Franchising

Buona targeting new markets through franchise program

Provided

March 6, 2023

Chicago-based Buona, the largest family-owned Italian beef restaurant group, is targeting Florida, Texas and Arizona as well as a few Midwestern cities for franchise growth.

The targeted markets are heavily populated with former Chicago-area natives, who have longed for the iconic Buona brand and its classic Windy City flavors in their communities, according to Joe Buonavolanto III, VP of franchise operations and sales at Buona.

"We hope to announce more franchise signings at the end of quarter one," he said in a press release.

The news of Buona's continued national expansion comes after the announcement of its first out-of-state locations arriving in the Nashville area. Company-owned growth is still in process with stores in Indiana and Wisconsin opening this year. The brand has over 26 locations throughout the Chicago region, as well as products in dozens of major grocers across the Midwest, Arizona and Florida.

Buona's franchise program, which launched in 2022, includes in-line, drive-through and kiosk opportunities and is open to experienced entrepreneurs and investors interested in multi-unit opportunities. The initial investment figures range from $1.6 to $2.62 million with a $35,000 franchise fee.