Little Caesars’ 21 Las Vegas stores not affected by closures nationally

Friday, July 30, 1999 | 11:56 a.m.

SUN STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

Little Caesars officials say they will not close any of the chain's 21 franchise and company-owned stores in Las Vegas, despite the recent abrupt closures of 300 Little Caesars in other cities nationwide.

The 300 restaurants were closed for remodeling and relocation as part of a makeover to boost the the nation's No. 3 pizza restaurant's market share amid growing competition in the fast-food business.

"The company also bought back some of the pizza restaurants owned by its franchisees in Las Vegas in the recent past," said Sue Scherbow, Little Caesars corporate communications officer. She declined to reveal the number of restaurants purchased.

According to Little Caesars' president, Harsha Agadi, drive-thrus and some new menu items may also be added as part of the new strategy.

Agadi said all 4,500 stores will undergo "Image 2000" remodeling in the next three to five years.

The company's decision last week left Dallas, Pittsburgh and for the time being Indianapolis without any freestanding Little Caesars pizza outlets. Stores were also closed in Houston, Denver and other cities, but the franchises in those areas remain open. Some franchise owners complained the fast-food chain's business was languishing and its '2-for-1' pizza deals made it hard to make money.

Little Caesars sales fell 7 percent to $1.65 billion last year, according to Chicago-based consultant Technomics.