Buona and Rainbow Cone Continue Growth in Wisconsin with Lake Geneva Opening

Largest Family-Owned Italian Beef Restaurant Group and Five-Flavor Ice Cream Shop Open Second Co-Branded Wisconsin Location

June 18, 2024, LAKE GENEVA, Wis. – The Buona Companies announced today the upcoming opening of its second dual-branded restaurant concept in Wisconsin. Set to open Tuesday, June 25 in Lake Geneva, the new location will arrive in the vibrant lakefront community just four months after each brand’s debut in Wisconsin. A dual-branded location opened in Pleasant Prairie in late February of this year, which has quickly grown to become a local favorite.

In celebration of Lake Geneva being the 30th location guests can enter for a chance to be one of 30 to win free Italian beef sandwiches for a year all day.* The grand opening will begin with a ribbon cutting at 10 am followed by the doors officially opening at 10:30 am.

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 (Rainbow Cone), the home of the iconic five-flavor cone. Situated at 393 Edwards Boulevard, just West of Route 12 and State Road 120 down the street from downtown Lake Geneva, the new location joins the family as the 30th location to open in the Midwest.

“Our first opening in Wisconsin was a smash hit. We are thrilled to open another location in Southern Wisconsin so soon after taking the Pleasant Prairie community by storm,” said Joe Buonavolanto III, Executive Vice President of the Buona Companies. “It only makes sense for us to expand in a place where so many of us Chicagoans have nostalgic summer memories. For those who have not been able to experience either concept, I hope they can come and enjoy all we have to offer soon!”

With a team of local employees and management, both the Lake Geneva and Pleasant Prairie locations are 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.

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.

Beyond the traditional offerings, single-flavor cones, sundaes, ice cream cakes, mini donuts and more, the new Rainbow Cone in Lake Geneva will serve guests the brand’s four new Sliced Creations: Orange Dream, Chocolate Obsession, Minty City and Cosmic Birthday. Unveiled in early May as a historic first for the 98-year-old Chicago institution, each new flavor is a delightful twist on the classic Rainbow Cone. And, as another milestone moment, the brand also recently expanded through franchising into Michigan for the first time, opening in the state’s popular New Buffalo community.

The Buona Companies is passionate about supporting the communities it serves through charitable giveback efforts and fundraising nights, and the Buonavolanto family is looking forward to continuing this tradition in Lake Geneva.

Alongside its expansion into Lake Geneva, Buona Companies has initiated a nationwide franchising program that has already resulted in franchise agreements in Texas, Florida, Michigan, Tennessee, Indiana and California. 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 focus on growth in Arizona, California, Florida, Ohio, Tennessee and Texas.