A Chicago-area fast casual chain Buona will install Palmer Digital Group's turnkey outdoor digital menu board systems at most locations, beginning with two dual-concept locations with Rainbow Cone. Founded in 1981, Buona brings Chicago flavors—including its signature Italian beef sandwich—to 26 restaurants in surrounding communities. In 2018, Buona joined forces with regional institution Rainbow Cone, which in 1926 opened its original Chicago location and today operates in 10 stores, with two more opening this summer in Orland Park, IL and Bradenton, FL. One of these locations, in Valparaiso, IN represents a Buona/Rainbow Cone dual-concept.
The dual-concept franchise initiative, along with changing consumer habits, inspired Buona to re-evaluate it drive-thru operations. The marketing team was equally invested in the idea, given the challenge of updating multiple, differently sized static message boards in a timely manner.
