VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Nearly 100 people ended up with free pizza for a year after a date mix-up had customers lining up early at a new Little Caesars franchise in Virginia Beach.
Saturday, Tony and Alicia Kelly finally realized their dream of becoming business owners, as they cut the ribbon of their first franchise of the pizza giant.
As part of the celebration, they gave away "free pizza for a year" to the first 30 customers...but this was the second time they've given out free pies.
Last month, a corporate release incorrectly stated the shop would open on January 13 and the first 50 customers would receive a year's worth of free pizza. The Kellys tell News 3 they had only planned to do job interviews that day and, instead, saw a line of people outside their unfinished store.
Alicia says Tony took down the customers' information and Little Caesars corporate helped fund the deal for the customers who came out. The Kellys then funded the deal for an additional 15 customers.
Though a stressful mishap, the couple says it helped introduce them to customers and give them the opportunity to make things right.
“It’s more than just about making money. It’s about building relationships and building bridges, so with a strong customer base in Virginia Beach, we know we’re doing well," said Tony, a U.S. Navy veteran with 28 years of service.
Alicia tells News 3 that some of the customers who came out on Saturday to support them had been at the earlier date in January too.
“This has been a core memory for many people from childhood. This has been a staple for people who have limited income," she said. ”We want to connect with you, we want to know what role Little Caesars has played in your lives, how much you love pizza.”
The Kellys' Little Caesars franchise is located at 3742 Virginia Beach Boulevard near Rosemont Road.
