Franopolis

    Buona

    Franchise research report · reviewed 2026 disclosure data

    Reviewed sources
    Headquarters
    Berwyn, IL 60402
    Source: buonafranchise.com

    Buona franchise specializes in authentic Chicago-style Italian beef sandwiches and traditional comfort foods, bringing the taste of Chicago's iconic street food

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    Headline figures

    Buona quick facts

    Is Buona a franchise?
    Yes. Buona offers franchises through a Franchise Disclosure Document. At the end of 2025, it reported 1 franchised and 0 company-owned outlets (2026 FDD, Item 20, PDF p. 80).
    How much does it cost to open a Buona franchise?
    The Buona Franchise Disclosure Document reports separate estimated initial investments by format: $3,904,203–$5,841,375 for single-brand free-standing — total including land (2026 FDD, Item 7, PDF p. 26); $3,924,203–$5,871,375 for dual-brand free-standing — total including land (2026 FDD, Item 7, PDF p. 28); $1,464,697–$2,096,579 for single-brand inline — total (2026 FDD, Item 7, PDF p. 32); $3,891,755–$6,296,680 for dual-brand free-standing — estimated total: $3891755 to $6296680 (2025 FDD, Item 7, PDF p. 1); $2,916,867–$5,256,675 for single-brand free-standing — estimated total: $2916867 to $5256675 (2025 FDD, Item 7, PDF p. 1); $1,280,552–$1,845,023 for single-brand inline — estimated total: $1280552 to $1845023 (2025 FDD, Item 7, PDF p. 1). These formats are not combined. Each is the franchisor's disclosed estimate, not a quote. Details
    What is the Buona initial franchise fee?
    The disclosed initial franchise fee for a standard single unit is $16,000 (2026 FDD, Item 5, PDF p. 15). Other fee options (for example multi-unit or conversion) are listed separately in the report. Details
    What ongoing fees does Buona charge?
    The disclosed ongoing royalty is 4% (2025 FDD, Item 6, PDF p. 16). The brand or advertising fund contribution is $16,000 (2026 FDD, Item 6, PDF p. 15). Other recurring fees are listed in Item 6. Details
    Does Buona disclose financial performance (Item 19)?
    Yes. The Buona FDD includes an Item 19 financial performance representation (2026 FDD, Item 19, PDF p. 69). Figures apply only to the locations and period each one covers. Details
    How many Buona locations are there?
    The FDD reports 1 outlets at the end of 2025 (2026 FDD, Item 20, PDF p. 80). Existing locations do not indicate territory availability. Details
    Is Buona a good franchise to buy?
    Franopolis does not rate or recommend franchises. From the reviewed FDD: Item 19 includes financial performance figures; check which locations and period they cover; Item 20 lists outlet openings, closures and transfers; Item 6 includes a brand or advertising fund contribution on top of royalty; Item 20 also lists current and former franchisees you can contact. Review the full FDD with a franchise attorney and accountant before deciding.

    From reviewed FDD figures only. Not a recommendation or projection.

