Why Benihana?

Why invest in a Benihana restaurant?

The Benihana name is well known throughout the food industry as an established, quality-conscious company. Benihana has grown from a single teppanyaki restaurant in New York City in 1964, to more than 84 restaurants in the United States, Central and South American and the Caribbean, with more company owned and franchise restaurants in the planning or development stages.

Benihana's solid management team is committed to keeping Benihana one of the world's finest and most thriving restaurant organizations. Our proven method of operation has tremendous appeal and represents a value to all future licensees. Together, we will ensure a consistent but controlled expansion.

Strong support network.

Benihana's corporate staff will provide expert guidance for maximizing sales, profit and operational efficiency in a number of areas. During the start-up phase you will receive assistance in site selection, construction, recruitment and training, implementation of standard operating procedures, sources for supplies and equipment and on-site opening assistance.

Although Benihana assumes no direct financial responsibility for real estate, we will provide guidelines and counseling on site selection. Prior to the opening of the restaurant, Benihana will also make available to you its construction staff to assist in the design, planning and installation of your licensed restaurant. However, the construction department will function in a consulting or supervisory capacity only.

Solid restaurant operations training.

As a Benihana licensee, you will receive training in every facet of operations - from product preparation to equipment handling and maintenance, guest service, employee relations and business record keeping. Our training program for chefs consists of a twelve- to sixteen-week program, a portion of which is spent working as a chef in a Benihana restaurant. The chefs are trained in both kitchen and tableside food preparation as applied at Benihana restaurants. Additionally, lectures on general restaurant management and Benihana's specific adaptation are offered. The manager training program is similar, except that the manager is given in-depth exposure to each position in the restaurant from busboy through manager.

Benihana's Management Team will provide pre- and post-opening assistance and make periodic inspection tours of your restaurant to insure that established standards and procedures are being utilized to your maximum benefit. Learn how to keep accurate accounting records, it will help you save money. Established operating, inventory and financial controls are imperative in the restaurant industry. Benihana provides assistance to you or your accountant in setting up your accounting system. The system established will accommodate the day-to-day procedures covering sales, payroll, guests served, production, cash and petty cash reports as provided in Benihana's operating manual.

An operations manual is furnished to each new licensee, which outlines day-to-day procedures, along with specifics of a typical restaurant layout, equipment, construction cost and opening budget.