Operations

Buona launches franchising program

Provided

September 28, 2022

Buona, a Chicago-based Italian beef concept, is ready to expand to the Midwest, Florida, Texas, Colorado, Tennessee and Arizona via a franchise partner program — Chicago's Original Italian Beef Franchising LLC.

The program provides experienced entrepreneurs and seasoned investors the opportunity to enter the "fast casual with drive-thru market" by opening a Buona, plus the potential to add an Original Rainbow Cone ice cream kiosk to complete the authentic Windy City experience, according to a company press release.

"It has always been our family's dream to bring Buona to every family, every city and every community across the United States," Joe Buonavolanto Ill, a third-generation family member and VP of franchise operations at Buona, said in the release. "Today is a very special moment for all of us. We are thrilled to share the news." The company plans to open over 100 combined franchised and company-owned units over the next five years.

Founded in 1981 by Joe and Peggy Buonavolanto, the chain's signature Italian beef sandwich features all-natural beef with no preservatives, seasoned with a family recipe and layered on Italian bread. The company has expanded to 26 restaurant locations in the Chicago area and Northwest Indiana with the involvement of multiple third-generation Buonavolantos and hundreds of local employees.

"We have always considered everyone family at Buona, whether a Buonavolanto, a customer, an employee or a vendor," Joe Buonavolanto III said in the release. "Our new franchise partners join the Buona family, with the potential to be the first to bring our signature Italian beef to their communities."

The Buona franchise partnership program is open to experienced entrepreneurs and investors interested in multi-unit opportunities. Initial investment figures range from $1.572 to $2.6 million.