BUONA Franchise

The story of BUONA, Chicago’s Original Italian Beef, began in 1981 when Joe and Peggy Buonavolanto opened the first BUONA location in Berwyn, IL, bringing decades of family tradition to the heart of Chicago’s food scene. Inspired by a love of cooking, the Buonavolanto family perfected the art of the original Italian beef sandwich—featuring thinly sliced, seasoned beef cooked to perfection in its own natural juices, served on freshly baked bread. Each sandwich can be customized with sweet peppers, hot giardiniera, or cheese, offering a taste that satisfies diners from all walks of life. Over the years, BUONA expanded its menu to include fresh salads, hearty burgers, pizzas, and the legendary combo sandwich—a marriage of juicy Italian beef and spicy sausage, all dipped in flavorful gravy to ensure every bite is soaked in Chicago-style deliciousness.

Today, BUONA stands as a testament to three generations of passion, community, and flavor. With multiple locations across the Chicago area and beyond, BUONA continues to win over diners with its commitment to quality and tradition. Every item on the menu, from vegan options to classic favorites like dipped Italian beef sandwiches, reflects a dedication to making food that feels like home. Whether enjoyed on-site, through fast takeout, or convenient delivery, BUONA’s offerings accommodate any taste or occasion. This family-driven restaurant group has mastered the art of delicious and friendly service, with a staff ready to turn first-time visitors into lifelong fans. As the business grows, the Buonavolantos remain committed to sharing the rich history of Chicago’s original Italian beef, ensuring every bite captures the same care and flavor that started it all.

New BUONA franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support to ensure their success in delivering the authentic taste of Chicago’s Original Italian Beef to their communities. The journey begins with an 8-week training program held in Chicago, where franchisees gain comprehensive knowledge through e-learning modules, classroom presentations, and hands-on experience. This training covers every detail of operating a BUONA restaurant, from preparing iconic menu items like the Buona Beef sandwich—featuring thinly sliced, seasoned beef, served juicy with options like hot giardiniera, sweet peppers, or as a combo sandwich—to managing daily operations, including takeout, delivery, and customer experience. Closer to the grand opening of your BUONA location, a dedicated team of trainers will assist in onboarding and training your staff. They’ll stay on-site for at least four weeks, or until you feel fully confident managing the day-to-day operations of your restaurant.

After the initial launch, the support doesn’t stop. Franchisees receive regular visits from a Business Coach, who will help identify opportunities for improvement, ensuring your restaurant operates at peak performance. Whether it’s perfecting the dipping process for bread in gravy, maintaining the balance of seasoned meats, or updating your menu to include popular items like fresh salads, burgers, and pizzas, the BUONA team is there to guide you. Franchisees also benefit from marketing assistance, operational advice, and ongoing training to ensure they meet the high standards of quality and flavor BUONA is famous for. Joining the BUONA family means more than running a restaurant—it’s about becoming part of a legacy rooted in family values, serving delicious food, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for hungry dinerseager to experience the taste of Chicago’s Original Italian Beef.

Owning a BUONA franchise is a fantastic investment, offering you the chance to share Chicago’s original Italian beef with hungry diners across the country. BUONA is a family-driven brand, started by Joe & Peggy Buonavolanto in Berwyn, IL, and now run by three generations of passionate entrepreneurs who know how to create winning recipes and successful businesses. Their signature Italian beef sandwiches are a classic taste of Chicago, featuring thinly sliced beef, seasoned to perfection, and served with natural juices, sweet peppers, or hot giardiniera. From their iconic combo sandwich to fresh salads, juicy burgers, and even vegan options, BUONA’s diverse menu ensures there’s something for everyone. The BUONA beef experience is all about quality and flavor, from their bread dipped in gravy to their cheese-topped creations. Whether diners eat in, takeout, or order delivery, a BUONA location creates a sense of community and satisfaction.

The quick-service restaurant (QSR) market is a smart industry to invest in today, offering the perfect mix of speed, convenience, and delicious food. With decades of experience, BUONA has perfected the art of serving meals fast without compromising taste. Their menu appeals to a wide range of customers, from families looking for a classic Chicago combo to those wanting tossed salads or award-winning pizza. Owning a BUONA location allows you to pull in loyal customers who love great food served fresh and fast. The restaurant’s friendly staff, natural ingredients, and focus on making diners feel at home make it stand out in the crowded QSR space. The franchise’s proven model, paired with the growing demand for fast, flavorful meals, gives you the opportunity to build a business that’s not only profitable but also deeply rooted in community love and tradition. Whether it’s your first time opening a franchise or you’re adding to an existing portfolio, BUONA is a name you can trust to create success.