Family-Owned Company Behind Two of Chicago's Favorite Culinary Traditions Achieves Key Milestones in 2025

CHICAGO, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Buona Companies, the family-owned business behind two of Chicago's most iconic food brands—Buona (Bow'nuh), known as the original Italian beef from the city that invented the sandwich, and The Original Rainbow Cone, a historic 100-year-old ice cream brand—is celebrating a formidable start to the year.

As part of its nationwide expansion, the company added four new locations to its footprint in Gurnee, Illinois; Crown Point, Indiana; Cypress, California; and Orlando, Florida, with additional units in development in Tennessee, Missouri, and Florida. High-growth metro areas in the Midwest, such as Columbus, Detroit, Indianapolis, and St. Louis, are targets for future development. 

The company's momentum is driven by its signature regional favorites, now reaching new markets across the country and earning continued industry recognition. Buona was recently named a Fast Casual Top 100 Mover & Shaker and hailed by Axios as "Chicago's Best Italian Beef," while Rainbow Cone earned a spot on TimeOut LA's list of Chicago's best ice cream shops.

"Our flexible formats include free-standing drive-thru, in-line locations, and dual-branded 'Express' shops featuring Chicago's most iconic sandwich and one of the city's oldest ice cream traditions," said Joe Buonavolanto, Executive Vice President of Buona Companies. "What's more, we're creating incomparable opportunities that allow operators to be the first to introduce guests to a Chicago institution that still prepares Italian beef the way it was meant to be—slow-roasted using the same family method since day one."

In addition, Buona's industry-leading loyalty program with over 300,000 members has yielded great returns, with participation increasing by more than 34%, daily loyalty sales by more than 19%, and new sign-ups by more than 100%.

Menu innovation also drives excitement, with additions like the Italian beefless vegan sandwich, a variety of protein bowls, and refreshing seasonal salads. Rainbow Cone continues to delight guests with a unique selection of multi-flavored sliced cones.

Passionate operators looking to bring Chicago's most iconic flavors to their communities are encouraged to visit www.buonafranchise.com and www.rainbowconefranchise.com for more information. 

About Buona and The Original Rainbow Cone
Buona and The Original Rainbow Cone bring two Chicago family-owned traditions together, combining Buona's authentic recipe for Italian beef sandwiches and The Original Rainbow Cone's famous 5-flavor "Rainbow Cone." Buona's founders, Joe and Peggy opened the first Buona restaurant in Berwyn, Illinois in 1981, which featured their authentic recipe for Italian beef sandwiches. Today, the Buona brand is driven by multiple generations of Buonavolantos and hard-working, dedicated employees. Rainbow Cone was founded in 1926 by "Grandpa Joe" Sapp, who invented the uniquely sliced five-flavor Rainbow Cone.

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SOURCE Buona Companies