Mike Ilitch
Mike Ilitch[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
Little Caesars Pizza[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
Ilitch and his wife Marian had seven children. He passed away on February 10, 2017, in Detroit, Michigan.
Legacy[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
