Does Benihana currently operate any HARU restaurants?
Benihana Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
Certain of our subsidiaries own and operate the RA Sushi ("RA SUSHI") restaurant concept, which offers sushi and a full menu of Pacific Rim dishes in an environment targeting a younger demographic and featuring upbeat design elements. RA SUSHI restaurants may compete with the BENIHANA concept and with your franchised restaurant. RA SUSHI restaurants we operate may compete with you by offering for delivery or take-out only BENIHANA menu items offered at BENIHANA Restaurants As of the date of this Disclosure Document, there are twenty RA SUSHI restaurants in operation in the United States. The RA SUSHI concept is not franchised, but it may be in the future. Our subsidiary formerly operated two HARU restaurants offering Japanese fusion dishes in an urban atmosphere in densely populated cities. We do not as of the date of this Disclosure Document operate any HARU restaurants.
Source: Item 1 — THE FRANCHISOR, ITS PARENTS, PREDECESSORS, AND AFFILIATES (FDD pages 8–12)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Benihana's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, Benihana does not currently operate any HARU restaurants. However, a subsidiary formerly operated two HARU restaurants that offered Japanese fusion dishes in an urban atmosphere in densely populated cities.
It is important to note that while Benihana doesn't operate HARU restaurants, certain subsidiaries own and operate the RA Sushi restaurant concept. These RA Sushi restaurants offer sushi and a full menu of Pacific Rim dishes, targeting a younger demographic with upbeat design elements. As of the date of the 2024 Disclosure Document, there are twenty RA Sushi restaurants in operation in the United States.
Prospective franchisees should be aware that RA Sushi restaurants may compete with the Benihana concept, even offering Benihana menu items for delivery or take-out. This potential competition is a factor to consider when evaluating the Benihana franchise opportunity.