According to Benihana's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, Item 8 and Item 9 are related in that the franchisee's obligations to comply with Benihana standards directly affect their pre-opening purchases and leases. Item 8 states that franchisees must operate their Benihana Restaurant in accordance with the Benihana System and Benihana Standards. This includes purchasing or leasing all required fixtures, signage, furnishings, supplies, equipment, décor items, and related items that conform to Benihana Standards. In many cases, these items must be obtained from approved suppliers.

Item 9 outlines the franchisee's obligations, and specifically notes that 'Pre-opening purchases/leases' are detailed in Articles 2 & 3, and are related to Item 8. This means that when a franchisee is making pre-opening purchases or entering into leases, they must ensure that all items and the premises comply with Benihana's standards as described in Item 8.

In practical terms, a prospective Benihana franchisee needs to be aware that they cannot simply purchase or lease any equipment or property. They are restricted to items and suppliers approved by Benihana, and these must meet the brand's standards. This ensures uniformity and quality across all Benihana locations, but it also limits the franchisee's choices and potentially increases costs if approved suppliers are more expensive. Franchisees must carefully review Articles 2 & 3 of the Franchise Agreement to fully understand these obligations and restrictions before signing the agreement.