What is the primary style of cooking featured at Benihana restaurants?
Benihana Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
We are offering franchises in the fifty United States and in Washington, D.C. (and elsewhere in the Territory) for operating BENIHANA Restaurants, either full-size restaurants under the Restaurant Model or limited-menu locations under the Concession Model, that specialize in the hibachi or teppanyaki style of Japanese cooking, and in which, under the Restaurant Model, food is prepared on a grill that forms a part of the table on which it is served ("BENIHANA Restaurants"). BENIHANA Restaurants offer casual dining in a distinctive Japanese atmosphere enhanced under the Restaurant Model by unique entertainment provided by highly-skilled chefs that prepare fresh steak, chicken, and seafood at the center of the guest table. BENIHANA Restaurants operate under the mark BENIHANA and use other trademarks, trade names, logos, emblems, and indicia of origin as we designate, including those identified in Item 13 (the "Marks" or "Proprietary Marks").
Source: Item 1 — THE FRANCHISOR, ITS PARENTS, PREDECESSORS, AND AFFILIATES (FDD pages 8–12)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Benihana's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the restaurant specializes in the hibachi or teppanyaki style of Japanese cooking. In this style, food is prepared on a grill that forms a part of the table on which it is served. This is a key feature of the Benihana Restaurant Model. Sushi is also typically served.
However, the FDD notes that Benihana offers a limited-menu Concession Model that does not feature the hibachi or teppanyaki style of cooking. These concession models are typically found in captive locations such as sports stadiums. This means that while the teppanyaki style is central to the full-size restaurant, it is not a feature of all Benihana locations.
For a prospective franchisee, this distinction is important. If you are considering a full-size Benihana restaurant, the teppanyaki cooking style is a core element of the business model. However, if you are looking at a concession model, you should be aware that this key feature is absent, which may impact the customer experience and overall business strategy.