Buona
In 1981, married couple Joe and Peggy Buonavolantos founded Buona, a Chicago classic that serves Italian Beef, Chicago-style hot dogs and deep-dish pizza. It has 27 locations, 25 of which are restaurants and two are catering facilities. It has a revenue of $81 million per year. The privately-held company has locations in Illinois and Pennsylvania, and it is very much dedicated to veterans, offering quite good discounts. In addition, it has ventured into the health food sector.
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
Serving deep-dish Chicago-style pizza, Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria is headquartered in Illinois and was established in Lincolnwood in 1971. It is among the best-known local pizza joints in Chicago (though it also has a presence across the state’s upper part of) and has fifty-six locations. Chicago Food Planet included the privately-held company in its list of “Best In Chow”. Unfortunately, a branch or two had to be closed, but thankfully, not too often. Chicago’s Pizza Museum also features Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria.