Phone: 800-327-3369
www.benihana.com

In 2004, BFC made a minority investment in the well known restaurant brand, Benihana. Benihana Inc. is the oldest and one of the leading Asian-themed restaurant chains in the United States, operating and owning 56 Benihana-branded teppanyaki-style restaurants, one Doraku restaurant, five Haru sushi restaurants and eight RA Sushi restaurants, and franchising 23 other teppanyaki-style restaurants under the Benihana name. The traditional Benihana locations offer its guests a combination of entertainment and Japanese hibachi style cooking with a communal dining experience. With its fresh and delectable food, together with a signature presentation style, Benihana has been successful for more than 40 years. More recently, Benihana has also introduced a variety of upscale sushi concepts, particularly Haru and RA Sushi, to its repertoire of restaurants and dining experiences.

Benihana was looking for a long-term friendly investor in order to expand its Asian-themed concepts, while renovating and updating the design and décor of a number of its traditional Benihana locations. BFC, a strong believer in both the traditions and the future growth prospects of Benihana, committed to invest $20 million in two installments to help the Company reach its goals. In an environment where Asian-influenced cuisine continues to attract a cross-generational broad following, Benihana leads the way in introducing Japanese dining and warm service to America.