The first Buona restaurant was established in Berwyn, IL in 1981, by Buonavolanto Patriarch Joe Buonavolanto, Sr. He was among the group of Italian Americans who perfected Chicago’s original Italian beef. The menu is a blend of old-school Chicago classics and next-generation menu choices – made from scratch with fresh ingredients. While the menu has expanded, the original beef recipe has not been compromised – for the three generations of Buonavolantos who are active in the company, compromise and quality are never uttered in the same breath.