Buona is a fast-casual restaurant chain known for its authentic Italian beef sandwiches, offering a variety of hearty and flavorful menu options inspired by traditional family recipes.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Franchise fee
?
$40,000
Investment
?
$2,917,000 - $6,297,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$3,352,000
+
n.a.
n.a.
Upgrade
Buona is a family-owned fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in authentic Italian beef sandwiches. Founded in 2021 by Joe and Peggy Buonavolanto in Berwyn, Illinois, Buona has grown from a single location into a beloved Chicago institution.
The company remains family-operated, with three generations actively involved in its expansion and operations. Headquartered in Burr Ridge, Illinois, Buona began franchising in 2023 to bring its signature Italian beef to new markets across the U.S.
The franchise offers a menu anchored by slow-roasted, all-natural Italian beef, complemented by burgers, Chicago-style hot dogs, salads, pasta, and more. Buona's commitment to quality ingredients and traditional recipes sets it apart in the fast-casual dining sector.
Buona differentiates itself through its dedication to authentic preparation methods and family recipes passed down through generations. The brand's expansion includes dual-branded locations with The Original Rainbow Cone, offering a unique combination of savory and sweet Chicago favorites.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Buona franchise is
$2,917,000 - $6,297,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise.
These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Buona offers 2 types of franchises:
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Single brand free standing Buona Business
$2,916,867 to $5,256,675
Dual brand free standing Buona Business
$3,891,755 to $6,296,680
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Dual Brand Free-Standing Buona Business.
For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$60,000
Land Acquisition
$500,000 to $1,376,729
Site Work
$400,000 to $947,451
Construction of Building
$1,932,843 to $2,487,834
Travel and Living Costs While Training
$55,882 to $69,860
Initial Inventory and Supplies
$20,000 to $45,000
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment (excluding Sign Package and POS)
$670,680 to $843,941
Sign Package
$87,593 to $158,607
POS System
$45,529 to $52,358
Miscellaneous Expenses
$15,000 to $50,000
Grand Opening Advertising and Marketing
$25,000 to $35,000
On-Site Training Fee
$39,228 to $69,901
Additional Funds – 3 Months
$40,000 to $100,000
Estimated Total
$3,891,755 to $6,296,680
Create a free account to access this table and more. For more information see our plans here.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Buona offers 2 types of franchises:
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Single brand free standing Buona Business
$2,916,867 to $5,256,675
Dual brand free standing Buona Business
$3,891,755 to $6,296,680
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Dual Brand Free-Standing Buona Business.
For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$60,000
Land Acquisition
$500,000 to $1,376,729
Site Work
$400,000 to $947,451
Construction of Building
$1,932,843 to $2,487,834
Travel and Living Costs While Training
$55,882 to $69,860
Initial Inventory and Supplies
$20,000 to $45,000
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment (excluding Sign Package and POS)
$670,680 to $843,941
Sign Package
$87,593 to $158,607
POS System
$45,529 to $52,358
Miscellaneous Expenses
$15,000 to $50,000
Grand Opening Advertising and Marketing
$25,000 to $35,000
On-Site Training Fee
$39,228 to $69,901
Additional Funds – 3 Months
$40,000 to $100,000
Estimated Total
$3,891,755 to $6,296,680
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Buona's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Buona had 31 total units in 2025, of which 0 were franchised-owned and 31 company-owned.
Buona offers a comprehensive training program designed to prepare franchisees for successful operation and long-term compliance with brand standards. The franchisor provides the following structured training initiatives:
Initial Training Program: Before opening, the Operating Owner and three managers must attend and successfully complete Buona’s initial training, which includes virtual pre-training and in-person instruction. The program is conducted at Buona’s designated facilities and is provided at no cost for up to four attendees. Additional attendees can participate for a tuition fee, and all travel-related expenses are the responsibility of the franchisee.
On-Site Opening Assistance: Prior to and immediately after opening, Buona sends representatives to provide hands-on training and support at the franchise location. This service is charged at the franchisor’s current daily rate per trainer, plus a $20,000 non-refundable deposit and travel costs.
Supplemental Education: Franchisees, their owners, and managers may be required to attend additional training seminars, regional meetings, or webinars throughout the year—up to five days annually. Buona may charge tuition for these sessions, and attendees must cover their own expenses.
Conferences and Conventions: Attendance at national, regional, or local Buona franchisee conferences may be mandatory, especially for updates on products, operations, and marketing. Franchisees pay a registration fee and all related costs for participation.
Territory Protection
Buona grants its franchisees a defined “Protected Area,” typically comprising a half-mile radius around the approved location in urban settings or an area with at least 60,000 people in non-urban settings.
Within this zone, the franchisor agrees not to establish or authorize another Buona restaurant, provided the franchisee remains in good standing. This territorial protection aims to shield franchisees from internal brand competition and support market development.
However, this protection has notable limitations. Buona reserves the right to operate or license restaurants under other trademarks, even within a franchisee's territory, and to engage in various business activities through alternate distribution channels like supermarkets, online platforms, and direct marketing.
.png)
