February Benihana Chef's Special

Miami, FL  (RestaurantNews.com)  Benihana Inc. (NASDAQ: BNHN), the nation’s leading operator of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants, has announced the February Chef’s Specials, Hibachi Steak & Chicken for Two, a five-course feast for only $45 and Seafood Diablo for One, five courses for just $20.

Take a break from the dreary days of February with a warm, festive dinner at Benihana with close friends and family. Throughout the month, two guests can enjoy this Benihana teppanyaki treat of Hibachi Steak and Chicken entrees grilled with mushrooms and sesame seeds, Benihana onion soup, Benihana salad, hibachi shrimp appetizer, hibachi vegetables, homemade dipping sauces, steamed rice and Japanese hot green tea, a five-course meal for just $45 (tax and gratuity excluded). Another option this month is the Seafood Diablo for One, a medley of sea scallops, calamari, shrimp, assorted vegetables and Japanese udon noodles grilled in a homemade spicy sauce, along with Benihana onion soup, Benihana salad, hibachi shrimp appetizer, homemade dipping sauces, steamed rice and Japanese hot green tea, a five-course meal for only $20 (tax and gratuity excluded).

Enjoy either of the February Chef’s Specials with one of Benihana’s specialty drinks such as the Passionate Saketini or the Cherry Pomegranate Mojito. Or try one of Benihana’s suggested wine pairings, like the Hibachi Steak & Chicken with a glass of Gascon Malbec and the Seafood Diablo with a Moscato by Beringer.

Both Chef’s Specials are available throughout the month of February, excluding Valentine’s Day on February 14. The specials can be found at all Benihana restaurants in the United States with the exception of Las Vegas, Little Rock and Hawaii.

For more information about the February Chef’s Special or to find a Benihana location, visit www.benihana.com.

About Benihana

Headquartered in Miami, Benihana Inc. (NASDAQ GS: BNHN) is the nation’s leading operator of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants with 96 restaurants nationwide, including 63 Benihana restaurants, eight Haru sushi restaurants, and 25 RA Sushi restaurants. In addition, 18 franchised Benihana restaurants are operating in the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean. To learn more about Benihana Inc. and its three restaurant concepts, please view the corporate video at www.benihana.com/about/video. 

Represents Twenty-Fourth Consecutive Period and Eighth Consecutive Quarter of Comparable Sales Growth

Benihana Inc. Reports Total Restaurant Sales and Comparable Restaurant Sales Results for the Final Four-Week Period and Entire Twelve-Week Period of the Third Fiscal Quarter 2012

Miami, FL  (RestaurantNews.com)  Benihana Inc. (NASDAQ: BNHN), operator of the nation’s largest chain of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants, today reported total restaurant sales and comparable restaurant sales for the final four-week period (December 5, 2011 – January 1, 2012) and the entire twelve-week period of the third fiscal quarter of 2012. The announcement marks the Company’s twenty-fourth consecutive four-week period and its eighth consecutive quarter of comparable restaurant sales growth.

Richard C. Stockinger, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Benihana Inc., said, “We are very pleased with yet another period and quarter of excellent sales growth driven by increased traffic. Benihana Inc. has now produced twenty-four consecutive four-week periods, and eight consecutive quarters of comparable restaurant sales growth, in a very difficult consumer and economic environment. During this time frame, our core Benihana Teppanyaki brand has consistently produced comparable sales increases that led or were among the best in the category.  This achievement reflects the continued strength of our iconic brand and the outstanding efforts of our entire Benihana team.”

For the four-week period ended January 1, 2012, total restaurant sales increased year over year by 6.4% to $28.6 million from $26.9 million, and Company-wide comparable restaurant sales increased by 7.0% to $28.6 million from $26.7 million. By concept, comparable restaurant sales increased 7.1% at Benihana Teppanyaki, 5.8% at RA Sushi and 9.9% at Haru. These results were driven by traffic growth of 4.7% at Benihana Teppanyaki.

During the period, Benihana Teppanyaki represented approximately ­­72% of total restaurant sales, while RA Sushi and Haru accounted for 20% and 8% of total restaurant sales, respectively. There were 384 store-operating weeks in the final four-week period of the third fiscal quarter of 2012 compared to 388 store-operating weeks in the same period of the prior year.

For the twelve-week third fiscal quarter of 2012, total restaurant sales increased year over year by 5.7% to $76.7 million from $72.6 million, and Company-wide comparable restaurant sales increased by 7.0% to $76.4 million from $71.4 million. By concept, comparable restaurant sales increased 8.2% at Benihana Teppanyaki, 4.8% at RA Sushi and 3.6% at Haru. These results were driven by traffic growth of 6.4% at Benihana Teppanyaki.

