Benihana

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Benihana Inc.

Company type	Private
Industry	Restaurant
Founded	1964
Founder	Hiroaki Aoki
Key people	Tom Baldwin (CEO)
Products	Japanese cuisine, Teppanyaki
Parent	Angelo Gordon

Benihana Inc. is an American restaurant company based in Aventura, Florida. It owns or franchises 116 Japanese cuisine restaurants around the world, including its flagship Benihana Teppanyaki brand, as well as the Haru (fusion cuisine) and RA Sushi restaurants. The company was founded by Hiroaki Aoki in 1964.

History

Benihana was founded by Hiroaki Aoki, a Japanese-American wrestler and entrepreneur, in 1964. The first restaurant was opened in New York City on West 56th Street. The name "Benihana" is derived from the Japanese word for "red flower."

The restaurant gained popularity for its unique style of Teppanyaki cooking, where chefs prepare food on a hot grill in front of customers, performing various cooking tricks and engaging with the diners. This interactive dining experience set Benihana apart from other restaurants and contributed to its rapid growth.

Expansion

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Benihana expanded across the United States and internationally. The company went public in 1982, and by the late 1990s, it had grown to include over 50 locations worldwide. In addition to its flagship Benihana restaurants, the company also operates Haru, a chain of fusion cuisine restaurants, and RA Sushi, which offers a more casual dining experience.

Menu

Benihana's menu features a variety of Japanese dishes, with a focus on Teppanyaki-style cooking. Popular menu items include steak, chicken, seafood, and vegetables, all prepared on a hot grill in front of the diners. The restaurant also offers a selection of sushi, sashimi, and other traditional Japanese dishes.

Corporate Structure

Benihana Inc. is currently owned by Angelo Gordon, a private equity firm. The company's headquarters are located in Aventura, Florida. The current CEO is Tom Baldwin.

Cultural Impact

Benihana has had a significant impact on popular culture, often being referenced in movies, television shows, and music. The restaurant's unique dining experience and theatrical cooking style have made it a popular choice for special occasions and celebrations.

See also

• Teppanyaki
• Japanese cuisine
• Hiroaki Aoki
• List of Japanese restaurants