Kacie Radochonski, Pop’s Beef VP of Operations, explains how staying true to the brand, actively engaging with the community and adapting to changing customer preferences is imperative for any restaurant’s success.
Kacie Radochonski, VP of Operations, Pop’s Beef. Photo: Pop’s
As Vice President of Operations at Pop’s Beef, I’ve had the opportunity to see firsthand how a business can grow from a single family owned restaurant into a beloved community staple. My father, Frank Radochonski, founded Pop’s Beef in 1980 with a commitment to quality, tradition, and exceptional service, and these core values have allowed us to thrive for more than 40 years.
For any business owner looking to build a lasting presence in their community, there are three key strategies that I believe are essential: staying true to your brand, actively engaging with the community, and adapting to changing customer preferences.
1. Stay true to your brand’s identity
One of the most important aspects of building a lasting brand in any community is consistency. At Pop’s Beef, we’ve spent decades perfecting our menu, focusing on our signature house-made Italian sausage and beef sandwiches. These dishes have become synonymous with our brand, and we’ve never compromised on the quality or freshness of our ingredients.
To make your brand a community staple, you must stay true to the values and identity that make your business unique. It’s easy to be swayed by the latest trends or pressures to expand quickly, but longevity comes from maintaining your core principles. At Pop’s Beef, we remain dedicated to our traditional roots in both customer service and the overall experience. Our customers appreciate this commitment, knowing they can rely on the same authentic, high-quality service and atmosphere with every visit.
Engage the community
A business isn’t just about the products or services it offers—it’s about the relationships it builds. To become a true staple in your community, you need to be more than just a place where people shop or dine. You need to be present, active, and involved in the lives of the people who live there.
At Pop’s Beef, we’ve always prioritized community engagement. From sponsoring local events to supporting school fundraisers, we make sure we’re not just operating in our communities but truly giving back to them. This not only creates goodwill, but it also helps build a loyal customer base that feels personally connected to your brand. When people see you showing up for their community, they are more likely to show up for your business.
Whether it’s partnering with local organizations, supporting youth sports teams, or hosting charity events, finding ways to engage with your community strengthens your brand’s presence and fosters long-lasting relationships.
3. Adapt to Changing Consumer Preferences
While staying true to your brand and community roots is important, it’s equally critical to evolve with changing consumer preferences. A successful business owner must find a way to balance tradition with innovation to keep customers coming back while attracting new ones.
At Pop’s Beef, we have embraced change by expanding our menu to offer items that cater to modern dietary preferences, such as healthier options, without sacrificing the quality and flavor we’re known for. Listening to customer feedback and staying flexible has been key to ensuring that we stay relevant in a constantly changing market. Whether it’s introducing new menu items or refreshing the dining experience, adapting to your customers’ evolving needs helps your brand remain a go-to choice for both longtime fans and new visitors.
In the end, making your brand a staple in the community requires a combination of authenticity, engagement, and adaptability. By staying true to your values, building strong community connections, and evolving with the times, you can create a business that’s not just known in your community but beloved for generations. At Pop’s Beef, these principles have guided us for over four decades, and I believe they can help any business owner build a lasting legacy in their own community.
