Little Caesars is making waves in the vibrant New York City market, signaling a robust comeback. Patrick Cunningham, VP of development, emphasizes this resurgence to potential operators. Recent franchisees Suhel Ahmed and Saurabh Desai have capitalized on this momentum by opening two Bronx locations as part of a broader plan to establish 10 units in the Bronx and Upper Manhattan by 2026. Last year, Ron Valencia initiated Little Caesars’ Queens presence under a multi-brand arrangement.
Reflecting on pre-pandemic dynamics, Cunningham notes the city’s familiar bustling atmosphere, attributing it to robust consumer demand. Little Caesars, renowned for its Hot and Ready pizzas made from fresh ingredients, meets these demands with convenience and affordability. Cunningham highlights their unique Pizza Portal pickup, enhancing customer convenience with heated, self-service stations.
Despite New York’s deep-rooted pizza culture, Cunningham remains confident in Little Caesars’ ability to carve out a niche.
He underscores the brand’s pillars of quality, value, and convenience, emphasizing their unmatched affordability and readily available menu options.
Little Caesars is committed to expanding its footprint with plans to establish 100 new locations across New York City and the tri-state region. Cunningham expresses optimism about the brand’s prospects in the metro area and neighboring regions, citing high demand and favorable market conditions.
Beyond the Northeast, Little Caesars eyes expansion in the Pacific Northwest, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and the Carolinas, aiming to strengthen its market presence. With over 4,000 nationwide locations, it ranks as America’s third-largest pizza chain, trailing only Domino’s and Pizza Hut.
Recently, the chain introduced its POD store design program, streamlining construction costs and operational efficiency.
Cunningham highlights ongoing efforts to optimize restaurant build-outs, ensuring cost-effectiveness without compromising quality.
In selecting franchise partners, Little Caesars prioritizes alignment with market opportunities and franchisee capabilities.
While ideal candidates possess multi-unit retail experience, the brand also seeks entrepreneurs adept at local market dynamics for smaller-scale operations.
As Little Caesars continues to expand its influence across diverse markets, its commitment to quality, value, and customer convenience remains unwavering.