    What the disclosures show

    1. 1The 2026 FDD (Item 7) estimates opening costs separately by format: $3,904,203 – $5,841,375 (Single-brand free-standing — Total including land); $3,924,203 – $5,871,375 (Dual-brand free-standing — Total including land); $1,464,697 – $2,096,579 (Single-brand inline — Total); several initial fee options apply.
    2. 2Item 19 covers 53 separate groups: other measures for 10 Affiliate-owned; franchise fees imputed, not actually paid locations; other measures for 10 Affiliate-owned; franchise fees imputed, not actually paid locations; other measures for 10 Affiliate-owned; franchise fees imputed, not actually paid locations; other measures for 10 Affiliate-owned; franchise fees imputed, not actually paid locations; other measures for 10 Affiliate-owned; franchise fees imputed, not actually paid locations; other measures for 10 Affiliate-owned; franchise fees imputed, not actually paid locations; other measures for 10 Affiliate-owned; franchise fees imputed, not actually paid locations; other measures for 10 Affiliate-owned; franchise fees imputed, not actually paid locations; other measures for 10 Affiliate-owned; franchise fees imputed, not actually paid locations; other measures for 10 Affiliate-owned; franchise fees imputed, not actually paid locations; other measures for 10 Affiliate-owned; franchise fees imputed, not actually paid locations; other measures for 10 Affiliate-owned; franchise fees imputed, not actually paid locations; other measures for 10 Affiliate-owned; franchise fees imputed, not actually paid locations; other measures for 10 Affiliate-owned; franchise fees imputed, not actually paid locations; other measures for 1 Affiliate-owned; franchise fees imputed, not actually paid locations; other measures for 10 Affiliate-owned; franchise fees imputed, not actually paid locations; other measures for 10 Affiliate-owned; franchise fees imputed, not actually paid locations; revenue for 1 Affiliate-owned locations; other measures for 10 Affiliate-owned; franchise fees imputed, not actually paid locations; other measures for 10 Affiliate-owned; franchise fees imputed, not actually paid locations; other measures for 10 Affiliate-owned; franchise fees imputed, not actually paid locations; revenue for 1 Affiliate-owned locations; other measures for 10 Affiliate-owned; franchise fees imputed, not actually paid locations; other measures for 10 Affiliate-owned; franchise fees imputed, not actually paid locations; other measures for 10 Affiliate-owned; franchise fees imputed, not actually paid locations; other measures for 10 Affiliate-owned; franchise fees imputed, not actually paid locations; other measures for 10 Affiliate-owned; franchise fees imputed, not actually paid locations; other measures for 6 Affiliate-owned; franchise fees imputed, not actually paid locations; other measures for 6 Affiliate-owned; franchise fees imputed, not actually paid locations; other measures for 6 Affiliate-owned; franchise fees imputed, not actually paid locations; other measures for 6 Affiliate-owned; franchise fees imputed, not actually paid locations; revenue for 1 Affiliate-owned locations; revenue for 1 Affiliate-owned locations; revenue for 1 Affiliate-owned locations; revenue for 1 Affiliate-owned locations; revenue for 1 Affiliate-owned locations; revenue for 1 Affiliate-owned locations; revenue for 1 Affiliate-owned locations; revenue for 1 Affiliate-owned locations; revenue for 1 Affiliate-owned locations; revenue for 1 Affiliate-owned locations; revenue for 1 Affiliate-owned locations; revenue for 1 Affiliate-owned locations; revenue for 1 Affiliate-owned locations; revenue for 1 Affiliate-owned locations; revenue for 1 Affiliate-owned locations; revenue for 1 Affiliate-owned locations; revenue for 1 Affiliate-owned locations; revenue for 1 Affiliate-owned locations; revenue for 1 Affiliate-owned locations; revenue for 21 Affiliate-owned locations; other measures for Affiliate-owned locations; other measures for Affiliate-owned locations. They are not combined.

    From reviewed FDD figures only. Not a recommendation or projection.

    Compare outlet trendsPut Item 20 counts side by side with up to 3 other brands.

    Buona head-to-head

    Closest peers in the same subcategory, side by side from reviewed FDD figures. Not a ranking or recommendation.

    BuonaVSSubway
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    BuonaVSLittle Caesars
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    BuonaVSWingstop
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    BuonaVSSonic Drive-In
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    Costs · Items 5–7

    What does it cost to open?

    Estimated opening costs and the fees payable to the franchisor.

    Startup Investment — Item 7

    Range across 3 single-unit formats

    2026 FDD · Item 7

    Formats disclosed in Item 7 (8)

    Each format has its own total. The total depends on the format you choose; multi-unit packages are listed but not included in the headline range.

    • Single-brand inlinePDF p. 32$1,464,697 – $2,096,579
    • Single-brand free-standing — Total including landPDF p. 26$3,904,203 – $5,841,375
    • Dual-brand free-standing — Total including landPDF p. 28$3,924,203 – $5,871,375
    • Three-unit dual brand total initial fees rangeMulti-unitPDF p. 35$195,500 – $3,448,627
    • Five-unit dual brand total initial fees rangeMulti-unitPDF p. 35$243,500 – $3,448,627
    • Five-unit single brand total initial fees statedMulti-unitPDF p. 35$3,396,627
    • Cover three-unit single-brand development total rangeMulti-unitPDF p. 1$3,936,203
    • Cover three-unit dual-brand development total rangeMulti-unitPDF p. 1$3,972,203

    Standard single-unit franchise fee

    2026 FDD · Item 5 · PDF p. 15
    Discounted and multi-unit options are separate; see all fees.

    Ongoing Fees — Item 6

    Selected recurring charges; payment bases and conditions remain attached to each fee.

