In this installment of Northwest Indiana Business Magazine‘s series on entrepreneurship, we feature Vincent Cryns, owner of Pop's Italian Beef and Sausage in Dyer.

Pop's Italian Beef and Sausage features Italian Beef, hotdogs, hamburgers, gyros and other menu items cooked in-house. The company has about 25 employees.

Q: What is your mission statement?

A: “At Pop’s Beef, our mission is to serve high-quality, great-tasting food in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere where everyone feels welcome.”

Q: What was the catalyst for the business?

A: “I am an entrepreneur with a strong growth mindset who recognized an opportunity to build upon a small family-owned restaurant while strengthening the surrounding community. Through leadership and vision, I successfully expanded the brand into multiple franchise locations rooted in quality, service, connection and community pride.”

Q: What is your background/education?

A: “Entrepreneurship.”

Q: When did you open?

A: “We opened our first franchise in 1997, in Homewood, then a second in 2007, in Dyer.”

Q: What is a goal for the future?

A: “To responsibly expand Pop’s while maintaining the quality, flavor and family values that define the brand.”

Q: What goal have you accomplished so far?

A: “Under my particular branch, I successfully established six locations between myself and my children. These locations include Homewood and Lyons, Illinois, and Dyer, Crown Point, Cedar Lake and Portage, Indiana.”

Q: Who helped you along the way?

A: “This has truly been a family endeavor — my wife and children have been critically involved in the success of all businesses.”

Q: What book, movie or TV show inspired you?

A: “'It’s a Wonderful Life.’ It reminds people that their actions, kindness and contributions — big or small — can ripple through a community.”

Q: What is your favorite inspirational quote?

A: “You got time to lean, you got time to clean.”

Our Entrepreneurship Q&A spotlights the bold thinkers and doers shaping the future of the Region. We hear from local entrepreneurs who are turning ideas into impact — sharing their insights, challenges and the stories behind their businesses. The column celebrates innovation right here at home. To nominate an entrepreneur, email the editor at news@nwindianabusiness.com.