Join the Buona Family

A Taste of Chicago

For the last 40+ years, we’ve worked tirelessly to build a restaurant that we’re proud to put our name on.

From perfecting family recipes and developing unique offerings like our Plant-Based Veggie Beef, to sourcing the highest quality ingredients and optimizing our operations, everything we’ve done has paved the way for a franchising opportunity like no other.

We’ve created a fast casual model that runs like a finely tuned machine, with high-quality menu offerings for today’s modern families. Pair our leadership expertise and best-in-class technological investment with experienced multi-unit operators, and we’ve got the perfect match for growth and profitability.

Reasons to invest

Finance, Menu, Innovation, Marketing, Education

Key Financial Performance
  • Strong unit-level economics.
  • Exclusive first-mover location opportunities for early buy-in.
  • Proven business model that has survived through every economic environment over the past 40 years.
  • Sales growth during COVID-19 thanks to state-of-the-art advanced ordering technologies.
  • Diverse menu offering focused on high-quality items.
  • Wide spectrum of menu price points to appeal to a wide audience with built-in upsells and add-ons.
  • Operational efficiency for drive-thru, carry-out, delivery and dine-in experiences.
A Menu Worthy of Our Name
  • Diverse, family-friendly menu with something for everyone regardless of dietary restrictions or food aversions.
  • Classic Italian staples, like our award-winning Italian Beef, fresh pastas, made-fresh pizzas, and salads like you’re at one of our family dinners.
  • Unique twists on some of our best-selling classics, like carb-free Protein-Bowls and Buona Beef Bites.
  • On-trend meatless options, like our one-of-a-kind Plant-Based Italian Beef (available as a sandwich or a bowl), or other vegetarian options, like our soups/salads.
  • Fast casual and Chicago-style staples, like burgers, hot dogs, and chicken done up in a uniquely ‘Buona’ way.
  • A plethora of kids’ meal options for even the pickiest of eaters.
  • Easily assembled Sandwich Kits for large families or small gatherings, combining some of our most famous dishes in one cost-effective package.
A Family Restaurant Committed to Technological Innovation

Our investment in technology is everything to us – ensuring a consistent experience for our customers while enabling our staff to operate efficiently. As we continue to grow, we’re committed to partnering with industry-leading technology providers to ensure top-quality experiences for every Buona customer.

Our Key Technological Support

  • The Hub, an intranet powered by Franconnect.
  • Operations Management Software powered by Compeat/Restaurant 365.
  • E-Learning Management System.
  • Paradox, an AI Recruiting and Recruitment Management tool.
  • Tattle, a Guest Experience Platform.
Marketing Support from Buona

Franchisees receive customized marketing plans to support market launches with continued efforts to maintain awareness as the business scales. Our dedicated field marketing team works alongside franchisees to support local marketing efforts and design programming to suit the nuances of their local market, helping to drive brand loyalty, foot traffic, and online ordering in stores. Current efforts include but are not limited to:

  • Robust loyalty and rewards program.
  • Point-of-purchase materials.
  • Direct mail and print media advertising.
  • Consistent and high-volume PR campaigns.
  • Customized email marketing.
  • Social media content.
  • Digital advertising efforts on social media, Google search, and more.
Training and Education with Buona
  • Franchise Business Consultant Support.
  • Robust Secret Shopper and Feedback Program.
  • Quality assurance program emphasizing food safety and operational excellence.
  • Franchisee Visits and Training.

The Process to Buona Ownership

Get to Know Us
Review the information provided on this site, check out Buona.com, and, stop by one of our locations in the Chicagoland area.
Get in Touch
Complete the inquiry form and let us know why you want to join the family. One of our franchise representatives will reach out to discuss the Buona franchise opportunity and learn more about your qualifications. If you meet our qualification standards, we’ll send you a full application.
Application and Interview
Application and Interview
A Look Behind the Scenes
If you’re qualified to move forward, we’ll begin due diligence and send you our Franchise Disclosure Document. This is where we’ll be digging into the business and the franchise model together. At this stage, our goal is to create alignment and answer all questions you might have in order to proceed.
Get Down to Business
Next you’ll be asked to submit your business and financial verification, as well as background authorization. Then, we’ll meet with you personally in your market to discuss your development plans in greater detail. At this point, we can discuss the development agreement terms, including opening timelines and territories, as well as any other relevant financial considerations to help move the franchise forward.
Show Off Your Plan
Now it’s time to show us why you’re the right partner for the job. We’ll sit down and review your business plan detailing ownership structure and financial, development, marketing, and operational plans to understand the full scope of how you plan to make Buona a success in your market.
Corporate Visit
Next, we’ll invite you to our corporate offices to experience the Buona culture up-close and personal. You’ll meet our founders, our leadership, and the team that will be behind you every step of the way. This day is all about getting to know each other. Joining a family of our size is no easy feat, so let’s make sure we do it right!
Review, Decision, and Approval
With everything in hand, our Franchise Review Committee will comb through every detail of your proposed plan. Once approved, you’ll receive a Development Agreement for review and signature, and once signed, it’s time to break ground and bring Buona to a community near you!
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None of the communications made through this website should be construed as an offer to sell any Buona franchise in, nor is any such communication directed to, the residents of any jurisdiction requiring registration of the franchise before it is offered and sold in that jurisdiction. No Buona franchise will be sold to any resident of any such jurisdiction until the offering has been exempted from the requirements of, or duly registered in and declared effective by, such jurisdiction and the required Franchise Disclosure Document has been delivered to the prospective franchisee before the sale in compliance with applicable law. If you have any questions concerning the registration status of Buona franchisees in your jurisdiction, please contact Joe Buonavolanto III at franchising@rainbowcone.com or 708-749-2333 ext 264

READY TO OWN YOUR OWN BUONA FRANCHISE?

We’re actively looking for successful business owners just like you to help expand our brand through franchising. Check out opportunities that are currently on the table!

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