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.
Here's what you would need to invest 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:
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).
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:
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.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
All you need to know about this franchise
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Below are some of
Buona
key competitors in the
Sandwich
sector.
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$40,000
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$6,297,000
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Ike's
$100K - $200K
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$80,000
$141,000
$614,000
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$475,000
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Earl of Sandwich
$200K - $500K
24
$25,000
$315,000
$664,000
n.a.
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