Pop’s Beef is a fast-casual restaurant chain that serves Chicago-style Italian beef and sausage sandwiches along with other classics like hot dogs and burgers. Pulse 2.0 interviewed Pop’s Beef VP of Operations Kacie Radochonski to learn more.
Kacie Radochonski’s Background
Could you tell me more about your background? Radochonski said:
“As Vice President of Operations at Pop’s Beef, I grew up in the restaurant alongside my father, Frank Radochonski, who founded the brand in 1980. From a young age, I learned every aspect of the business — from taking orders at the front counter to working the kitchen and managing daily operations. That hands-on experience helped shape my understanding of what it takes to run a successful restaurant. Today, I oversee everything from team training and operational efficiency to new store development, always with a focus on upholding the legacy my father started.”
Formation Of The Company
How did the idea for the company come together? Radochonski shared:
“Pop’s Beef began in 1980 when my father, Frank Radochonski, opened a single restaurant based on one simple idea: serve great-tasting, high-quality food with genuine hospitality. He was passionate about sharing the family’s house-made Italian beef and sausage recipes, which were cooked fresh and sliced daily. That commitment to quality and consistency resonated with customers, and the business quickly became a local favorite. Over time, that one restaurant grew into a beloved brand with multiple locations, but we’ve always stayed true to our roots.”
Favorite Memory
What has been your favorite memory working for the company so far? Radochonski reflected:
“There have been many meaningful moments, but one that stands out is working side by side with my team to open a new location — especially the recent one in Portage, IN, which I opened with my sister. Watching our family’s legacy expand into new communities while keeping that same warm, welcoming feeling is incredibly rewarding. It reminds me of where we started and how far we’ve come.”
Core Products
What are the company’s core products and features? Radochonski explained:
“Pop’s Beef is known for our iconic Italian beef sandwiches, made from proprietary cuts of meat that we cook and slice fresh in-house daily. We also serve house-made Italian sausage, Chicago-style hot dogs, burgers, gyros, and more — all rooted in family recipes and made with care. Beyond the menu, what truly sets us apart is our focus on consistency, community, and customer experience. Whether you’re visiting one of our dine-in locations or stopping by our new drive-thru model, we aim to deliver the same quality and hospitality every time.”
Challenges Faced
Have you faced any challenges in your sector of work recently? Radochonski acknowledged:
“Price increases in both food and paper supplies have been a challenge over the last several years. We have overcome these changes by staying informed about market conditions and adjusting accordingly. We have also focused on sourcing new products and manufactures, working with new vendors to lower cost, and buying larger quantities of paper supplies.”
Evolution Of The Company’s Technology
How has the company’s technology evolved since launching? Radochonski noted:
“We have been in business for over 45 years. As a result a lot has evolved with technology. We have implemented and updated POS systems, launched online ordering and 3rd party delivery services, added Digital TV Menu boards and in-store digital advertising boards. We have also added outside digital signage to some of our locations. We have implemented and updated credit card processing systems, implemented text message programs and loyalty programs, implemented email marketing, launched social media marketing, implemented advertising via radio, television, and digital billboards.”
Significant Milestones
What have been some of the company’s most significant milestones? Radochonski cited:
“We have had many milestones being in business for over 45 years. I would say hitting 45 years was a significant milestone for Pop’s. Opening over 15 locations was another significant milestone. Being recognized by Entrepreneur magazine as being one of the top 500 franchise companies in the country was another significant milestone.”
Customer Success Stories
Can you share any specific customer success stories? Radochonski highlighted:
“Our customers are very loyal to the Pop’s brand. When we run our yearly promotions our customers are always commenting and thanking us for the value we provide on each promotion. We provide our customers a lot of giveaways throughout the year which we receive many positive reviews and comments for. We have had customers that have been with us since the start of Pop’s Italian Beef & Sausage.”
Funding/Revenue
Are you able to discuss funding and/or revenue metrics? Radochonski revealed:
“We have a franchise disclosure document that we provide to prospective franchisees. To open a Pop’s location based on our current FDD, a franchisee would spend $577,200.00 – $1,228,000.00. This number may be lower if we have a restaurant conversion from another restaurant brand location that has closed. Our locations are independently owned and operated. We are not able to share revenue metrics as we do not state revenue on our Item 19 of our FDD.”
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
What total addressable market (TAM) size is the company pursuing? Radochonski assessed:
“We are a local brand to the Chicagoland market. We are currently expanding in the Illinois and Indiana market specifically. We would entertain a franchise opportunity in surrounding states for a qualified franchisee candidate.”
Differentiation From The Competition
What differentiates the company from its competition? Radochonski affirmed:
“We are a brand that is actively involved with our community. Our franchise partners are in their locations on almost a daily basis. We cook, slice, and serve our beef on a daily basis. We have expanded our menu mix based on customer feedback provided. Although we are uniformed under a franchise brand, we still consider ourselves your local beef stand. We provide a value base menu and run value based promotions throughout the year. Our in store promotions allow us to give the customers free swag and giveaways which many brands do not provide.”
Future Company Goals
What are some of the company’s future goals? Radochonski concluded:
“We plan to continue to grow the Pop’s franchise footprint in the markets described above. We plan on adding technology based on technology trends. We plan on implementing more loyalty programs and a Pop’s App. We will continue to support our local communities and stay involved.”
