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Pizza brands salute nation's soldiers

Veterans are front and center this weekend at many pizza brands this weekend and over the official federal holiday on Monday, Nov. 12, as well.

November 9, 2018 by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

Veterans Day actually falls on Sunday, Nov. 11, but is also observed as a federal holiday on Monday, Nov. 12. That means many pizza brands are offering veterans deals that extend over the course of both days, and sometimes longer. 

Many brands have planned to give our nation's soldiers - active and retired - price breaks to honor their service, but some of those deals are not well-publicized so always consider asking the pizza place you're headed for if they extend any special offers. Among the chain that have publicized deals are: 

• California Pizza Kitchen is giving veterans and active-duty military a free entrée from its Veterans Day menu Nov. 11, and guests will also get BOGO cards for pizza, pasta or salad on return visits Nov. 12-18. 
• CiCis Pizza Sunday, Nov. 11, is giving those with proof of service a free adult buffet. 
• Little Caesars, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, will give those with identification showing military affiliation free Hot-N-Ready Lunch combos with four pizza slices and a drink. 
• Rapid Fired Pizza on Sunday is giving veterans and active-duty military free single-topping nine- or 11-inch pizzas. 

At Little Caesars President and CEO David Scrivano said the brand's free offerings on this day of celebration for our service members will help veterans know they are treasured by the whole nation. 

"Little Caesars is thankful to all of our veterans and members of the military who do so much to take care of us," Scrivano said in a news release about the brand's specials Sunday. "This is a small token of our appreciation for the time they've served on our behalf. We hope they will enjoy lunch on us and know that we are truly honored to serve them."

Veterans Day also marks the twelfth anniversary of the Little Caesars Veterans Program that gives honorably discharged veterans discounts and credits toward opening a franchise with the brand. 

"As an organization we believe that our veterans, the men and women who have given so much to serve our country, should return home with business prospects to help them achieve their hopes and dreams," Little Caesars Senior Vice President of Global Marketing Ed Gleich, said. "So, we created a program to honor veterans and provide them with an opportunity to become business owners."

The Little Caesars Veterans Program has grown steadily. Since the program launched, veterans have opened nearly 300 Little Caesars stores. 

Your Pie is another, albeit smaller chain that prizes veterans and the unmatched experience they bring to restaurant ownership. In fact, when Pizza Marketplace asked one of those service members-turned-restaurant-entrepreneurs if his military experience contributed to success with the chain, he was very clear that his time in the service has been an invaluable asset when it comes to great pizza restaurant operation. 

"Being a military member helped me be a better entrepreneur and Your Pie franchisee by teaching me discipline, leadership and accountability," said Tucker, Georgia-based Your Pie franchisee and U.S. Air Force Major Terence Griffin.

"I am able to use those skills, among others, to lead a diverse team to accomplish goals, adhere to processes and procedures, and maintain accountability for revenue and expenses. My hope is that my military background and training can help develop the next generation of business owners."

Photo: iStock

About S.A. Whitehead

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Pizza Marketplace and QSRweb editor Shelly Whitehead is a former newspaper and TV reporter with an affinity for telling stories about the people and innovative thinking behind great brands.