Popular Pockets To Expand Soon Through Franchising

QSR Magazine:

For years loyal customers, potential investors, and restaurant operators have hounded David Litchman, founder of Chicago’s Pockets restaurants, to franchise and let them in on his success. And for years he has said no, while slowly growing his business to 10 locations independently.

It wasn’t for not wanting to share the wealth; it was about quality of life. ‘I have young children,’ Litchman says. ‘I didn’t want to be on the road all the time, but technology has changed the way a franchise can grow.’ So, recently that patent no turned to a yes, and Litchman hopes to see his first franchise open by the end of the year.

Pockets opened in 1989 with Litchman a recent college graduate. ‘I had a credit card and a little money made as a commodities trader. I got my restaurant education on the job.’

He started with a simple idea - stuffing fresh salad ingredients into the signature Pockets bread, similar to Indian chapati bread.