Can Benihana change the minimum hours and days of operation for the Benihana Restaurant?

According to Benihana's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, Benihana has the authority to modify the minimum hours and days of operation for its restaurants. The FDD states that the restaurant must be open for the minimum hours and days specified or approved by Benihana in writing. These hours can be changed by Benihana from time to time.

This provision grants Benihana significant control over the franchisee's operating schedule. This flexibility allows Benihana to respond to market conditions, seasonal changes, or other factors that may impact the optimal operating hours for the restaurant.

For a prospective franchisee, this means they must be prepared to adjust their restaurant's hours of operation based on Benihana's directives. While franchisees can propose or request specific hours, the final decision rests with Benihana. This requirement ensures consistency across the Benihana brand and allows the company to optimize operations based on its overall business strategy.