What is the average headcount for employees in Benihana's domestic restaurants?

According to Benihana's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the average headcount for employees in their domestic restaurants is 90 as of December 31, 2022. This number includes both full-time and part-time employees. Benihana directly employs and manages approximately 3,700 persons and manages approximately 500 employees worldwide through ONE Hospitality. These employees fill various roles, including kitchen staff, servers, bussers, runners, polishers, hosts, bartenders, barbacks, reservationists, administrative support, and interns.

For a prospective franchisee, this indicates the scale of staffing required to operate a Benihana restaurant. The franchisee will need to manage a significant number of employees to ensure smooth operations. This includes recruiting, training, and supervising staff across different roles. The reliance on hourly-wage employees suggests that labor costs will be a significant factor in the overall operating expenses.

It's also noteworthy that Benihana emphasizes its commitment to human capital resources, focusing on attracting, developing, rewarding, and retaining employees. They offer online training courses, on-the-job training, and cash-based performance bonuses. This suggests that Benihana places importance on employee development and motivation, which could contribute to better service and operational efficiency. The company also states that they have never experienced a work stoppage, and none of their employees are represented by a labor organization, which can be a positive factor for franchisees.

Overall, the staffing structure at Benihana restaurants involves a mix of full-time salaried employees and hourly wage earners, with a focus on training and development. The average headcount of 90 employees per domestic restaurant highlights the labor-intensive nature of the business and the importance of effective human resource management for franchisees.