During the quarter, Benihana Teppanyaki represented approximately 69% of total restaurant sales, while RA Sushi and Haru accounted for 22% and 9% of total restaurant sales, respectively. There were 1,144 store-operating weeks in the third fiscal quarter of 2012 compared to 1,158 store-operating weeks in the same period of the prior year.

The Benihana Teppanyaki restaurant located on W. 56 St. in Manhattan began temporary closure during the prior quarter for extensive remodeling. This restaurant has been excluded from reported comparable sales results during the temporary closure period, which ended December 11, 2011.

As previously announced, the Company will report future sales results only on a quarterly basis, consistent with customary restaurant industry practices.

About Benihana

Headquartered in Miami, Benihana Inc. (NASDAQ: BNHN) is the nation’s leading operator of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants with 96 restaurants nationwide, including 63 Benihana restaurants, eight Haru sushi restaurants and 25 RA Sushi restaurants. In addition, 18 franchised Benihana restaurants are operating in the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean. To learn more about Benihana Inc. and its three restaurant concepts, please view the corporate video at www.benihana.com/about/video.

Safe Harbor Statement

Except for the historical matters contained herein, statements in this press release are forward-looking and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may affect the business and prospects of Benihana, including, without limitation: risks related to Benihana’s business strategy, including the Renewal Program and marketing programs; risks related to Benihana’s ability to operate successfully in the current challenging economic environment; risks related to Benihana’s efforts to strengthen its Benihana Teppanyaki concept and build its RA Sushi and Haru brands; and other risks and uncertainties that may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Although Benihana believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that its expectations will be realized. In addition to the risks and uncertainties set forth above, investors should consider the risks and uncertainties discussed in Benihana’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, the risks and uncertainties discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in such filings. Benihana does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which any such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Represents Annual Dividend Yield of Approximately 3%

Benihana Inc. Announces Initiation of Quarterly Dividend Payment

Miami, FL  (RestaurantNews.com)  Benihana Inc. (NASDAQ: BNHN), operator of the nation’s largest chain of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants, today announced that the Board of Directors has authorized and declared a quarterly dividend in the amount of $0.08 per Common Share.  The dividend is payable in cash on January 30, 2012 to stockholders of record at the close of business on January 13, 2012.

The Company currently intends to begin payments of regular quarterly dividends; however, the actual declaration of such future dividends and the establishment of the per share amount, record dates, and payment dates for such future dividends are subject to final determination by the Company’s Board, and will be dependent upon future earnings, cash flows, financial requirements, and other factors.

Richard C. Stockinger, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Benihana Inc., said, “We are pleased that the very strong financial performance of the Company and strength of our balance sheet has allowed the Board to initiate a quarterly dividend program to return a portion of our excess cash flow to shareholders.  The ability to fund our planned new unit growth beginning in fiscal year 2013 and beyond from operating cash flows while at the same time providing a solid 3% dividend yield to our investors is a testament to our restaurant level unit economics and the efficiency with which we are managing the administrative portion of the business.”

About Benihana

Headquartered in Miami, Benihana Inc. (NASDAQ: BNHN) is the nation’s leading operator of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants with 96 restaurants nationwide, including 63 Benihana restaurants, eight Haru sushi restaurants and 25 RA Sushi restaurants. In addition, 18 franchised Benihana restaurants are operating in the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean. To learn more about Benihana Inc. and its three restaurant concepts, please view the corporate video at www.benihana.com/about/video.

Safe Harbor Statement

Except for the historical matters contained herein, statements in this press release are forward-looking and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may affect the business and prospects of Benihana, including, without limitation: risks related to Benihana’s business strategy, including the Renewal Program and marketing programs; risks related to Benihana’s ability to operate successfully in the current challenging economic environment; risks related to Benihana’s efforts to strengthen its Benihana Teppanyaki concept and build its RA Sushi and Haru brands; and other risks and uncertainties that may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Although Benihana believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that its expectations will be realized. In addition to the risks and uncertainties set forth above, investors should consider the risks and uncertainties discussed in Benihana’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, the risks and uncertainties discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in such filings. Benihana does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which any such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Hibachi Shrimp & Chicken for Two

January Benihana Chef's Special

Miami, FL  (RestaurantNews.com)  Benihana Inc. (NASDAQ: BNHN), the nation’s leading operator of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants, has announced the January Chef’s Special, Hibachi Shrimp & Chicken for Two, a five-course feast for only $36 and Hibachi Mango Salmon for One, five courses for just $21.

