(Submitted)
Today, 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.
“We are thrilled to welcome Buona Beef and Rainbow Cone to the Pleasant Prairie community,” stated Village Administrator Eric Rindfleisch. “It’s fantastic to witness two family-owned businesses expanding their operations here. They bring a new culinary experience rooted in Chicago heritage, offering a fresh taste, sweet treats, and convenient options like drive-thru, catering, and in-house dining.”
For more information about Buona and Rainbow Cone, visit https://buona.com and https://rainbowcone.com.
For more information about Buona and Rainbow Cone’s franchise opportunities, visit https://buonafranchise.com or https://rainbowconefranchise.com.
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 world-famous 5-flavor “Rainbow Cone.” Four decades, three generations and several dozen restaurants ago, Joe and Peggy opened the first Buona restaurant in Berwyn, Illinois, in 1981, which specialized in their authentic recipe for Italian beef sandwiches. Today, the Buona brand is driven by multiple generations of Buonavolantos and hard-working, dedicated employees who loyally serve Buona customers and surrounding communities. As a result, Buona is the largest family-owned Italian beef restaurant group and Italian beef producer in the country. Rainbow Cone was founded in 1926 by “Grandpa Joe” Sapp, who was never satisfied with just one ice cream flavor and stacked five delicious flavors on a single cone. The company remains 3rd generation family-owned including its original location in Beverly, Illinois.
22 Responses
We tried it last night! Kenosha has been missing a really good Italian Beef since Hungry Head, Macs & Shirl’s closed. Ruffolo’s Special Pizza 2 & DeRango’s do have great ones as well, but sometimes we don’t have 45 minutes to wait on food. I definitely recommend giving this place a shot! The burger and Ravioli the kids got were really good too. Great service, no complaints! Hopefully the standard they have set with my family stick for years to come.
Mine said the past was 10/10, best she ever had. I had her left overs, wasn’t impressed
Family works with Pritzker in Illinois feeding illegals with taxpayer dollars. No thanks.
Yikes, thanks for the info. I see Pritzker family is involved in the new shooting facility off 94 as well; same guy who built the museum. Yes- it’s a guy.
My favorite jew
Is camping allowed for the free cones?
I read this and thought, “WTF?” But it’s mostly correct though out of context. The catering end of the family’s business scored a $45 million contract with the City of Chicago (not the State of Illinois or Gov. Pritzker) to provide meals at city migrant shelters. Another vendor got a larger contract. The cost is $6 per person per day LESS than the city was paying on its own. Saving taxpayer money and providing private sector jobs works for me.
I tried Buona’s Italian beef and thought it was pretty good. Now if we can only get Portillo’s here!
They are illegal. They need to leave period. Not be supported. Still taxpayer funded
Saw Bob Wirch with his sleeping bag
Did you hold a mirror to Bob’s face or check for a pulse ?
He’s in line right ahead of me! My 22 kids keep waking him up.
If it was Wirch, it was probably somebody else’s sleeping bag.
We tried it on the 50% off soft opening night. I wasn’t impressed. It would have been close to 40.00 for one adult and child for dinner, with ice cream. The ice cream was great. I think that part of the store will be very busy, as there are no other options for ice cream/custard along that stretch.
The hot beef was dry, and very spicy, which it should have been with sweet peppers and cheese. I can make a better hot beef at home
What are you talking about meathead. Theres a coldstone about 2 miles east
Culver’s Custard in pleasant prairie 🤪
I found the sandwich to be just soggy beef that was OK. It was, altho very tender, I will take Portillo’s over this one any time.
Thanks everyone, for your reviews of the food, I’ll definitely be trying it in the future.
Illinois scam artists. Feeding illegals cheap and overcharging locals. Food isn’t that good. High prices. Mission barbecue much better.
Morelli’s!
Yes, buy local.
Morellis italian beef sucks swampbutt
Lol fuck them. Helping spend taxpayers money on migrants, go back to Illinois you fucking scam artists.