BUONA ™ restaurants, celebrating its 25th Anniversary of serving delicious authentic Italian food, will be expanding to 12 locations in the Chicago area, with the opening of its newest upscale quick-casual dining restaurant, on Wednesday, May 30, at 7417 S. Cass Avenue in Darien, IL.
         The Darien location will be the second to employ the new BUONA prototype restaurant concept, which was debuted with the opening of the BUONA restaurant in Itasca in May, 2006, and designed to appeal to diners desiring a casual, yet more gracious and comfortable, dining experience.
          “In Italy, the word ‘buona’ means ‘good,’” said Joe Buonavolanto, Sr. “Here, BUONA means something even better – ‘good’ taken to a whole new level.”
          The new design concept is part of BUONA’s ongoing transformation and positioning for future growth. It will incorporate an enhanced menu featuring healthier low-calorie and low-carbohydrate choices, with visible food preparation stations and menu items on display to make menu selection easier for guests. BUONA’s new service profile will include a wait-staff to deliver food directly to guests at their tables and to clear tables at the end of the meal.
          The restaurant, with seating for 115 people inside and 50 additional seats outdoors, will be appointed with custom-designed wood furniture, elegant marble top tables and
lamps, which will create a dynamic – yet warm and friendly – atmosphere. Diners will also be able to enjoy the option of larger, family-style seating areas.
 
          BUONA’s expanded menu will feature the restaurant’s traditional Italian specialties created from authentic family recipes, including the signature BUONA ™ Beef Sandwiches, BUONA Charbroiled Sausage, handmade Naples-style Thin Crust Pizzas and Grilled Panini Sandwiches. Other popular items will include Pepper & Egg Sandwiches (served only on Fridays), Hand-Tossed Salads, BBQ Beef Sandwiches and BBQ Baby Back Ribs. The menu will also feature Kids’ Selections.
          The Completo feature on the menu will allow diners to “go lite,” if desired, by choosing salads and fresh fruit among seven side dishes, plus a beverage to “complete” their meal.   Also a Completo Lite Lunch Special will be offered Monday through Friday, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., allowing diners to order a half sandwich, a side and a fountain drink.
          For dessert, diners will be able to choose among six flavors of delicious Gelato (Italian style ice cream) or Gelato Sundaes served in fresh-baked Italian Pizzelle bowls. Other highlights on the expanded dessert menu will include BUONA’s signature Hand-Filled Cannolis, and fresh Apple or Cherry Crostadas, baked-to-order in an authentic Italian pie shell. The restaurant will also feature an expanded wine and beer selection and LavAzza® Coffee and Espresso. 
          The BUONA CATERING ™ counter will offer diners an opportunity to order and pick up their favorite BUONA foods for parties or for a convenient take-home alternative for any meal. Popular BUONA menu items, including BUONA Beef, will be available in All-Inclusive Italian Buffets (for 15 to 500 guests), Party Pans (10 or 20 servings), Party Packs (10, 20 or 30 servings) or By-the-Pound.
          BUONA in Darien will be open Sunday through Thursday, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, from 10:30 a.m. to midnight. The restaurant will accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover credit cards and will be handicapped accessible.
          In 1981, Mom and Dad Buonavolanto created BUONA with a simple idea: you don’t have to make food complicated to make it delicious and satisfying. Today, five brothers carry on the BUONA tradition with pride, and BUONA has expanded to 12 locations: Berwyn; Darien; Downers Grove; Glendale Heights; Hanover Park; Hillside; Hoffman Estates; Itasca; Lombard; Naperville; Oak Park; and Rolling Meadows.     
            For corporate or private party catering needs, and all other inquiries, please call 708-749-2333. You are also invited to visit the BUONA Web site at www.BUONA.com.