Little Caesars' Founder Had An Unexpected Connection To Rosa Parks

Little Caesars is a popular pizza chain famous for its cheap menu options and its now-retired catchphrase, "Pizza! Pizza!" However, there's more to this budget-friendly pizzeria than meets the eye. The company's founder, Mike Ilitch, was a benefactor of Rosa Parks, the iconic civil rights activist. The connection between Parks and Ilitch (who was also the former owner of the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings) highlights how the lives of seemingly unrelated people can intersect in profoundly meaningful ways. 

Parks, celebrated as the "mother of the civil rights movement" (via National Park Service), is renowned for her pivotal role in sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955 and advancing the fight for racial equality. Meanwhile, Ilitch built a pizza empire in 1959 and became a pillar of the Detroit community. Despite their vastly different paths, their connection reveals a shared commitment to dignity and humanity.

In 1994, Parks, then in her 80s, endured a harrowing experience when she was assaulted during a robbery in her Detroit apartment — an incident that left her shaken and afraid to remain in her home. Living on a modest income, she faced significant financial challenges. Upon learning of her situation, Ilitch and his wife, Marian, stepped forward with compassion — and discretion. They arranged for Parks to move into a safer, more comfortable apartment in a secure building. The Ilitches also committed to paying her rent, a promise fulfilled for over a decade until Parks' death in 2005.

Known for his philanthropy and deep ties to the Detroit community, Mike Ilitch consistently sought to uplift those around him. He advocated for the arts, local athletics and entertainment, education, veterans, and young people, both around the world and in his hometown. He wrote in 2012, "Develop a love for all people; be humble; work hard. I guarantee you will be successful in life" (via Ilitch Holdings Inc.). One of the most profound examples of Ilitch's generosity, however, remained largely unknown during his lifetime. His support for Rosa Parks didn't become public knowledge until after his death in 2017, when federal judge Damon Keith revealed that Ilitch helped Parks find a new apartment.

Ilitch and Parks' story bridges philanthropy, civil rights, and community responsibility, illustrating the impact of moments in which kindness and gratitude intersect. To this day, Ilitch is commemorated for championing Detroit sports and creating Little Caesars, a brand that has witnessed a recent resurgence, and Parks is hailed globally for her bravery in defying segregation.