Buona Beef: Hiring, Background Check & Employment Verification FAQs

Joe and Peggy Buonavolanto opened the first Buona restaurant in Berwyn, Illinois, in 1981, with the dream of having their children work side by side in a business that could support their own families. The company says it serves Chicago's original Italian beef, built on a slow-roasting process it traces to the founding families behind the city's first beef stands, and it markets its sandwiches as made with five all-natural ingredients and real gravy.

The menu goes beyond the Italian beef sandwich to include a beef and sausage combo, cheeseburgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, chopped salads, and cheese fries. The company says it is still run by the family, passed down from one generation to the next, and its careers page describes it as the largest family-owned Italian beef restaurant group in the country, a claim that comes from the company itself.

The careers page lists openings in Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, in categories that include back of house, crew, delivery driver, dining room attendant, front of house, hourly manager, and restaurant manager, assistant general manager, and general manager roles. The page says the company keeps opening new restaurants as it grows, which creates new positions over time.

Company culture and employee programs:

The careers page frames the business as a family dream, with founders who wanted their children to work together, and invites candidates to join a growing organization. Candidates can browse openings by job category and location and apply online. Pay, schedules, and benefits vary by restaurant, role, and whether a position is hourly or management, so candidates should confirm specifics with the hiring manager.

Yes. Employers in the restaurant industry, including Buona Beef, are legally permitted to run background checks, provided they follow the FCRA and applicable state and local laws. The FCRA, a federal law, sets rules for consent, disclosure, and adverse action when a third-party report is used in hiring.

Buona Beef is generally reported to screen candidates before they start, though the company has not published its screening policy in detail. Background checks are common across restaurant employers, especially for management, cash handling, and driving roles. The scope of a Buona Beef background check may vary by role, restaurant, and state.

The Buona Beef hiring process typically starts with browsing openings on the careers page by category and location and applying online. Candidates are usually interviewed by a restaurant manager, and management candidates may meet additional leaders. Those who receive a conditional offer may be asked to consent to a background check and complete work eligibility paperwork. Steps may vary by position and restaurant.

A Buona Beef background check often takes a few business days, though timing depends on the searches ordered and the records involved. Searches that span several counties or states can take longer. Candidates who want a closer look at typical timelines can review background check turnaround times.

A Buona Beef background check may include criminal history, identity, registry, and employment checks, depending on the role. For a restaurant position, the report may include some or all of the following:

Candidates should review the disclosure and consent forms provided during hiring to see which searches apply to their role.

Whether Buona Beef drug tests depends on the role and restaurant location, and the company does not appear to publish a drug-testing policy on its careers page. Restaurant employers may require a drug screen for certain positions, such as management or driving roles, typically after a conditional offer. Candidates should ask the hiring manager what applies to their position.

The lookback period for a background check depends on the type of search and the laws of the state or country where the candidate lives or worked. In the United States, the FCRA generally limits consumer reporting agencies from reporting most negative information older than seven years, with certain exceptions for higher-salary positions and specific record types such as convictions. Some states have stricter limits. Candidates with records in multiple jurisdictions may see different lookback windows applied to different searches within the same report.

Buona Beef has not published a blanket policy on felony records, and decisions are typically made case by case. Factors that may matter include the nature of the offense, how much time has passed, and the duties of the role, such as handling cash or driving. Many states and cities have enacted "ban-the-box" laws that limit when employers can ask about criminal history. Candidates are encouraged to answer questions honestly.

Candidates applying to Buona Beef will typically be asked for written consent before a background check begins. They should be ready to provide their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address history, along with identification for work eligibility. Accurate information helps searches run in the correct jurisdictions and can prevent delays. Requirements may vary by role and state.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act is a US federal law that governs how consumer reporting agencies collect, use, and share background check information. Under the FCRA, employers must obtain written consent before running a background check, provide a copy of the report and a summary of rights if they intend to take adverse action based on the results, and allow the candidate an opportunity to dispute inaccurate information before a final decision is made. For a detailed overview of how the FCRA applies to background checks, visit Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

A Buona Beef delivery driver background check typically includes a motor vehicle record review in addition to standard criminal and identity searches. Drivers are usually asked to hold a valid license, and the driving record can show violations, suspensions, or accidents. Requirements may vary by restaurant and state. Candidates should confirm what the hiring manager needs, such as proof of insurance or vehicle details, during the hiring process.

Running a personal background check with Checkr lets you preview what Buona Beef may see and help you identify potential inaccuracies before they affect your job application. In one secure report you can review:

Create your report in minutes at Checkr Personal Background Checks. To showcase verified credentials proactively, build a free Checkr Profile you can share with recruiters, hiring managers, or potential employers.

Check your report status in the Candidate Portal. Or, visit the Checkr Help Center for FAQs, dispute steps, and to contact support.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.