Established
1980
Franchise Units
16
Minimum Investment
$350,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$650,000
Home Based
No
Description
Pop’s Italian Beef & Sausage is a celebrated fast-casual restaurant brand rooted in authentic Chicago street-food culture. Known for its slow-roasted Italian beef, flavorful au jus, and signature sausage combinations, the brand has built a loyal following by staying true to tradition while operating with modern efficiency. Every sandwich reflects decades of refinement, delivering bold flavor, consistency, and comfort food appeal that resonates with today’s customers.
Positioned within the high-demand quick-service restaurant (QSR) segment, Pop’s Italian Beef & Sausage benefits from strong consumer interest in regional American classics, especially Chicago-style cuisine. The concept balances speed, quality, and affordability, making it highly attractive in urban, suburban, and high-traffic locations across the United States. For entrepreneurs seeking a proven food franchise with brand recognition and scalable systems, Pop’s offers a compelling entry point into the competitive yet rewarding restaurant industry.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
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Authentic Chicago Heritage – A genuine Italian beef concept with deep roots in Chicago’s food culture
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Proven Menu Demand – Italian beef and sausage are comfort foods with strong repeat-customer appeal
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Streamlined Operations – Focused menu simplifies training, inventory control, and kitchen execution
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Strong Brand Recognition – Well-known name in its home market with growing national awareness
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Scalable Footprint – Adaptable to inline spaces, food courts, and freestanding locations
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High Takeout & Delivery Potential – Ideal for modern dining habits and third-party platforms
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Ongoing Corporate Support – Structured systems designed to help franchisees grow sustainably
Background
Established Year: 1980
Founders: The Pop’s brand was founded in Chicago by entrepreneurs passionate about preserving traditional Italian beef recipes while serving them efficiently to a broad audience.
Brand Journey & History: What began as a neighborhood sandwich shop quickly gained popularity for its consistency, generous portions, and authentic preparation methods. Over the years, Pop’s expanded across the Chicago metropolitan area, refining operations and menu standards before opening the model to franchising.
Ownership: Privately owned and operated, with a strong focus on quality control and brand consistency.
Market Presence in the USA: Concentrated primarily in Illinois, especially the Chicago region, with expansion opportunities available in select U.S. markets.
Industry Category: Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) / Fast Casual – Sandwich & Italian Beef Segment
Franchise Active Units: 16
Support Training
Pop’s Italian Beef & Sausage delivers a comprehensive support framework designed to guide franchisees from pre-opening through long-term operations.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and location evaluation
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Restaurant layout and build-out specifications
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Equipment sourcing and vendor coordination
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Assistance with permits and pre-opening compliance
Training Programs
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Hands-on operational training covering food prep, kitchen flow, and quality standards
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Front-of-house service training for speed and customer satisfaction
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Management training including scheduling, labor control, and cost management
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Food safety, sanitation, and compliance training
Marketing & Brand Support
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Grand opening marketing strategies
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Local store marketing playbooks
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Brand-approved promotional materials
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Digital marketing guidance and online presence support
Ongoing Support
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Continuous operational coaching
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Menu updates and product innovation guidance
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Supply chain and vendor support
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Performance reviews and business optimization tools
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Pop’s Italian Beef & Sausage franchisee is a hands-on entrepreneur or investor with a passion for food, customer service, and operational excellence.
Best Suited For:
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First-time or experienced restaurant operators
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Multi-unit franchise owners seeking a differentiated QSR brand
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Owner-operators committed to daily involvement
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Investors with strong local market knowledge
Key Traits & Capabilities:
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Strong leadership and team-management skills
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Commitment to brand standards and food quality
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Ability to follow proven systems and processes
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Adequate financial capacity to fund startup and early operations
Location Preference:
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High-traffic urban or suburban areas
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Near office hubs, colleges, transportation corridors, or retail centers
Financial Detail
All figures are approximate and may vary by location and market conditions.
| Investment Component | Estimated Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $350,000 – $650,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $150,000+ |
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Infrastructure & Build-Out | $180,000 – $300,000 |
| Equipment & Fixtures | $70,000 – $120,000 |
| Initial Marketing Budget | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Working Capital | $40,000 – $75,000 |
| Royalty Fee | ~6% of gross sales |
| Marketing Fund Contribution | ~2% of gross sales |
| Expected Break-Even Time | 18 – 30 months |
| Estimated ROI Potential | Competitive within QSR segment |