Detroit — Little Caesars, long known for its affordable and quick pizza offerings, is testing a new line of artisan-style pizzas as it attempts to elevate its brand image.
The new pizzas differ from the chain’s usual round pies. Instead, they come in a long, oval shape, resembling flatbreads typically found in more upscale eateries. The pizzas are currently available for a limited time in select test markets, according to food news site Brand Eating.
There are three varieties in the lineup. The Bruschetta Artisan-Style Pizza features a creamy white garlic sauce, a blend of three cheeses, and seasoned chopped tomatoes. The Cheesy Garlic Chicken Artisan-Style Pizza also uses the white garlic sauce, with mozzarella, parmesan, and pieces of chicken. The third option, Double Pepperoni Artisan-Style Pizza, includes traditional red sauce and mozzarella, topped with both classic and “old world” pepperoni.
Priced at $6.99 in most test locations, these new items are more expensive than the brand’s hallmark $5 Hot-N-Ready pizza, though that price has also increased in recent years due to inflation.
Despite the new offerings, reception online has been mixed. Some Reddit users criticized the new look, comparing the artisan pizzas to packaged flatbreads sold in supermarkets. Others questioned the brand’s move away from its budget-focused identity.
“Your strength is in offering cheap pizza and stadium snacks,” one commenter wrote, suggesting that Little Caesars should stick to its roots.
Others expressed concern that the chain’s value proposition may be slipping altogether. “Thin crust pepperoni is $9-10 at most locations,” one user pointed out. “Little Caesars isn’t cheap anymore.”
As the chain experiments with higher-end menu options, it faces the challenge of appealing to new tastes without alienating its loyal budget-conscious customer base.
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