Pop’s Italian Beef & Sausage Franchise Overview

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. 

Franchise History

The original Pop’s store in Palos Heights, IL, was opened March 24th, 1980. Frank, his mom Betty, and one other employee were the sole work force seven days a week, from open to close, for the first two years Pop’s was open. Other family members also helped Frank along the way; his father, Frank Sr., came in on Saturday mornings to help slice beef and cut sausage, and his sister Sandy earned the title of Best Fry Maker in the restaurant. The store’s opening day was a bit chaotic, as the previous occupant’s (Kirby’s Dog House) hood over the grill wasn’t big enough. When all of Frank’s friends came by to support him on opening day, they were primarily ordering burgers and, at one point, the smoke was billowing so thick he couldn’t even see the customers through it.