Rocky Aoki

Rocky Aoki

Rocky Aoki
Born	Hiroaki Aoki (1938-10-09)October 9, 1938 Tokyo, Japan
Died	July 10, 2008(2008-07-10) (aged 69) New York City, New York, United States
Nationality	Japanese American
Occupation	Restaurateur, entrepreneur
Known for	Founder of Benihana
Children	7, including Steve Aoki and Devon Aoki

Hiroaki "Rocky" Aoki (October 9, 1938 – July 10, 2008) was a Japanese American restaurateur and entrepreneur best known as the founder of the Benihana chain of teppanyaki restaurants.

Early life

Rocky Aoki was born in Tokyo, Japan, to Yunosuke Aoki and Katsu Aoki. His father was a former Japanese wrestler who later opened a coffee shop in Tokyo. Rocky Aoki moved to the United States in 1959 on a wrestling scholarship and attended Springfield College in Massachusetts before transferring to CW Post College on Long Island.

Career

In 1964, Aoki opened the first Benihana restaurant on West 56th Street in New York City. The restaurant was unique for its teppanyaki style of cooking, where chefs prepared food on a grill in front of customers, combining cooking with a performance. The concept quickly gained popularity, and Aoki expanded the chain across the United States and internationally.

Personal life

Rocky Aoki was married three times and had seven children, including DJ and music producer Steve Aoki and model and actress Devon Aoki. He was also an avid adventurer and sports enthusiast, participating in activities such as offshore powerboat racing and hot air ballooning.

Death

Rocky Aoki passed away on July 10, 2008, in New York City due to complications from pneumonia.

Legacy

Rocky Aoki's legacy lives on through the continued success of the Benihana restaurant chain and the accomplishments of his children in various fields.

Related pages

• Benihana
• Steve Aoki
• Devon Aoki
• Teppanyaki
• Japanese American