An authentic taste of Chicago is on its way to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex as Buona Companies announced that it has signed a multi-unit agreement with Mid-Continent Hospitality. Composed of experienced restaurateurs led by Zeenat Ladiwalla, Mid-Continent Hospitality plans to develop 10 dual-branded locations throughout several communities in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas.
The agreement is a milestone for the Buona Companies, made up of Buona, the largest family-owned Italian Beef restaurant group and beef producer in the country, and The Original Rainbow Cone Ice Cream Shop (Rainbow Cone), home of the iconic five-flavor cone, as it continues its strategic nationwide expansion. Already, the company has demonstrated the success of its franchise opportunity as its first out-of-state dual concept locations in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin and Valparaiso, Indiana each exceeded average daily revenues of $30,000 during their initial weeks of operation.
“We are thrilled to be expanding into Texas. Texans have been introduced to Chicago dogs and deep dish pizza, now they will have the opportunity to experience Chicago’s true gem, the original Italian Beef sandwich,” says Joe Buonavolanto III, Executive Vice President of the Buona Companies. “Dallas and Fort Worth are prime markets for our dual-branded franchise opportunity as they make up one of the country’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas, and we couldn’t have found better partners than Mid-Continent Hospitality to introduce these iconic brands to its residents.”
Family-owned and operated, Mid-Continent Hospitality facilitates business across the hotel industry (Marriott, Hilton and IHG Hotels & Resorts), the restaurant industry and other retail outlets nationwide. The founder, Minhas Ladiwalla, passed away unexpectedly last year and was a true visionary, wonderful father, husband, and family man. His wife, Zeenat Ladiwalla, CEO of Mid-Continent Hospitality, and her two sons will carry out Minhas’ vision to bring a dual-branded Buona and Rainbow Cone restaurant to every major city in Texas.
“We’re extremely pleased to be the first to introduce the Buona and Rainbow Cone brands to Texas,” says Zeenat. “Our team is ready to hit the ground running, and already have sites picked out for our first restaurants in Frisco & McKinney. It’s an honor for our family to continue the Buonavolanto family tradition and create memorable dining experiences for all our soon-to-be guests.”
Beyond the brand’s expansion into Dallas-Fort Worth, Buona Companies has also secured franchise commitments to develop dual-branded locations in Fort Lauderdale and Murfreesboro and 15 additional stand-alone Rainbow Cone locations.
With a family-centered and operator-first approach in the form of updated restaurant designs, comprehensive training and operational support through e-learning resources, marketing programs, real estate and construction guidance, Buona and Rainbow Cone offer entrepreneurs a chance to establish their own legacies. Additionally, field teams ensure franchise partners are set up for success every step of the way. Ideal franchisees should have relevant restaurant and or business ownership experience, share a passion for quality food and service and are actively involved in the communities in which they are looking to develop in.
Buona’s menu features the iconic Chicago original Italian beef and sausage sandwiches in addition to diverse menu offerings such as burgers, Chicago-style dogs, salads, chicken sandwiches, and ready-to-eat catering options for homes or businesses. The Original Rainbow Cone is home to the beloved one-of-a-kind sliced creation comprised of slices of chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House (New York Vanilla with cherries and walnuts), pistachio, and orange sherbet. The location will also feature a variety of additional ice cream flavors, sundaes, ice cream cakes and more.
The parent of the two fast-casual brands is looking to award franchise investment opportunities with qualified franchise partners throughout the United States, with a specific focus on markets in Arizona, Florida, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, and Texas.
