Little Caesars Pizza announces location of first UK restaurant

The family-owned, Michigan-based restaurant chain Little Caesars Pizza is to open its first UK store in Derby in late December.

It will also launch two sites in London and another in Liverpool early next year.

The brand, which is reportedly the third largest pizza chain in the world based on the net number of stores in 2021, has spent the past few years bolstering its presence in Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Canada and the Caribbean.

Little Caesars said the UK pizza industry was worth more than £2.5b and that it is aiming to grow its UK portfolio.

Several other North American restaurant brands, such as Popeyes and Tim Hortons, have also set out ambitious UK expansion plans.

Jeremy Vitaro, chief development officer for Little Caesars, said: "Now is the time to capitalise on that growing momentum. We are seeking additional franchisees who are interested in entering into area developer agreements in London as well as other regions, including southern England, Scotland, and Ireland."

Paula Vissing, chief operating officer for Little Caesars, added: "The UK is an important new market for us given how influential it is. We expect to open several new sites in this market over the next few years, and we are excited to be entering with such strong franchisee groups in Derby, London, and Liverpool."

The menu will feature the brand's signature 'hot-n-ready' large pizzas, which include options such as the 'mushroom deluxe', 'pepperoni' and the 'three-meat treat'.

Little Caesars Pizza was founded by Mike and Marian Ilitch in 1959. It is headquartered in Detroit and now has restaurants in 50 US states and 27 countries.