Established
1949
Franchise Units
20
Minimum Investment
$500,000
Franchise Fee
$50,000
Total Investment Range
$750,000
Home Based
No
Description
Bono’s Pit Bar-B-Q offers an authentic Southern barbecue experience rooted in tradition and community. Since 1949, the Bono family has been perfecting the art of pit-cooked barbecue, delivering tender, flavorful meats that keep customers coming back. With over 70 years of history, Bono’s has become a staple in Jacksonville, Florida, and is now expanding its reach through franchising, inviting entrepreneurs to join in preserving and sharing this beloved culinary legacy.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
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Proven Track Record: With decades of success, Bono’s has established a loyal customer base and a strong brand presence.
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Authentic Product: The commitment to traditional pit barbecue ensures a unique and high-quality offering in the competitive food industry.
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Community Engagement: Bono’s is deeply rooted in its community, fostering strong relationships and customer loyalty.
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Franchise Support: Comprehensive training and ongoing support are provided to ensure franchisee success.
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Expansion Opportunities: With plans for growth, franchisees have the opportunity to be part of an expanding brand with untapped markets.
Background
1. Established Year:
Bono’s Pit Bar-B-Q was founded in 1949 by Lou Bono in Jacksonville, Florida. It began as a small, family-run barbecue restaurant with a focus on authentic Southern-style smoked meats. Over seven decades, it has developed a reputation for quality, flavor, and community connection.
2. Founders and Ownership:
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Founder: Lou Bono, a passionate barbecue chef, started the business to share traditional Southern flavors with the Jacksonville community.
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Current Ownership: Today, the franchise is privately owned by the Adeeb family, who have expanded the brand while maintaining the original values of quality and hospitality.
3. Franchise Units:
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Bono’s Pit Bar-B-Q currently operates over 20 locations, primarily in North Florida.
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The company has begun franchising to expand nationally, offering entrepreneurs the opportunity to bring authentic Southern barbecue to new markets.
4. Brand Journey & Company History:
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Started as a single barbecue joint in 1949.
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Built a loyal customer base through consistent quality, friendly service, and classic Southern recipes.
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Expanded gradually with additional locations under company-owned and franchise-operated models.
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Developed strong brand recognition as a trusted Southern BBQ destination.
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Now leveraging its long-standing reputation to grow through franchising, focusing on untapped markets across the U.S.
5. Market Presence:
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Strong presence in Florida, especially in Jacksonville.
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Recognized for its authentic pit-cooked meats and traditional Southern barbecue style.
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Positioned in the casual dining sector, appealing to families, food enthusiasts, and communities that value quality barbecue.
6. Industry Category:
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Falls under casual dining and barbecue restaurants.
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Competes in the U.S. BBQ industry, which has strong regional appeal and growing nationwide interest in authentic Southern cuisine.
7. Other Information:
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Bono’s emphasizes community engagement, often participating in local events, catering, and sponsorships.
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Maintains a consistent supply chain to ensure quality ingredients and authentic flavor.
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Has a long-standing culinary tradition, offering franchisees a trusted, well-established business model.
Support Training
Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, lease negotiation, and restaurant design to ensure optimal location and layout.
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Training: Comprehensive training program covering all aspects of restaurant operations, including food preparation, customer service, and management.
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Marketing Support: Access to branded marketing materials, promotional campaigns, and digital marketing strategies to attract and retain customers.
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Ongoing Support: Continuous operational support, including regular visits from franchise consultants, performance evaluations, and updates on best practices.
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Technology Integration: Implementation of point-of-sale systems, inventory management tools, and online ordering platforms to streamline operations.
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Supply Chain Management: Established relationships with suppliers to ensure consistent quality and timely delivery of ingredients.
Ideal Candidate
Investing in a Bono’s Pit Bar-B-Q franchise requires more than just capital—it requires the right mindset, skills, and passion to uphold the brand’s legacy. The ideal franchisee should possess the following qualities:
1. Business Background:
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Experience in the restaurant or hospitality industry is highly desirable, though not mandatory.
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Strong understanding of business operations, financial management, and team leadership is beneficial.
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Familiarity with casual dining or fast-casual food service helps in managing day-to-day operations efficiently.
2. Passion for Food and Customer Experience:
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A genuine love for Southern cuisine and barbecue culture.
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Commitment to maintaining high standards of food quality, service, and customer satisfaction.
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Enthusiasm for representing a family-owned, community-focused brand.
3. Investment Capability:
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Sufficient capital to cover initial investment, infrastructure, and working capital.
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Ability to manage operational expenses during the initial months before the franchise reaches break-even.
4. Location Preference:
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Interested in untapped or growing markets, particularly in regions where Southern-style barbecue has strong appeal.
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Ability to engage with local communities to build a loyal customer base.
5. Entrepreneurial Mindset:
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Willingness to follow proven operational guidelines while also contributing to local marketing and brand growth.
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Comfortable managing staff, operations, and customer service with hands-on involvement.
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Motivated to grow multiple units once the first location proves successful.
6. Community-Oriented Personality:
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Strong desire to connect with the local community, participate in events, and support local initiatives.
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Able to foster long-term customer loyalty through personal engagement and high-quality dining experiences.
7. Long-Term Commitment:
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Interest in building a lasting business rather than seeking short-term gains.
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Willingness to invest time and effort in maintaining brand standards, training staff, and growing the franchise.
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $500,000 – $750,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | Varies by location, typically starts at $500,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $50,000 for the first unit; $25,000 for each additional unit |
| Infrastructure & Equipment Cost | $300,000 – $450,000 (includes kitchen equipment, furniture, and signage) |
| Marketing & Advertising Budget | $15,000 – $30,000 initially; ongoing contribution to brand marketing (2–4% of sales) |
| Working Capital | $50,000 – $75,000 (to cover operational expenses during early months) |
| Royalty Fees | Typically 5–6% of monthly gross sales |
| Expected ROI (Return on Investment) | 18% – 25% annually (varies by location, operations, and market conditions) |
| Break-Even Time | 18 – 24 months |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Dine-in services, takeout, catering, online ordering, merchandise sales |
| Other Fees | Optional: local promotions, training updates, and technology integration |