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Buona playing ball with Chicago Cubs, White Sox

The company has also penned an agreement with Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo to help raise awareness of his charity, The Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation.

April 8, 2016

Buona has signed a three-year partnership with Chicago's Major League Baseball teams, giving it the exclusive rights within the Italian beef category for stadium sales for the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox, according to a company press release.

Additionally, the company has penned an agreement with Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo to help raise awareness of his charity, The Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation. As part of the agreement with the Cubs organization, Buona is both the "Official Italian Beef of the Chicago Cubs" and is "Proudly Sold at Wrigley Field." Buona will participate in fan marketing programs for both teams, integrating into stadium assets and digital properties.

Buona's original Italian beef and meatball sandwiches will be available at both stadiums.

"The Buona family loves Chicago, and what's more 'Chicago' than our baseball teams?" said second-generation executive Joe Buonavolanto. "We are thrilled to be a part of the crosstown tradition, and are offering northsiders and southsiders a sandwich to rally around."

This year marks Buona's 35th anniversary. It has 17 Chicagoland locations and plans to open five restaurants per year over the next five years. Additionally, the company intends to bring its signature item to select retailers.

"Chicago baseball provides the perfect way to showcase our original Italian beef," said Dominic Fallara, director of administrative development at Buona. "We're also excited about working with a rising star like Anthony Rizzo, whose great work on the field is matched by his personal commitment to helping raise money for cancer research while providing support to the children and families that are battling the disease."