Little Caesars has signed a 10-unit deal to expand its footprint in New York City. Suhel Ahmed and Saurabh Desai, who are experienced multi-brand franchisees, will open the restaurants in Manhattan and the Bronx by 2026, with the first shop due to open in 2023, according to a press release issued Friday.

According to the chain’s 2022 Franchise Disclosure Document, Little Caesars had at least 8 franchised units in the Bronx and at least 3 in Manhattan last year. Little Caesars plans to open hundreds of stores in the New York Metro area over the next few years, the press release notes.

New York City is, according to the FDD, the only development area automatically exempted from the chain’s usual one-mile radius protected area. Little Caesars operations in New York have been aided by digital technology and delivery, Jeremy Vitaro, Little Caesars chief development officer, told Restaurant Dive for a previous story. 

“Our brand's digital-first offerings — like our Pizza Portal® pickup, the first heated, self-serve mobile order pick-up station in the quick service restaurant industry — are ideal for residents there,” Vitaro said in the press release.

Ahmed said the brand worked well in New York City, and offered a compelling mix of value, quality and convenience.

For its New York City-area expansion, Little Caesars is targeting multi-unit franchisees with QSR experience and wants to sign multi-store development deals with a minimum of three units. Target markets include New York City, Connecticut, the Hudson Valley, Long Island and New Jersey, according to the press release.