franchisees as they expand, and identifying strategic growth opportunities that advance the long-term development strategy for Little Caesars.

With more than 60 years of family-owned history, Little Caesars is known for its signature “HOT-N-READY®” pizzas, the “Pizza! Pizza!” catchphrase, and its emphasis on quality, value, and convenience. Franchisees benefit from an integrated supply chain, innovative menu offerings, and flexible restaurant formats, including the new Elev8 design and modular POD units, allowing the brand to adapt to a variety of real estate options. Little Caesars also maintains a strong community focus through its Love Kitchen® program, which has served more than 4 million meals nationwide, and partnerships with local schools, sports teams, and nonprofits. Franchising investments start at around $379,000, with incentive programs available for veterans and first responders. Interested candidates can learn more information at franchise.littlecaesars.com.

About Little Caesars®

Little Caesars, the Best Value in Pizza*, was founded by Mike and Marian Ilitch as a single, family-owned restaurant in 1959 and is headquartered in downtown Detroit, Michigan. It is the third-largest pizza chain in the world, with restaurants in each of the 50 U.S. states and 31 countries and territories.

Known for its HOT-N-READY® pizza, Crazy Puffs®, and famed Crazy Bread®, Little Caesars uses quality ingredients, like fresh, never-frozen mozzarella and Muenster cheese and sauce made from fresh-packed, vine-ripened California crushed tomatoes. The brand is known for innovation and is home to the exclusive Pizza Portal® pickup, a heated, self-service mobile order pickup station. Little Caesars is also the Official Pizza Sponsor of the NFL.

A high-growth company with over 65 years in the $150 billion worldwide pizza industry, Little Caesars continually looks for franchisee candidates to join the team in markets worldwide. In addition to providing the opportunity for entrepreneurial independence in a franchise system, Little Caesars offers a simple operating system, a reputation for taste and value, and strong brand awareness with one of the most recognized characters in the country, Little Caesar. Little Caesars is proud to be part of the Ilitch Companies family of businesses.

For more, visit LittleCaesars.com and follow Little Caesars on TikTok, Instagram, and X.

*Limited to top 4 national pizza chains