Pizza Company Offers Franchise Assistance To Veterans

Former Marine takes advantage of $10,000 grant to open store

ARNOLD (Sunday, March 16, 2008) - Fortunately for Elliott Stevens, 36, he loves pizza.

As a new franchise owner of a Little Caesars Pizza, the Imperial resident is about to spend a great deal of time with the popular menu item.

Stevens and his crew opened a new Little Caesars in Arnold, located at 1851 Jeffco Blvd. next to the Family Video store, as part of the Little Caesars Veterans Program.Little Caesars created the program to thank veterans for their service and provide them with career opportunities as they transition into civilian life or look for a career change.

Stevens received a $10,000 grant from the company to open his business.

"With talented veterans such as Elliott joining the Little Caesars team, the Little Caesars Veterans Program continues to grow and provide veterans with business ownership opportunities," David Scrivano, Little Caesar Enterprises president, said. "The skills Elliott honed in the military, such as teamwork, dedication and familiarity with processes, will help him become an effective Little Caesars franchisee."

Stevens served in the Marine Corps Reserve from 1991-1997.

He said running a small business is comparable to his military experience because the operation has to run efficiently. All crew members must know their duties well enough to perform almost autonomously, preventing repetitive questions that reduce a manager's effectiveness.

As a corporal in the Marines, Stevens had the chance to lead troops and get a feel for management.

"Of course, nobody makes pizza in the Marine Corps," Stevens said.

To prepare for the March 11 opening of his store, Stevens spent three months training at the Little Caesars corporate headquarters in Detroit and in a few existing stores to get a feel for how to run a franchise.

"I've learned more about pizza than I ever thought I could-all the little nuances of it," Stevens said.

He has run into several surprises along the way, but the experience as a whole has been worth it.

He is proud of his crew of about 30 employees. Despite the hectic events during the store's opening, Stevens saw lots of big smiles from his staff. He also said the grand opening in Arnold went well, especially for not having any direct marketing in the area yet.

Customers that first day impressed Stevens. He felt welcomed to the community and encouraged by Little Caesars enthusiasts.

Originally from the southeast United States, Stevens lived in the St. Louis area for five years before now, falling in love with the area and with Missouri. His girlfriend is from northern Arkansas, so living in the area is not too far from home for her.

"We both really like this area quite a bit," Stevens said.

Enjoying his new role, Stevens would like to build his franchise with several more stores.

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