Buona is a fast casual restaurant franchise specializing in authentic Italian beef sandwiches, a Chicago culinary staple. The menu extends beyond the signature Italian beef to include a diverse selection of sandwiches, pasta, burgers, hot…
Total Investment
$2.9M – $5.3M
Franchise Fee
$20,000
Royalty Rate
4% of Gross Sales Gross Sales
Total Units
52
Franchising Since
2019
🌻About Chicago's Original Italian Beef Franchise
Buona is a fast casual restaurant franchise specializing in authentic Italian beef sandwiches, a Chicago culinary staple.
The menu extends beyond the signature Italian beef to include a diverse selection of sandwiches, pasta, burgers, hot dogs, salads, and desserts.
Locations offer on premises dining, delivery, and catering services.
💰Chicago's Original Italian Beef Franchise Cost & Fees
Minimum Investment
$2.9M
Average Investment
$4.1M
Maximum Investment
$5.3M
Fee Type
Amount
Notes
Initial Franchise Fee
$20,000
One-time payment upon signing
Royalty Fee
4% of Gross Sales of gross sales
Ongoing; paid monthly
Marketing/Ad Fund
2.5% of Gross Sales
National brand fund
Total Investment Range
$2,916,867 – $5,256,675
Includes build-out, inventory, working capital
The investment range of $2.9M–$5.3M reflects variability in build-out costs, store size, lease terms, and market. The combined royalty (4% of Gross Sales) and marketing fee (2.5% of Gross Sales) are ongoing costs paid as a percentage of gross sales.
💵Additional Fees (Item 6)
Fee Type
Amount
Transfer Fee
$5,000
Renewal Fee
$7,500
🏦Financing (Item 10)
Detail
Information
Financing Available
No
Description
Franchisor does not offer financing.
📊Chicago's Original Italian Beef Franchise Earnings — Item 19
Revenue Range
$81K – $81K
Sample Size
19 units
Past financial performance does not guarantee future results. Individual results will vary.
⚖Chicago's Original Italian Beef Litigation & Risk Flags
✓
Clean Litigation RecordChicago's Original Italian Beef has no pending litigation actions listed in their FDD. There is also no bankruptcy history disclosed.
Litigation and bankruptcy data is sourced from Items 3 and 4 of the FDD. Always verify current status directly from the most recent FDD.
📈Chicago's Original Italian Beef System Growth
Total Units
52
Franchised
26
Company-Owned
26
Chicago's Original Italian Beef currently operates 26 franchised locations and 26 company-owned units. Unit count data is sourced from Item 20 of the FDD.
❓Chicago's Original Italian Beef Franchise — FAQ
The total investment to open a Chicago's Original Italian Beef franchise ranges from $2,916,867 to $5,256,675, per their Franchise Disclosure Document. This includes the initial franchise fee of $20,000. The investment covers build-out, inventory, equipment, signage, working capital, and other startup costs.
Chicago's Original Italian Beef charges a royalty fee of 4% of Gross Sales of gross sales, plus a 2.5% of Gross Sales contribution to the marketing/advertising fund. These fees are paid on an ongoing basis.
You can download the Chicago's Original Italian Beef Franchise Disclosure Document free on this page. The FDD is a public document filed with state franchise registries. Always also request the current FDD directly from Chicago's Original Italian Beef to ensure you have the most up-to-date version.
According to the Item 19 financial performance representation in their FDD, Chicago's Original Italian Beef franchise owners report . This is based on a sample of 19 units. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Chicago's Original Italian Beef has been franchising since 2019. The FDD shows an investment range of $2,916,867-$5,256,675, a 4% of Gross Sales royalty, and includes an Item 19 earnings disclosure. There is no pending litigation. Review the full FDD and contact current franchisees listed in Item 20 before making any investment decision.
The franchise fee is $20,000 and the total investment ranges from $2,916,867 to $5,256,675 depending on location size and market. Contact the franchisor directly for current net worth and liquid capital requirements, territory availability, and application details.
Get free info on this franchise. We will send you a detailed FDD report by email.
Data Source & Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only. It is not an offer to sell or buy a franchise. This profile is based on publicly available FDD data sourced from state franchise registry filings. All information is for research purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. Data may be outdated or contain errors. Always obtain the current FDD directly from Chicago's Original Italian Beef and consult a qualified franchise attorney before making any investment decision. FranchiseOverview.com is operated by Franchising Compliance, LLC and is not affiliated with Chicago's Original Italian Beef or any of its subsidiaries. To report an inaccuracy: info@franchiseoverview.com
Chicago's Original Italian Beef
Total Investment
$2.9M – $5.3M
💰 Costs & Fees
Franchise Fee$20,000
Royalty4% of Gross Sales
Marketing Fee2.5% of Gross Sales
FinancingNot Available
🏢 System Overview
Total Units52
Franchising Since2019
Earnings Claim (Item 19)Yes
📄 Contract Terms
⚖️ Legal & Risk
Pending LitigationClean
Bankruptcy HistoryNone
Download the Full Chicago's Original Italian Beef FDD
2024 · Public Registry Document
Free · No paywall · Instant FDD report
Are you the franchisor?
Claim this profile to update your information or manage your listing.