The Buona Companies, the family owned business behind Buona Chicago’s Original Italian beef and The Original Rainbow Cone, drove 20% growth in systemwide sales in 2024. With nine restaurant openings, the company expanded its footprint and entered Texas, Michigan and Wisconsin and is opening next year in Tennessee, Southern California and Arizona, according to a press release.
“It’s been a hard year for the restaurant industry as a whole, but we’ve met every challenge head-on and are proud to celebrate another landmark year of growth as a result,” Joe Buonavolanto, EVP of The Buona Companies and third-generation founding family member, said in the release. “Our success stems from our family’s deep-rooted commitment to championing authentic Chicago food traditions, whether through Buona’s all-natural Italian beef or Rainbow Cone’s legendary ice cream experience. This year’s achievements reflect the dedication of our support team, the reputation of our iconic brands and the professionalism of our franchisees.”
The brand has embraced technologies over the past year, rolling out an enhanced rewards program. It rewards first-time users and encourages repeat visits, building stronger connections with Buona’s fans.
“We’re excited about the path ahead as we continue to grow into new regions and bring these Chicago classics to new markets,” Buonavolanto said. “Our team’s extensive operations experience and innovative mindset give us confidence in what’s to come for both Buona and Rainbow Cone in 2025 and beyond. With a multitude of openings on the horizon, we look forward to bringing new franchise opportunities to more multi-unit operators who share our passion for preserving Chicago’s beloved food traditions.”
