According to Benihana's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the net change in the number of company-owned outlets during 2024 was an increase of 2. Specifically, the number of company-owned Benihana restaurants increased from 67 at the start of 2024 to 69 by the end of the year. This indicates a modest expansion of Benihana's corporate-owned operations.

For a prospective franchisee, this information provides insight into the growth strategy of Benihana. The fact that the company is adding company-owned locations could be interpreted in several ways. On one hand, it could mean that Benihana is confident in its business model and sees opportunities for expansion. On the other hand, it could suggest that the company is more focused on growing its own operations rather than expanding through franchising.

It's important to note that the data in the table includes one teppanyaki-style restaurant operated under the SAMURAI® brand, which is similar in appearance and customer experience to a Benihana restaurant. Additionally, the data does not include the 16 RA® Sushi restaurants operated by an affiliate of BNC, which offer a limited menu of Benihana items for delivery or takeout only. These 'virtual locations' are not counted as company-owned outlets in the provided data. A potential franchisee should consider these factors when evaluating the overall size and growth of Benihana's company-owned operations.

Overall, the increase in company-owned Benihana restaurants suggests a stable and potentially growing business. However, prospective franchisees should conduct further due diligence to understand the company's long-term growth plans and how they align with the franchise model.