#21: Little Caesar’s Pizza

In 1959, Mike and Marian Ilitch took a leap of faith, opening the first Little Caesars in Garden City, Michigan. Originally called Little Caesar’s Pizza Treat, the name almost became Pizza Cheap—but luckily, they went with something catchier.

Their focus on quality and affordability quickly won over pizza lovers, and by 1962, the buzz was strong enough to attract investors. That same year, they launched their first franchise in Warren, Michigan, marking the start of a pizza empire.