Buona, the largest family-owned Italian beef restaurant group and beef producer in the country, is once again going beefless for Lent by bringing back its iconic Pepper and Egg Sandwich. Starting on Wednesday, February 14, the cherished classic featuring scrambled eggs and sautéed green peppers on Italian bread will be available at all locations every Friday through March 29, 2024.

“Year after year, our Pepper and Egg Sandwich serves as a testament to our commitment to preserving the flavors and stories that make Buona a beloved restaurant brand in the Chicagoland area and beyond,” says Tony Scheri, Director of Culinary for Buona. “As a family-owned business that is rooted in traditions, we’re honored to bring back a sandwich that has become a meaningful part of our guests’ dinner tables throughout the years.”

Like many other long-standing menu offerings at Buona, the Pepper and Egg Sandwich carries with it a story of Chicago’s rich history. The notorious sandwich combination is said to have originated in the Windy City from Italian immigrants in the late nineteenth or early twentieth century. In line with its dedication to preserving Chicago’s culinary heritage, Buona’s team of culinary experts reinvigorated the original recipe with new and modernized tastes, ensuring its place on the menu for Lenten season each year.

Beyond its Pepper and Egg Sandwich offered during Lent, additional staples of Buona’s offerings include its plant-based Italian beefless sandwich and protein bowl, the iconic Chicago original Italian beef sandwich, grilled Italian sausage sandwich, meatball marinara and more. Buona was founded in 1981 by Joe and Peggy Buonavolanto, who dreamed of bringing authentic Chicago flavors to their friends and neighbors. Today, the Buonavolanto family is building upon those dreams by expanding into new markets across the U.S. with a growing number of franchise partners, including a recent agreement in Tennessee and additional multi-unit agreements in California, Florida and Texas.