Little Caesars hopes to conquer South Kitsap market

The famous square pizza is returning to Port Orchard.

Little Caesars Pizza is set to open this week at 1900 SE Sedgwick Rd in the complex that houses Fred Meyer.

The pizza chain disappeared in Kitsap County for years until it returned to Bremerton nearly two years ago. Peter Marthedal relocated from Fresno, Calif., to manage that location and will hold the same position with the Port Orchard store.

“Ever since we built our store in Bremerton, we’ve had people (from Port Orchard) asking about us,” he said.

Little Caesars enters a crowded South Kitsap pizza market that features several chains and independents. He said that “possibly” is a concern, but added that there are plenty of reasons to believe it can be successful here.

Marthedal said he does not believe the restaurant struggled in its previous stint in Port Orchard, but closed because the owners retired. Also, he noted the chain was named the “Best Value in America” by Sandelman & Associates, which performs research studies in the food industry.

He also believes Little Caesars differentiates itself from competitors with its HOT-N-READY pizzas, which are large 14-inch pepperoni, sausage or cheese pizzas for $5. Marthedal said that means customers have little wait time between ordering and receiving their pizza.

“No one wants to wait for anything in our world,” he said. “That’s how we service our customers.”

Marthedal said Little Caesars price point, which is less than most of its competitors, does not mean their product is inferior.

“We sell just as much of a high-quality product as our competitors,” he said.

The $5 pizzas are not the only ones that are HOT-N-READY. Marthedal said the “Hula Hawaiian” and “3 Meat Treat” also are prepared that way from 4 to 8 p.m. daily to serve those looking for dinner. Both of those pizzas cost $8.99.

Little Caesars, which is open from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, also sells its buffalo-flavored chicken wings and cheese and crazy breads. Marthedal said the “Crazy Bread” particularly is popular. The 16-piece dessert is served with vanilla icing.

Contact Port Orchard Independent Staff Writer Chris Chancellor at cchancellor@portorchardindependent.com or (360) 876-4414.

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