Buona Brings Chicago’s Original Italian Beef to the United Center

Buona, the family-owned restaurant group known for serving Chicago’s Original Italian Beef, is officially headed to the United Center as part of a new multiyear partnership agreement with the arena and its teams, the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks.

The partnership marks a milestone for the Buonavolanto family, bringing one of Chicago’s most beloved foods — the Italian beef sandwich — to one of Chicago’s sports and entertainment destinations.

Buona marks the singular new food concept joining the United Center’s culinary lineup outside of offerings from Levy, the venue’s hospitality partner. Buona will give fans a new way to experience an authentic taste of Chicago while cheering on their hometown teams. The partnership will come to life under the banner “Real Beef for Real Fans.”

Anchoring Buona’s presence will be a dedicated concession outside Section 104 on the 100-level concourse. The menu, coordinated with Levy, will feature Buona’s all-natural Italian Beef, Italian Sausage and Combo Beef & Sausage, alongside Meatball Sandwiches and Arancini Bites. For dessert, fans can enjoy ice cream from sister brand The Original Rainbow Cone, including its five-flavor cone.

Buona classics will also be available at four additional locations throughout the United Center: Giordano’s near Section 120 and Chicago Dish stands at Sections 222, 305 and 322, extending its presence across the lower, club and upper levels.

“Italian beef and Chicago sports are both part of the fabric of this city, so seeing Buona inside the United Center is an incredibly proud moment for our family,” said founding family member Joe Buonavolanto Jr. “For over four decades, we’ve remained committed to making Italian beef the same way it was made in early 1900s Chicago. Now we get to share that tradition with Bulls and Blackhawks fans in one of the most iconic buildings in our hometown. It really is real beef for real fans.”

At the United Center, the signature sandwich will be served the authentic Chicago Way: with both ends dipped in gravy. Fans can customize their beef with hot giardiniera or sweet bell peppers and choose their preferred amount of gravy, from dry and easy gravy to fully “baptized.” The goal is to give everyone — from lifelong Chicagoans to first-time visitors — a true taste of Chicago.

“We want the food at the United Center to reflect the best of Chicago, and that starts with local partners who take real pride in what they serve,” said Scott Perez, Senior Executive Chef at Levy Restaurants. “Buona’s deep roots in the city and commitment to quality make it a natural addition to our lineup. Bringing that family tradition into the arena gives fans another reason to look forward to their visit and another way to experience Chicago.”

The Buona concession will be open for all Bulls and Blackhawks preseason, regular-season and postseason home games throughout the five-year partnership, with the opportunity to also operate during select concerts, college sporting events and other public events at the United Center.

Buona Rewards members will also have opportunities to opt in to special RealFans promotions using the code “RealFans,” with additional details to be announced. For more information, visit www.buona.com/realfans.