Mike Ilitch, born in 1929, grew up in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Macedonian immigrants. He started his career in the food industry at a young age, working at his father’s restaurant. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Ilitch returned to Detroit and opened his first restaurant, a bar called Checker Bar, in 1955.

In 1959, Ilitch and his wife Marian founded Little Caesars Pizza, opening their first store in Garden City, Michigan. The company grew rapidly, introducing the innovative “HOT-N-READY” concept, allowing customers to purchase pizza without waiting. This unique approach, along with aggressive marketing and franchising, propelled Little Caesars to become one of the world’s largest pizza chains.

Little Caesars Owner’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, the latest available information estimates the net worth of Little Caesars owner, IIhan Ilitch, to be approximately $6.2 billion.

Career

Ilitch began his career in the food industry in the 1950s, co-founding Little Caesars Pizza in 1959 with his wife, Marian. He served as the company’s CEO until his death in 2017. Under his leadership, Little Caesars grew to become the third-largest pizza chain in the United States.

Other Ventures

In addition to Little Caesars, Ilitch was involved in various other ventures. He owned the Detroit Red Wings of the NHL and the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball. He also had interests in real estate and entertainment, including the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.

Assets

Ilitch’s assets included Little Caesars Pizza, the Detroit Red Wings, the Detroit Tigers, and numerous real estate properties. His estate also held a significant stake in the Little Caesars Arena and various other business ventures.

Annual Income

Before his death, Ilitch’s annual income was estimated to be around $100 million, primarily from his ownership stake in Little Caesars Pizza and his sports teams. However, the exact figure may have changed since then.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Little Caesars Owner

Frequently Asked Questions: Little Caesars Owner Net Worth

1. Who is the current owner of Little Caesars?

Ilitch Holdings, Inc., owned by the late Mike Ilitch and his wife Marian Ilitch, is the parent company of Little Caesars.

2. How much is the Little Caesars owner worth?

The latest estimated net worth of the Little Caesars owner, Marian Ilitch, is around $6.2 billion.

3. When was Little Caesars founded?

Little Caesars was founded in 1959 by Mike and Marian Ilitch in Garden City, Michigan.

4. How many countries does Little Caesars operate in?

Little Caesars operates in over 25 countries and territories worldwide.

5. What is the annual revenue of Little Caesars?

The annual revenue of Little Caesars is estimated to be over $4 billion.

6. How many stores does Little Caesars have?

Little Caesars has over 4,000 stores globally.

7. What is the net worth of the Ilitch family?

The Ilitch family, including Marian Ilitch and her children, has an estimated combined net worth of around $7 billion.

8. What other businesses does the Ilitch family own?

The Ilitch family also owns the Detroit Red Wings (NHL), the Detroit Tigers (MLB), and various other businesses under Ilitch Holdings, Inc.

9. How did Mike Ilitch make his fortune?

Mike Ilitch made his fortune by founding Little Caesars Pizza in 1959 and expanding it into a global franchise.

10. What happened to Mike Ilitch?

Mike Ilitch passed away in 2017 at the age of 87. His wife, Marian Ilitch, continues to lead Ilitch Holdings, Inc.