Burr Ridge Criticizes Restaurant Chain Over Code Issue

BURR RIDGE, IL – Burr Ridge officials this week expressed unhappiness with a locally based restaurant chain over a zoning issue.

Their issue was with Buona Companies. It runs Buona restaurants in the Chicago area, known for their Italian beef.

The headquarters for Buona, owned by the Buonavolanto family, is at 7075 Veterans Boulevard in Burr Ridge.

The company requested to install two wall signs when only one is permitted. It also sought a ground sign with more than three colors.

"Again, we have a petition coming before us for forgiveness. (Buona) went ahead and installed the signs without permission," Guy Franzese, a village trustee, said at Monday's Village Board meeting. "This really bothers me."

Mayor Gary Grasso agreed.

"The families are all Burr Ridge families, so they should have known to ask," he said. "We are a forgiving village to a point."

At the same time, he praised the Buonavolantos and their business.

"We are proud to have the company in Burr Ridge," he said.

The Village Board unanimously approved the firm's request.

Buona Companies operates not only Buona restaurants, but also the Original Rainbow Cone chain, Beyond Catering and Authentic Brands of Chicago.

Patch left a message for comment with the business Wednesday morning.

Recently, a Burr Ridge homeowner failed to get a building permit before a project and then ignored a stop-work order, according to the village.