Iconic Chicago restaurant brands, Buona, and The Original Rainbow Cone have announced the next Buona/Rainbow Cone location is coming to Valparaiso, Indiana.
The dual-concept restaurant will feature Buona’s classic expansive menu, built on its all-natural Italian beef, with sandwiches, salads, and protein bowls, along with Rainbow Cone’s iconic five ice cream flavors on a single cone.
The new location is set to open Wednesday, April 12, at 2901 John Howell Drive in Valparaiso.
It marks the first Buona/Rainbow Cone store to open in Indiana following the brand’s success in nearby Schererville.
Buona was founded in 1981 by Joe and Peggy Buonavolanto, who dreamed of bringing Chicago flavors and opportunities to their family and surrounding communities.
The company has since expanded to 26 restaurant locations in the Chicago area and Northwest Indiana, with the involvement of multiple third-generation Buonavolantos and hundreds of local employees.
As a result, Buona is the largest family-owned Italian beef restaurant group and Italian beef producer in the country.
Rainbow Cone is a recognized Chicago tradition, created in 1926 by “Grandpa Joe” Sapp, who was never satisfied with just one ice cream flavor and stacked five flavors on a single cone instead.
The two Windy City icons joined together in 2022 to bring dual-concept stores to Chicago and other regions around the country.
The new Valparaiso location features a drive-thru and dual-lane options, with plans for kiosks in the future.
In addition to a grand opening of the new Valparaiso location, Buona and Rainbow Cone plan to bring food trucks to celebrate with area residents, including giveaways, prizes, and more.