Ring in the New Year with a visit to Benihana with friends and family. Throughout the month, two guests can enjoy this Benihana teppanyaki treat of two hibachi shrimp and chicken entrees grilled with mushrooms and sesame seeds, Benihana onion soup, Benihana salad, hibachi shrimp appetizer, hibachi vegetables, homemade dipping sauces, steamed rice and Japanese hot green tea, a five-course meal for just $36 (tax and gratuity excluded). Another option this month is the hibachi mango salmon special for one, paired with sweet potatoes and vegetables in a delicious Asian inspired mango salsa, Benihana onion soup, Benihana salad, hibachi shrimp appetizer, homemade dipping sauces, steamed rice and Japanese hot green tea, a five-course meal for only $21 (tax and gratuity excluded).

Enjoy either of the January Chef’s Specials with one of Benihana’s specialty drinks such as the Strawberry Saketini or Cucumber Collins. Or try either special with a glass of Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc.

Both Chef’s Specials are available throughout the entire month of January at all Benihana restaurants in the United States with the exception of Little Rock and Hawaii.

For more information about the January Chef’s Special or to find a Benihana location, visit www.benihana.com.

About Benihana

Headquartered in Miami, Benihana Inc. (NASDAQ GS: BNHN) is the nation’s leading operator of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants with 96 restaurants nationwide, including 63 Benihana restaurants, eight Haru sushi restaurants, and 25 RA Sushi restaurants. In addition, 18 franchised Benihana restaurants are operating in the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean. To learn more about Benihana Inc. and its three restaurant concepts, please view the corporate video at www.benihana.com/about/video.

Board Unanimously Approves Slate of Director Nominees and Recommends that Stockholders Vote For the Election of Each of the Nominees.

Benihana Inc. Sends Letter to Stockholders

Miami, FL  (RestaurantNews.com)  Benihana Inc. (NASDAQ: BNHN), operator of the nation’s largest chain of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants, today sent a letter to stockholders highlighting the Company’s continued performance momentum, and recommending that stockholders support the Company’s nominees for election to the Board of Directors by signing and returning the WHITE proxy card as soon as possible.

The full text of the letter is as follows:

December 20, 2011

Dear fellow Benihana stockholders:

Benihana will elect three new Class I members to its Board of Directors (the “Board”) at its Annual Meeting, which will be held on January 10, 2012.  We are delighted with our slate of three experienced and independent directors who will further strengthen the Board with their deep industry knowledge and experience.  Ronald Castell, who is an incumbent director, most recently founded ReelRon LLC, a marketing consulting firm, and, among prior experience, has served as Senior Vice President at Blockbuster Entertainment Corp. and Huizenga Holdings, Inc.  He will be joined by two new nominees whose backgrounds strongly complement the expertise of the existing directors – Michael Kaufman, President of the restaurant group of Centerplate, Inc., an $800 million provider of food service in sports, convention and entertainment venues; and Richard Snead, former President and Chief Executive Officer of Carlson Restaurants Worldwide, Inc., the parent company of T.G.I. Friday’s.  At the same time, Darwin Dornbush, Lewis Jaffe, and Joseph West will not stand for re-election in 2012, after many years of collective service to the Company.

Benihana’s Board has proven its ability to execute operationally and deliver strong performance results for its stockholders, while implementing initiatives that will further contribute to enhancing shareholder value.  Benihana’s strong sales momentum, including its twenty-third consecutive period of comparable sales growth reported on December 8, 2011, demonstrates the success produced by your Board and management team’s continued focus on growing the value of your investment in Benihana.

Additionally, on November 29, 2011, your Company announced that Benihana stockholders had approved its reclassification proposal.  This represented a transformational event for Benihana – one that simplified the Company’s capital structure instantly by creating a single class of Benihana’s Common Stock.  Supporting the belief that a single class structure is in the best interest of all stockholders, BFC Financial Corporation voluntarily eliminated the Series B Preferred Stock by converting its holdings to Common Stock.

Therefore, your Board has unanimously approved the Company’s slate of nominees for election to the Board, and we recommend that all stockholders vote for the election of the nominees, each of whom is committed to continuing to enhance the value of Benihana for its stockholders.

Your vote is critical to your investment and the future success of your Company.  Your vote is important regardless of the number of shares you own.  Please take the time to vote today.  To protect your investment, please take a moment right now to sign, date, and return the enclosed WHITE proxy card.

