Before opening a Benihana restaurant, what training must the franchisee complete?
Benihana Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
- 5.1 Franchisee must, unless specifically excused by BNC based on prior experience, attend and complete to BNC's satisfaction all Initial Training and In-Restaurant Training before opening of the Restaurant.
Franchisee agrees that a General Manager, Chief Chef, and Chief Sushi Chef, and all other persons required by BNC, will attend, participate in, and successfully complete Initial Training and In-Restaurant Training at locations designated by BNC, which Franchisee acknowledges may include locations within the United States of America.
5.2 The Initial Training, which may be modified by BNC in its sole discretion, generally consists of each trainee working in a BENIHANA Restaurant for a period of eight (8) to twelve (12) weeks, or until the trainee is properly trained to BNC's reasonable satisfaction.
5.2.1 Franchisee has the right, at no additional fee, to bring up to five (5) chefs, a General Manager, and, if required by BNC or requested by Franchisee, and subject to availability of space, one principal of Franchisee, to the Initial Training.
Franchisee must obtain BNC's prior written consent before bringing any additional employees to the Initial Training, and Franchisee must pay to BNC its then-current training fee, which may include salaries of all BNC employees providing such training, for each additional employee BNC agrees to train.
5.2.2 Unless otherwise agreed by BNC, Initial Training commences approximately four (4) months before the expected opening date of the Restaurant.
5.3 The nature and scope of In-Restaurant Training will be based upon the experience of Franchisee and Franchisee's employees, the type of facility at the Location, sales volume of the Restaurant as projected by Franchisee, and other factors considered by BNC in its discretion.
5.3.1 In-Restaurant Training will be for a period BNC deems necessary to prepare for opening the Restaurant.
There will be no additional fee for In-Restaurant Training, but Franchisee will be responsible for all travel, living, and lodging expenses for BNC's personnel providing In-Restaurant Training.
- 5.3.2 At Franchisee's request and subject to BNC's prior approval and availability, additional BNC personnel may be made available to assist with In-Restaurant Training, provided that Franchisee reimburses BNC for the salaries and wages of such additional personnel.
Additionally, if Franchisee requests that In-Restaurant Training be provided for more than twenty (20) working days, Franchisee will pay all salaries, wages, travel expenses, and living and lodging expenses of BNC's personnel during the extended In-Restaurant Training Period.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 74–576)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Benihana's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must complete both Initial Training and In-Restaurant Training before opening their restaurant, unless Benihana specifically excuses them based on prior experience. Benihana also requires that a General Manager, Chief Chef, and Chief Sushi Chef, along with any other personnel Benihana deems necessary, attend and successfully complete both the Initial Training and the In-Restaurant Training. The training locations will be designated by Benihana and may include locations within the United States.
The Initial Training generally requires each trainee to work in a Benihana Restaurant for eight to twelve weeks, or until Benihana deems the trainee properly trained. The franchisee can bring up to five chefs, a General Manager, and potentially one principal to the Initial Training at no additional fee. Bringing additional employees requires Benihana's prior written consent and payment of their then-current training fee, which may include the salaries of Benihana employees providing the training. Unless Benihana agrees otherwise, Initial Training typically starts about four months before the restaurant's expected opening date.
The nature and scope of the In-Restaurant Training will depend on the experience of the franchisee and their employees, the type of facility, the projected sales volume, and other factors considered by Benihana. The duration of the In-Restaurant Training will be determined by Benihana as necessary to prepare for the restaurant's opening. There is no additional fee for In-Restaurant Training, but the franchisee is responsible for covering all travel, living, and lodging expenses for Benihana's personnel providing the training. Additional Benihana personnel may be available to assist with In-Restaurant Training at the franchisee's request, subject to Benihana's approval and the franchisee reimbursing Benihana for the salaries and wages of such personnel. If In-Restaurant Training exceeds twenty working days, the franchisee will be responsible for all salaries, wages, travel, and living expenses of Benihana's personnel during the extended period.