For Benihana's Kona Grill restaurants, how many domestic restaurants were included in the comparable restaurant base for Same Store Sales (SSS) for the year ended December 31, 2022?

According to Benihana's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the comparable restaurant base for Kona Grill's Same Store Sales (SSS) included 24 domestic restaurants for the year ended December 31, 2022. This metric is important because it focuses on the performance of restaurants that have been open for a significant period, specifically at least a full 18-month period at the beginning of each quarter. This removes the impact of new restaurant openings when comparing the operations of existing restaurants.

For a prospective Benihana franchisee, this indicates that the SSS calculation provides a more accurate view of the performance of established Kona Grill restaurants. It helps to evaluate the brand's sustained appeal and operational efficiency, excluding the initial boost that new restaurants often experience. The FDD also states that Kona Grill SSS increased by 2.5% for 2022 compared to the prior year, and on a three-year basis, Kona Grill SSS increased 26.3%.

Understanding the composition of the comparable restaurant base and the SSS performance can help a franchisee assess the potential revenue trends and stability of the Kona Grill brand. It's a key indicator of how well existing restaurants are performing, which can influence investment decisions and expectations for future growth. Franchisees should pay close attention to these metrics as they provide insights into the brand's overall health and market position.