If your shares are registered in your own name, please sign, date and mail the enclosed WHITE proxy card to Georgeson in the self-addressed, stamped envelope provided.  If your shares are held in the name of a brokerage firm, bank nominee or other institution, please sign, date and mail the enclosed WHITE proxy card in the self-addressed, stamped envelope provided. If you have any questions or need assistance in voting your shares, please contact our proxy solicitor at the following:

Georgeson
199 Water Street, 26th Floor
New York, NY  10038
Stockholders Call Toll-Free (888) 549-6618

We thank all of our Board members for a successful year that will position Benihana to continue delivering strong results going forward, and especially those who will be completing their terms this year – Darwin Dornbush, Lewis Jaffe, and Joseph West.

With appreciation for your investment in, and support for Benihana,

Richard C. Stockinger
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President

Safe Harbor Statement

Except for the historical matters contained herein, statements in this letter are forward-looking and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may affect the business and prospects of Benihana, including, without limitation: risks related to Benihana’s business strategy, including the Renewal Program and marketing programs; risks related to Benihana’s ability to operate successfully in the current challenging economic environment; risks related to Benihana’s efforts to strengthen its Benihana Teppanyaki concept and build its RA Sushi and Haru brands; and other risks and uncertainties that may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Although Benihana believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that its expectations will be realized. In addition to the risks and uncertainties set forth above, investors should consider the risks and uncertainties discussed in Benihana’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, the risks and uncertainties discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in such filings. Benihana does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which any such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Benihana Welcomes Results of Shareholder Vote

Miami, FL  (RestaurantNews.com)  Benihana Inc. (NASDAQ: BNHN; BNHNA), operator of the nation’s largest chain of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants, welcomed the preliminary results of the November 17, 2011 Special Meeting in which stockholders voted in favor of the reclassification proposal (the “Reclassification”) that will simplify the Company’s capital structure by reclassifying each share of Class A Common Stock into one share of Common Stock.

Following the Special Meeting, the inspector of elections has preliminarily determined that a majority of the outstanding Common Stock voted in favor of the Reclassification.  The proposal was also approved by holders of Class A Common Stock.

Richard C. Stockinger, Benihana Inc.’s Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President, commented, “The vote results reflect our stockholders’ belief that the Reclassification will simplify the capital structure, improve transparency and liquidity, increase flexibility to pursue strategic opportunities, and strengthen corporate governance.  This is a transformational event for Benihana, and I would like to thank our stockholders for their support.  Our entire Board and management team are focused on increasing the value of the company, and as we continue to build on our strong performance momentum and drive our business forward through new initiatives, we remain continuously focused on enhancing value for our stockholders.”

About Benihana

Headquartered in Miami, Benihana Inc. (NASDAQ GS: BNHN, BNHNA) is the nation’s leading operator of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants with 96 restaurants nationwide, including 63 Benihana restaurants, eight Haru sushi restaurants and 25 RA Sushi restaurants. In addition, 18 franchised Benihana restaurants are operating in the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean. To learn more about Benihana Inc. and its three restaurant concepts, please view the corporate video at www.benihana.com/about/video.

Safe Harbor Statement

Except for the historical matters contained herein, statements in this press release are forward-looking and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may affect the business and prospects of the Benihana, including, without limitation: risks related to Benihana’s business strategy, including the Renewal Program and marketing programs; risks related to Benihana’s ability to operate successfully in the current challenging economic environment; risks related to Benihana’s efforts to strengthen its Benihana Teppanyaki concept and build its RA Sushi and Haru brands; uncertainty as to the final stockholder vote counts pending the completion of the work of the inspector of election; and other risks and uncertainties that may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Although Benihana believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that its expectations will be realized. In addition to the risks and uncertainties set forth above, investors should consider the risks and uncertainties discussed in Benihana’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, the risks and uncertainties discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in such filings. Benihana does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which any such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Media Contact
Jeremy Fielding / Anntal Silver
Kekst and Company
(212) 521-4800

Restaurant Deals Served Up for Value Hungry Diners

Americans are looking for great food and value when making the decision to spend their hard earned dollars, especially as the holidays approach.  Restaurants, hungry for every dollar they can take in, are increasingly responding with delicious deals, creative combos and tasty twofers.  If you’ve been working up an appetite and can’t decide which restaurant to visit, we’ve put together some favorites that you might enjoy.

Applebee’s 2 for $20 menu continues to draw crowds with a choice of a shareable appetizer and entree choices that include Chicken Fettuccine Carbonara, Applebee’s Riblet Basket, Three Cheese Chicken Penne, 7 ounce House Sirloin and more.  Some items can be upgraded to a platter for two or three dollars more.

Chili’s also continues its popular $20 Dinner for Two menu.  Guests can share an appetizer and two full sized entrees.  Choices include newer options like Grilled Shrimp Tacos, Grilled Vegetable Tacos, Honey-Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla, Margarita Chicken Tacos.

