- Founded in 1981
- Franchising Since 2021
- 0 US Franchises
- $2,712,350 - $5,088,350 Investment Range
- $3,229,560 Average Gross Revenue
- 4% Royalty Fee
- $40,000 Franchise Fee
Use the Pre-qualification tool to see how much funding you could qualify for and see if you can affor a Buona franchise.
Get pre-qualified for financingBuona brings the authentic taste of Chicago's Italian beef legacy to the fast-casual dining scene. Founded in 1981, this family-owned business has grown from a single neighborhood restaurant into a beloved regional brand, serving up classic Chicago-style sandwiches and Italian-American favorites.
At the heart of Buona's success is their signature Italian beef sandwich, prepared using a closely-guarded family recipe that has been perfected over generations. Each location maintains the same dedication to quality and authenticity that made the original Berwyn, Illinois location a local sensation. The menu extends beyond their famous beef sandwiches to include hand-crafted pizzas, fresh salads, and other Italian-American classics, all made with premium ingredients and time-honored techniques.
What sets Buona apart in the fast-casual segment is their commitment to maintaining the perfect balance between quick service and high-quality, made-to-order food. Their restaurants feature a welcoming, modern atmosphere that appeals to families, professionals, and casual diners alike. The brand has successfully adapted to changing consumer preferences while staying true to its roots, offering both dine-in and efficient takeout services.
For franchise partners, Buona provides comprehensive training and ongoing support, leveraging four decades of operational excellence. Their proven business model combines time-tested recipes with modern management systems, creating an opportunity to be part of a growing brand that maintains strong ties to its Italian-American heritage while embracing contemporary dining trends.
How much does it cost to start a franchise with Buona?
- Franchise Fee
- $40,000
- Investment Range
- $2,712,350 - $5,088,350
- Investment Midpoint
- $3,900,350
- Minimum Cash Required
- $2,712,350
- Royalty Fees
- 4%
- Brand Fund
- 1.5%
The fast-casual segment continues experiencing robust growth as consumers seek quality dining experiences between traditional fast food and casual dining. Buona's Italian beef specialization targets a specific culinary niche with strong regional appeal, particularly benefiting from Chicago's food culture expansion nationwide.
With 28 units operating since 1981, Buona demonstrates operational stability through over four decades of consistent performance. The relatively modest unit count suggests either selective growth strategy or limited expansion capital, indicating potential territory availability for qualified investors. The system's 43-year operational history provides substantial franchisor experience and proven business model validation.
The reported gross revenue of $3.2M substantially exceeds subsector averages of $697K, though investors should carefully evaluate this figure's components within the FDD. The premium investment level requires sophisticated investors with substantial liquid capital and restaurant industry experience, ideally possessing multi-unit restaurant experience and significant net worth exceeding $2M liquid capital.
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Financing Details
Franzy connects you with top-tier financing partners to help secure the funds to invest in a franchise like Buona. Whether you're looking for a loan or exploring other financial products, our partners provide expert guidance to ensure you obtain the necessary capital. They specialize in offering solutions tailored to the needs of franchisees, making the process of securing financing smooth and straightforward.
Why Financing with Franzy Partners?
Choosing to finance through Franzy's partners ensures you get the best terms and support for your franchise investment. Our partners have extensive experience in the franchising industry and offer specialized financial solutions tailored to your needs. With competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options, you can find the right financing plan that fits your budget and goals. Our partners are committed to providing personalized guidance throughout the financing process, making it easier for you to secure the necessary funds and confidently move forward with your franchise venture.
Finance Partners
While the franchise originated in the Chicago area, it has successfully expanded beyond its Midwest roots to establish a presence in diverse markets, including coastal regions like California and Massachusetts, as well as Mountain region territories such as Colorado and Utah. This geographic diversity showcases the brand's adaptability to various regional markets and consumer preferences.
The brand's positive customer feedback and four-decade history in the fast-casual segment indicate a proven operational model. Their strong performance in markets like Arizona exemplifies their ability to maintain quality standards across diverse geographical regions.
Expansion opportunities exist to strengthen presence in existing territories, particularly given the brand's strategic approach to growth relative to their geographic spread. Key location criteria should focus on suburban areas with strong daytime population density, high visibility, and proximity to major thoroughfares. Markets with demonstrated success in the fast-casual segment and appreciation for authentic Italian-American cuisine represent prime expansion targets.
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Track Growth to Gauge Success!
See how this franchise is expanding over time. The net unit growth reveals the health and popularity of the brand—key indicators for a promising investment.
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Executive Team
Get to know the leadership behind Buona. Learn about the experience and expertise of the executive team guiding Buona's success. For more details, refer to Item 2 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Litigation
Review any legal actions or pending litigation involving Buona. Understanding the legal history helps assess potential risks and the brand's business practices. For more details, refer to Item 3 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Bankruptcy
Review Buona's bankruptcy history and any filings by key personnel or affiliates. This critical information provides transparency about the brand's financial stability and management. For more details, refer to Item 4 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Franchisor Assistance
Learn about Buona's comprehensive support system for franchisees, including initial training programs and continuous operational assistance. Understanding the available resources and support structure is crucial for franchise success. For more details, refer to Item 11 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2024. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.
- Founded in 1981
- Franchising Since 2021
- 0 US Franchises
- $2,712,350 - $5,088,350 Investment Range
- $3,229,560 Average Gross Revenue
- 4% Royalty Fee
- $40,000 Franchise Fee
Use the Pre-qualification tool to see how much funding you could qualify for and see if you can affor a Buona franchise.
Get pre-qualified for financing
