Wicker Park residents will soon have a quick‑service Italian beef option right on Division Street. The Beef Stand, a walk‑up window operated by Buona Beef, opens Wednesday inside the beloved Rainbow Cone location at 1750 W. Division St.
Local roots, family legacy
Buona Beef, founded in 1981 by Joe and Peggy Buonavolanto in Berwyn, has deep ties to Chicago’s Italian beef tradition. Executive Vice President Joe Buonavolanto III, whose grandparents opened the original Buona shop in suburban Berwyn, says the window fulfills a long‑standing vision to add a dedicated ordering channel for the brand.
“It was my vision to use the walk‑up window as an ordering channel, and we never really activated it for Rainbow Cone,” Buonavolanto explained. “I thought it would be so cool to rebrand that section of the building and do a beef sandwich concept.”
Menu focused on simplicity
The Beef Stand’s menu is intentionally limited. Patrons can choose a regular or large Italian beef sandwich with optional cheese and giardiniera, a vegan Italian beef alternative, or an Italian beef protein bowl. Milkshakes will also be available, and the window will serve items from the Rainbow Cone menu as well.
Pop‑up with potential
Initially a pop‑up, the window could become a permanent fixture if neighborhood response is strong. Hours will run 11 a.m.‑10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 11 a.m.‑11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Delivery will be offered through third‑party apps such as Grubhub.
Rainbow Cone’s historic setting
Rainbow Cone, a South Side institution celebrating its 100th anniversary in August, moved to the Division Street site in 2024 after previously occupying the space known as Caffe Streets. The iconic five‑layer ice‑cream cone—featuring orange sherbet, pistachio almond, Palmer House, strawberry, and chocolate—remains a local favorite, with the ice cream famously sliced rather than scooped.
The partnership between Buona Beef and Rainbow Cone dates back to a 2019 merger, and the two brands have since expanded across the Chicago suburbs and beyond. While dual‑brand locations exist elsewhere, this is the first dedicated Italian beef window for the company in the city.
Community impact
Local diners can look forward to a quick, affordable option that honors Chicago’s culinary heritage while providing modern conveniences like delivery and a vegan sandwich. The Beef Stand adds another layer to Wicker Park’s vibrant food scene, offering both longtime residents and newcomers a taste of a classic Chicago staple.
For more details, visit The Beef Stand website.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
