Pop’s Italian Beef & Sausage to Boost Growth through Strategic Franchising Initiative
November 28, 2016
Pop’s Italian Beef & Sausage to Boost Growth through Strategic Franchising Initiative
Chicago’s South Suburbs Institution Sets Stage for Prolific Expansion
PALOS HEIGHTS, Ill. – The beef sandwich gods are grinning ear to ear.
They are about to bestow upon the universe the chance to enjoy what only fourteen select South Suburban Chicago and Northwest Indiana neighborhoods have been treated to thus far…Pop’s Italian Beef & Sausage is bound for breakthrough growth.
Born in the southern Chicago burbs in Palos Heights, the famed fast casual eatery that exudes the classic Chicago feel and offers unmatched quality in the beef sandwich category announced today its strategic franchising plan. The initiative stands to satisfy widespread clamoring from crazed fans calling upon the brand to expand its presence regionally.
Pop’s is initially focused on dotting the map with new locations throughout its established region, pinpointing key neighborhoods and towns within close proximity to the brand’s 14 existing shops. In fact, Pop’s is already working with a few of its franchisees to open a handful of new locations, added to the franchise growth plan through previously signed franchise agreements. Additional markets tabbed for future growth will be identified in 2017.
“Our stores are running at peak performance and we have an extremely talented team in place. The time is now to advance our growth,” said Kacie Radochonski, director of operations for Pop’s Italian Beef and Sausage. “When we take a step back and look at what we’ve created during the better part of the past four decades, it’s clear that Pop’s is more than a great restaurant. It commands a following that is draws in loyal ambassadors who want to be part of what we stand for as a company.”
To that point, the brand’s distinctions have driven its growth since inception, and the differences start with Pop’s commitment to high quality menu items and impeccable service. For instance, the signature Italian beef and sausage sandwiches, are topped with fresh cheeses and hand-cut veggies. And, originals such as The Pop’s All Beef Hot Dog and Fries, along with Pop’s famous Homemade Hot Giardiniera and Pop’s cooked Sweet Peppers are all made in house.
“As we grow we’ll never lose the touch that got us here…it’s our commitment to extraordinary customer experience coupled with the best menu items among our competition,” added Radochonski. “We’ve made believers out of our fans for many, many years. It takes meticulous focus and that’s just how we’ll continue to reach the goals we’ve set for the business.”
Beyond the menu, two clear experiential differentiators further define the brand and separate it within the quick-serve segment of the beef and sausage category.
First, Pop’s has developed service standards that differentiate it from other concepts, which tend to resemble sandwich-making factories. Rather at Pop’s, employees engage, develop relationships and check in on customers in a more full-service restaurant style – it’s fast casual with a full-service, family-restaurant feel.
Additionally, Pop’s is a community ally with a reputation renowned for and founded upon its social responsibility. The brand embeds itself into the communities it serves to connect with the schools, groups, teams and organizations that define the neighborhoods.
With these elements firmly in place, Pop’s is taking an extremely calculated and methodical approach to preserve the brand equity it has built as it moves forward with awarding franchise opportunities. Previous restaurant ownership is preferred, and, most importantly, franchisees should embrace the sprit that has cultivated the Pop’s culture.
Complete with thorough training, site selection support and marketing programs, the Pop’s Italian Beef & Sausage business model has been created to attract individuals or teams with an ambition to succeed, strong values and solid community connections.
About Pop’s Italian Beef & Sausage
Frank Radochonski grew-up in the restaurant business, beginning working at a restaurant as a teenager. More than 40 years later, he is still as passionate as ever about what he does. Since, 1980 Frank has owned and operated Pop’s Italian Beef & Sausage, and he can still be found at the original location in Palos Heights, Illinois. Franchising for several years, now Frank and the family-run business are in strategic growth mode, continuing to attract individuals and proven operators attracted to the brand’s unique appeal.
To learn more about Pop’s Italian Beef & Sausage and its franchise opportunities, e-mail Kacie Radochonski at kacie@popsbeef.com or call (708) 289-9058. And for more information about the restaurants, visit PopsBeef.com.