    Termination damages royalty factor, remaining months/trailing 36-month salesMain ongoing fee

    64 reported fees, each with its payment basis, are listed below; they haven't been sorted into recurring, initial and occasional groups yet.

    Financial Performance — Item 19

    What results are disclosed—and for which locations?

    53 separate populations, shown apart. Revenue is not owner income.

    10 locations

    Other measures · 10 locations

    Who is counted
    Single-brand drive-through — Store 1
    Period
    Store 1
    Excluded
    10 pre-2013 unremodeled locations and not-full-year franchises excluded. Income excludes rent, property/income taxes, financing, depreciation/amortization, initial/management fees, additional employee benefits and specified other expenses. Actual local advertising excluded; minimum imputed.
    Method
    Internally prepared GAAP income statements, unaudited. Sales exclude sales tax; gross profit less food/packaging; benefits payroll taxes/insurance/staff discounts; operating/G&A/repair/incentive components as defined. Established Chicago recognition/consolidated buying may differ for new franchisees.

    These groups are never combined.

    Outlet Changes — Item 20

    How has the outlet count changed?

    United States, as labeled in the FDD · counts as of 2025 of each year.

    2026 FDD · Item 20 · PDF p. 80

    Net +1 outlets, 2022–2025

    0020222820230202412025+28−28+1

    Year-end counts reported in Item 20. The scale starts at zero; the labels between the dots show each year's change. Openings and closures for 2025 haven't been pulled from the Item 20 tables yet, so no turnover or churn is shown.

    Questions to investigate

    Prompts based on what this brand's reviewed disclosures do and don't show — not conclusions. Join free as a member to save questions to your research.

    For the franchisor

    • Which line items in the 2026 Item 7 estimate ($1,464,697 – $5,871,375) vary most by market, and why?

    • Which initial fee option would apply to my situation, and what conditions or discounts affect it?

    • Which locations are included in the Item 19 figures, and which were excluded?

    • Is a territory available in my area, and how is it defined in my agreement?

    For current and former owners

    • How did your actual startup costs and timeline compare with the Item 7 estimate?

    • How many hours a week do you work in the business, and in what role?

    • How do your results compare with the Item 19 figures, and what explains the difference?

    • What support from the franchisor has been most and least useful?

    For your advisors

    • Ask a franchise attorney to review the territory, renewal, transfer and termination terms.

    • Ask an accountant to build a cash-flow plan using your own assumptions, not the franchisor's.

    Sources & vintage history

    Every displayed fact is retained with its disclosure vintage, item, page, and reviewed status. Prior vintages remain on file rather than being overwritten.

    Citations (2026 FDD)

