Franchising
Pop's Beef fuels growth through multi-unit franchising
October 13, 2025
Illinois-based Pop's Beef, a fast casual franchise serving house-made Italian beef and sausages, is building on its legacy of family and community by embracing the power of multi-unit ownership. Over half of its 16 locations across Illinois and Indiana are operated by multi-unit franchisees, highlighting a growth strategy rooted in long-term relationships, operational excellence and strong community ties, said Kacie Dancy, VP of Operations.
"Multi-unit ownership has become a cornerstone of Pop's growth," Kacie Dancy, VP of Operations and daughter of founder Frank Radochonski, said in a company press release. "Our franchisees are invested in the brand for the long haul, and by opening multiple locations, they're able to bring the Pop's experience to more communities while strengthening their own business success."
Multi-unit owners fueling growth
Founded in 1980, Pop's Beef's reflects a balance of legacy ownership and growth opportunities, with many families building their own multi-location empires under the brand. They include:
- Frankie Radochonski & and Daley, co-owners of locations in Romeoville, Joliet and Shorewood.
- Brothers Mike, Matt and Mark Motto, who run locations in Orland Park, Lockport and Mokena.
- Vince Sr. Cryns and his children, who operate locations across Chicago and Northwest Indiana, including Lyons, Dyer, Crown Point, Cedar Lake and Portage.
For these owners, expanding into multiple locations is more than a growth opportunity, it's about carrying forward Pop's values.
"I grew up in the business and always knew I wanted to own my own locations," said Frankie Radochonski, multi-unit owner. "Running them has been an amazing experience. I get to stay hands-on, work with a great team, and share the Pop's tradition with even more neighborhoods. It's a lot of work, but it's worth it every day."
The Cryns family echoes that sentiment, crediting its ability to serve multiple communities to Pop's operational model and reputation for quality.
"We've been able to expand because Pop's gives us the tools and flexibility to succeed while keeping the focus on great food and serving our communities," Phil Cryns, multi-unit owner, said in the release. "It's been rewarding to see our family grow with the brand and create opportunities for the next generation."
Family and community
With roots dating back to its founding in 1980 by Frank Radochonski, Pop's Beef has remained a family business at its core, even as it grows through franchising. The prevalence of multi-unit ownership underscores the brand's culture of trust and collaboration.
As Pop's Beef continues to strengthen its footprint across the Chicagoland area, it remains focused on thoughtful growth with franchise partners who share its values of quality and community.
