In Austin, Texas, does Benihana own or license the virtual Bao Yum restaurant?
Benihana Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
bed below:
- ANGEL. ANGEL Rooftop bar and Dining is a sophisticated Southern-Mediterranean restaurant with two indoor and outdoor bars, a floral garden patio, and a plunge pool located within the Hotel Calimala in Florence, Italy.
- Bao Yum. A fast-casual concept that offers a whimsical twist on classic bao. Bao Yum serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert bao along with a variety of salads, soups, sandwiches and snacks. Bao Yum currently operates within the Westminster Curio Hotel in London.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 73–74)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Benihana's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Bao Yum concept operates in Austin, Texas through a licensing agreement with Reef Kitchens. Bao Yum is described as a fast-casual concept that offers a twist on classic bao, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert bao, along with salads, soups, sandwiches, and snacks.
However, the FDD also states that Benihana has recently exited its licensing agreement with REEF Kitchens and has no venues operating pursuant to that agreement. This suggests that while Bao Yum previously operated in Austin through a licensing agreement, this is no longer the case.
It is important to note that the FDD does not specify whether Benihana currently owns or operates any Bao Yum restaurants directly in Austin, Texas, or if the Bao Yum concept is still active in that location after the termination of the Reef Kitchens agreement. A prospective franchisee should confirm with Benihana the current status and operational model of Bao Yum in Austin to understand the brand's presence and potential opportunities in that market.