    1. [1]Standard initial franchise fee — Item 5 · PDF p. 15
    2. [2]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Single-brand drive-through — Store 1 · PDF p. 69
    3. [3]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Single-brand drive-through — Store 2 · PDF p. 69
    4. [4]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Single-brand drive-through — Store 3 · PDF p. 69
    5. [5]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Single-brand drive-through — Store 4 · PDF p. 69
    6. [6]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Single-brand drive-through — Store 5 · PDF p. 69
    7. [7]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Single-brand drive-through — Store 6 · PDF p. 69
    8. [8]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Single-brand drive-through — Store 7 · PDF p. 69
    9. [9]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Single-brand drive-through — Store 8 · PDF p. 69
    10. [10]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Single-brand drive-through — Store 9 · PDF p. 69
    11. [11]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Single-brand drive-through — Store 10 · PDF p. 69
    12. [12]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Single-brand drive-through summary — High · PDF p. 70
    13. [13]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Single-brand drive-through summary — Low · PDF p. 70
    14. [14]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Single-brand drive-through summary — Median · PDF p. 70
    15. [15]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Single-brand drive-through summary — Mean · PDF p. 70
    16. [16]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Single-brand inline — Store 19 · PDF p. 71
    17. [17]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Dual-brand drive-through — Store 13 · PDF p. 74; PDF p. 75
    18. [18]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Dual-brand drive-through — Store 14 · PDF p. 74; PDF p. 75
    19. [19]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Affiliate-owned Store #4 · PDF p. 77
    20. [20]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Dual-brand drive-through — Store 15 · PDF p. 74; PDF p. 75
    21. [21]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Dual-brand drive-through — Store 16 · PDF p. 74; PDF p. 75
    22. [22]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Dual-brand drive-through — Store 18 · PDF p. 75; PDF p. 76
    23. [23]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Affiliate-owned Store #1 · PDF p. 77
    24. [24]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Dual-brand drive-through — Store 12 · PDF p. 75
    25. [25]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Dual-brand drive-through — Store 17 · PDF p. 75; PDF p. 76
    26. [26]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Dual-brand drive-through — Store 20 · PDF p. 75; PDF p. 76
    27. [27]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Dual-brand drive-through — Store 21 · PDF p. 75; PDF p. 76
    28. [28]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Dual-brand drive-through — Store 19 · PDF p. 75; PDF p. 76
    29. [29]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Dual-brand summary includes seasonal — High · PDF p. 77
    30. [30]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Dual-brand summary includes seasonal — Low · PDF p. 77
    31. [31]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Dual-brand summary includes seasonal — Median · PDF p. 77
    32. [32]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Dual-brand summary includes seasonal — Mean · PDF p. 77
    33. [33]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Affiliate-owned Store #2 · PDF p. 77
    34. [34]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Affiliate-owned Store #3 · PDF p. 77
    35. [35]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Affiliate-owned Store #5 · PDF p. 77
    36. [36]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Affiliate-owned Store #6 · PDF p. 77
    37. [37]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Affiliate-owned Store #7 · PDF p. 78
    38. [38]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Affiliate-owned Store #8 · PDF p. 78
    39. [39]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Affiliate-owned Store #9 · PDF p. 78
    40. [40]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Affiliate-owned Store #10 · PDF p. 78
    41. [41]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Affiliate-owned Store #11 · PDF p. 78
    42. [42]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Affiliate-owned Store #12 · PDF p. 78
    43. [43]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Affiliate-owned Store #13 · PDF p. 78
    44. [44]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Affiliate-owned Store #14 · PDF p. 78
    45. [45]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Affiliate-owned Store #15 · PDF p. 78
    46. [46]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Affiliate-owned Store #16 · PDF p. 78
    47. [47]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Affiliate-owned Store #17 · PDF p. 78
    48. [48]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Affiliate-owned Store #18 · PDF p. 78
    49. [49]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Affiliate-owned Store #19 · PDF p. 78
    50. [50]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Affiliate-owned Store #20 · PDF p. 78
    51. [51]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Affiliate-owned Store #21 · PDF p. 78
    52. [52]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — All 21 affiliate-owned restaurants · PDF p. 78
    53. [53]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Single-brand affiliates · PDF p. 67
    54. [54]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Dual-brand affiliates · PDF p. 73
    55. [55]Outlet counts — Item 20, Table 1 · PDF p. 80

    "PDF p." is the page in the PDF file; "printed p." is the number printed on the FDD page. Source document: FDD

    Territory & operations

    These are contract disclosures, not confirmation that any territory is currently available.

    Legal & agreement

    Franchisor financial statements

    Fiscal yearMeasureReported value
    2025current liabilities current portion of deferred revenue$14,167
    2025accounts payableMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$3,682
    2025due to affiliateMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$4,887
    2025deposits - training feesMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$60,000
    2025total current liabilities$82,736
    2025marketing fund income$17,255
    2025technology fee income$1,600
    2025training fees$57,875
    2025total revenue$190,328
    2025marketing fund expenses$17,255
    2025net cash used in operating activities-$198,612
    2025total general and administrative expenses$256,627

    These figures describe the franchisor company, not individual franchise locations.

    What changed from 2025 to 2026

    • Estimated initial investment: $1,280,552 – $6,296,680 → $1,464,697 – $5,871,375
    • Franchise fee: $40,000 → $20,000
    • System size: 0 → 1 units

    SBA-backed loans to franchisees

    Loading…

    Source: U.S. Small Business Administration 7(a) & 504 FOIA data. Loan volume is not a measure of franchisee success.

    Related research

    Brands in the same subcategory first, then the wider industry, ordered by shared business format, overlapping investment range, Item 20 outlet count and search interest. This is not a ranking or recommendation.

