One of the larger companies headquartered in St. Joseph has lost a longtime leader and part-owner. Michigan Pizza Hut, Inc. President Craig Erikson passed away this week after several years of declining health. Erikson was 75.
Craig Erikson was a ‘lifer’ with Pizza Hut. As a young man, he began working in the kitchen of a Pizza Hut in Bloomington, Illinois in the late 1960s. A few years later, Michigan Pizza Hut founder Don White hired Erikson as an area supervisor in Muskegon. As White rapidly expanded his Pizza Hut empire throughout West Michigan in the 70s and 80s, Erikson became White’s top lieutenant, a part-owner and eventually the operating head of MPH upon White’s retirement.
At one point during Erikson’s tenure, MPH owned approximately 80 Pizza Hut stores along Lake Michigan from New Buffalo to Marquette in the Upper Peninsula and extending into Mid-Michigan. The Central Michigan stores were later sold.
Erikson also led the company’s exploration of several non-pizza franchises (Panera Bread & Pedro’s are examples) in the 90s and early 2000’s before re-focusing on the primary Pizza Hut brand in recent years. He continued to be active in the company as President, although he was semi-retired.
It was only a week earlier that Erikson’s wife of 53 years, Terri, passed away after a battle with cancer. The Erikson’s were well known in the St. Joseph community and supporters of many causes and organizations, both personally and through MPH.
In a statement to MPH employees, part-owner Chad White paid tribute to Craig Erikson:
“Craig’s passion for the company and his commitment to excellence were evident throughout his career and left a permanent mark on the organization. . His contributions have undoubtedly shaped the success and culture of (MPH).”
MPH’s Jeff White said he fondly remembers the positive impact Erikson had on the company and the relationships he forged within the organization. “Craig’s legacy lives on through the memories and experiences shared by those who had the privilege of working alongside him.”
No details are available currently on services or memorials for either Craig or Terri Erikson.
