What was the depreciation and amortization expense related to Benihana's property and equipment for the year ended December 31, 2022?

According to Benihana's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment was $11.7 million for the year ending December 31, 2022. This figure reflects the accounting expense recognized for the wear and tear or consumption of Benihana's physical assets like buildings, equipment, and furniture over that year. Depreciation and amortization are non-cash expenses, meaning they don't represent actual cash outflows, but they do reduce the company's reported profit.

For a prospective Benihana franchisee, understanding depreciation and amortization is crucial for assessing the profitability and cash flow of the business. While franchisees don't directly deal with these expenses on Benihana's corporate level, these figures provide insight into how the company manages its assets and reports its financial performance. Higher depreciation expenses might indicate significant investments in new equipment or facilities, while lower expenses could suggest older assets or more conservative accounting practices.

It's important to note that this figure only relates to depreciation and amortization of property and equipment. Benihana also has intangible assets like the Kona Grill trade name, which are subject to amortization as well. Reviewing the notes to the financial statements provides a more complete picture of Benihana's overall depreciation and amortization policies and their impact on the company's financial results.