The Buona Companies announced the upcoming opening of a dual-branded concept in Pleasant Prairie. Marking a historic moment for the company as it enters Wisconsin for the first time, a grand opening celebration will be held on Monday, February 26.
The Buona Companies is 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), the home of the iconic five-flavor cone. Situated at 7523 115th Avenue, just East of Interstate 94 along Highway 50 along the busy commercial corridor, the new location joins the family as the 29th location to open throughout Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana.
As part of the grand opening festivities, the first 50 guests in line will receive a free Rainbow Cone. The grand opening will begin with a ribbon cutting at 10 am followed by the doors officially opening at 10:30 am.
With a team of local employees and management, the Pleasant Prairie location is owned by the multi-generational Buonavolanto family. Founded by Joe and Peggy Buonavolanto in 1981, the family’s commitment to preserving the authentic recipe for Italian beef spans generations. Their five sons and multiple grandchildren are actively involved in the ongoing expansion and success of Buona Companies.
“Our family is excited to be expanding into Wisconsin and we have more planned expansion in the Badger state in the coming months,” said Joe Buonavolanto III, Executive Vice President of the Buona Companies. “We’re thrilled that the Pleasant Prairie community, which may have first experienced these flavors on special trips to Chicago, will now be able to enjoy all that we have to offer in their own backyards.”
Buona’s menu features the iconic Chicago original Italian beef and sausage sandwiches. In addition to these classic menu items, other fan favorites are burgers, Chicago-style dogs, salads, chicken sandwiches, and ready-to-eat catering options for your home or business.
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 flavor slices, sundaes, ice cream cakes and more.
The Buona Companies is passionate about supporting the communities it serves through Buona Benefit Nights, school lunch programs and in-kind donation requests for organizations. This tradition will continue in Pleasant Prairie.
After its debut in Pleasant Prairie, the brand will open another Southern Wisconsin location in Lake Geneva. Alongside its expansion north of the Illinois border, Buona Companies has initiated a nationwide franchising program that has already resulted in franchise agreements for the Dallas/Fort Worth, Fort Lauderdale, Murfreesboro and Southern California. The parent of the two fast-casual brands is looking to award franchise investment opportunities with qualified franchise partners throughout the United States, including Arizona, California, Florida, Tennessee and Texas.
Buona Companies offers entrepreneurs a chance to establish their own legacy through its proven family-centered business approach, which has been developed and perfected to meet the needs of today’s multi-unit operators. This includes top-tier assistance in the form of updated restaurant designs, comprehensive training and operational support through e-learning resources, marketing programs, real estate and construction guidance. 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.
