What does the 'Tech Fee' represent that a Franchised Buona Restaurant will pay?

According to Buona's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the 'Tech Fee' represents a recurring charge that franchised restaurants must pay. Specifically, this fee is currently set at $100 per week. This payment is made by the franchisee to Chicago's Original Italian Beef Franchising LLC, as stipulated in the Franchise Agreement.

For a prospective Buona franchisee, this means an ongoing weekly expense of $100, which equates to $5,200 annually. This fee should be factored into the franchisee's financial projections and considered as part of the cost of doing business under the Buona brand. It's important to note that the FDD specifies that this is the current fee, implying that it could be subject to change over time.

Franchisees should clarify with Buona what specific technology services or support are covered by this weekly fee. Understanding the scope of services provided in exchange for the tech fee will help a franchisee assess the value and budget accordingly. It is also important to understand if this fee is subject to change during the term of the franchise agreement.