    SubwayLittle CaesarsWingstopSonic Drive-InFive GuysDomino's Pizza

    Head-to-head comparisons

    Buona vs SubwayBuona vs Little CaesarsBuona vs WingstopBuona vs Sonic Drive-InBuona vs Five GuysBuona vs Domino's Pizza
    Compare reviewed facts

    At a glance

    Business history

    Not reviewed

    Owner participation

    Not reviewed

    Territory language

    Litigation disclosure

    Not reviewed

    Bankruptcy disclosure

    Not reviewed

    Agreement term

    Not reviewed

    Reader notes on wording

    Our automated check found that these summaries may not match the FDD's exact wording. Read the FDD excerpt itself; it is the authoritative text. Core cost, fee, Item 19 and outlet figures are not affected.

    • Item 20 · PDF p. 80 · 2026 FDD

      Our summary: Table 1 Affiliate-owned 2023 — End

      “2023 26 28 +2”

      Note: Item 20 claim is state/geography-specific or not a national/systemwide Total row; it cannot be verified under the required scope.

    • Item 20 · PDF p. 80 · 2026 FDD

      Our summary: Table 1 Affiliate-owned 2025 — End

      “202 5 31 33 +2”

      Note: Item 20 claim is state/geography-specific or not a national/systemwide Total row; it cannot be verified under the required scope.

    • Item 20 · PDF p. 80 · 2026 FDD

      Our summary: Table 1 Systemwide 2024 — End

      “2024 28 31 +3”

      Note: Item 20 claim is state/geography-specific or not a national/systemwide Total row; it cannot be verified under the required scope.

    • Item 20 · PDF p. 80 · 2026 FDD

      Our summary: Table 1 Franchised 2025 — Start

      “202 5 0 1 +1”

      Note: Item 20 claim is state/geography-specific or not a national/systemwide Total row; it cannot be verified under the required scope.

    • Item 20 · PDF p. 80 · 2026 FDD

      Our summary: Table 1 Affiliate-owned 2024 — Start

      “2024 28 31 +3”

      Note: Item 20 claim is state/geography-specific or not a national/systemwide Total row; it cannot be verified under the required scope.

    • Item 20 · PDF p. 80 · 2026 FDD

      Our summary: Table 1 Franchised 2025 — End

      “202 5 0 1 +1”

      Note: Item 20 claim is state/geography-specific or not a national/systemwide Total row; it cannot be verified under the required scope.

    • Item 20 · PDF p. 80 · 2026 FDD

      Our summary: Table 1 Systemwide 2025 — Start

      “2025 31 34 +3”

      Note: Item 20 claim is state/geography-specific or not a national/systemwide Total row; it cannot be verified under the required scope.

    • Item 20 · PDF p. 80 · 2026 FDD

      Our summary: Table 1 Systemwide 2023 — End

      “2023 26 28 +2”

      Note: Item 20 claim is state/geography-specific or not a national/systemwide Total row; it cannot be verified under the required scope.

    • Item 20 · PDF p. 80 · 2026 FDD

      Our summary: Table 1 Systemwide 2025 — End

      “2025 31 34 +3”

      Note: Item 20 claim is state/geography-specific or not a national/systemwide Total row; it cannot be verified under the required scope.

    • Item 20 · PDF p. 80 · 2026 FDD

      Our summary: Table 1 Affiliate-owned 2025 — Start

      “202 5 31 33 +2”

      Note: Item 20 claim is state/geography-specific or not a national/systemwide Total row; it cannot be verified under the required scope.

    • Item 20 · PDF p. 80 · 2026 FDD

      Our summary: Table 1 Systemwide 2023 — Start

      “2023 26 28 +2”

      Note: Item 20 claim is state/geography-specific or not a national/systemwide Total row; it cannot be verified under the required scope.

    • Item 20 · PDF p. 80 · 2026 FDD

      Our summary: Table 1 Affiliate-owned 2024 — End

      “2024 28 31 +3”

      Note: Item 20 claim is state/geography-specific or not a national/systemwide Total row; it cannot be verified under the required scope.

    • Item 20 · PDF p. 80 · 2026 FDD

      Our summary: Table 1 Systemwide 2024 — Start

      “2024 28 31 +3”

      Note: Item 20 claim is state/geography-specific or not a national/systemwide Total row; it cannot be verified under the required scope.

    Independent analysis of franchisor-provided data. Not investment advice. Franopolis does not distribute FDDs.

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