Mike Ilitch

Mike Ilitch

Mike Ilitch was an American entrepreneur, founder and owner of the international fast food franchise Little Caesars Pizza. He also owned the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League and the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball.

Early Life

Ilitch was born on July 20, 1929, in Detroit, Michigan. He was the son of Macedonian immigrants, Sotir and Sultana Ilitch. After graduating from Cooley High School in Detroit, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years.

Career

Little Caesars Pizza

In 1959, Ilitch and his wife, Marian Ilitch, founded Little Caesars Pizza in Garden City, Michigan. The company quickly expanded and became one of the top pizza chains in the United States. The franchise is known for its "Pizza! Pizza!" deal, offering two pizzas for the price of one.

Sports Ownership

Ilitch purchased the Detroit Red Wings in 1982 and the Detroit Tigers in 1992. Under his ownership, the Red Wings won four Stanley Cup championships (1997, 1998, 2002, and 2008). The Tigers also made two World Series appearances in 2006 and 2012.

Philanthropy

Ilitch was known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in the city of Detroit. He established the Little Caesars Love Kitchen, a mobile pizza kitchen serving the homeless and disaster survivors, and the Little Caesars Veterans Program, which provides business opportunities for U.S. military veterans.

Personal Life and Death

Ilitch and his wife Marian had seven children. He passed away on February 10, 2017, in Detroit, Michigan.

Legacy

Ilitch's legacy continues through his family and the businesses he built. His son, Christopher Ilitch, is now the president and CEO of Ilitch Holdings, Inc., which manages the family's many businesses.

See Also

• List of entrepreneurs
• List of pizza chains
• List of NHL team owners
• List of MLB team owners

External Links

• Official website of Little Caesars
• Official website of the Detroit Red Wings
• Official website of the Detroit Tigers

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Mike Ilitch

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  Mike Ilitch