O’Charley’s is offering their 8 Under $8 deal.  Selections include the BBQ Chicken Stack, Bruschetta Chicken, Mushroom & Bleu Cheese Sirloin, Mediterranean Chicken Wrap, Teriyaki Sesame Tilapia, Chicken Tenders with Naked Twisted Chips, Grilled Baja Chicken and the new Chicken Italia.

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Red Lobster casts a net with three Wood-Fired Grilled Surf & Turf entrees under $20.  The Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp and Blue Cheese Sirloin is $14.99, the Crab-Topped Peppercorn-Grilled Sirloin is $17.99 and the Wood-Grilled Maine Lobster & Peppercorn-Grilled Sirloin rounds out the special at $19.99.

Hibachi Steak & Chicken for Two is Benihana’s Chef’s Special for November.  Guests can share two hibachi steak and chicken grilled with mushrooms and sesame seeds, salad, onion soup, hibachi veggies and a shrimp appetizer for $45.

Sizzler is running $9.99 Steak Combos.  Combos include Sizzler’s signature tri tip sirloin steak with Malibu chicken, jumbo fried shrimp or skewered grilled shrimp.

McCormick & Schmick’s gives you the opportunity to Create Your Perfect Combination by choosing two or three selections from five seafood favorites.  Guests can choose two for $23.95 or three for $28.95.  Selections include Grilled Block Island Swordfish, Scampi Grilled Jumbo Shrimp, Phyllo Wrapped True Cod, Grilled Fresh Atlantic Salmon or the Chef’s Signature Crab Cake.  Combos are served with Roasted Pepper and White Cheddar Mashed Potatoes and Chef’s Fresh Vegetables.

Mimi’s Cafe offers their new Family Meals To-Go menu with 10 meals under $25.  Each meal serves between 4 and 5 people and comes with choice of soup or a tossed green or Caesar salad.  Menu items include Mediterranean Chicken Fettuccine, Cajun Chicken Alfredo, Chicken Parmesan, Turkey Dinner, Jambalaya, Meatloaf Stroganoff, Garlic Shrimp Fettuccine, Grilled Meatloaf, Chicken Tender Dinner or Oven Fresh Pot Roast.

Olive Garden’s new Stuffed Rigatoni choices are filled with five Italian cheeses and are available with grilled Italian Sausage for $9.95 or sliced sauteed Chicken for $11.95.  The grilled sausage comes in a tomato alfredo sauce while the chicken comes in a roasted garlic alfredo sauce.  Both come with unlimited salad and breadsticks.

Benihana's House Sake Receives Gold Award at 2011 U.S. National Sake Appraisal

Benihana Inc., the nation’s leading operator of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants, has been given the Gold Award at the 2011 U.S. National Sake Appraisal for its Sho Chiku Bai Classic brand. Sho Chiku Bai Classicis brewed by Takara Sake USA Inc. and is bottled and labeled as “Benihana Sake” for the restaurant’s house sake brand.

Benihana’s house sake competed against 96 contenders in the Junmai category at the international contest and received the Gold Award alongside 26 other entries, the highest award in the Junmai category. Sho Chiku Bai Classic is the only sake made in the U.S. to win the Gold Award this year. The sake was judged amongst its competing beverages by a “blind” tasting conducted in two phases; first, a tasting for all entries and then a secondary tasting of those sakes that placed in the top 50 percent.

The U.S. National Sake Appraisal is an international annual event held since 2001 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Presented by the International Sake Association (Kokusai Sake Kai), the event evaluates 326 sake entries and is the largest event of its kind outside of Japan. Each entry is considered within the following categories: Daiginjo, Ginjo and Junmai. The Appraisal is conducted by ten judges (five from Japan and five from the U.S.) under the auspices of the Japan National Research Institute of Brewing, which has supervised Japan’s National Sake Appraisal since its inception in 1910.

Benihana offers an extensive variety of the traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage at their restaurants, including hot sake, Japanese premium cold sake, premium cold sake and sake flights. There are also specialty drinks available such as the White Peach Sake Sangria and Mango Saketini, both mixed drinks with sake inspiration.

Benihana Reports Results for Second Quarter 2012

Benihana Inc., operator of the nation’s largest chain of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants, has reported financial results for its twelve-week fiscal second quarter 2012, ended October 9, 2011.

Highlights for the fiscal second quarter 2012 relative to the year-ago quarter include:

• Company-wide comparable restaurant sales increased 6.4%, led by the Benihana Teppanyaki concept, which reported 7.7% comparable restaurant sales growth;
• Total revenues increased 5.6% to $76.2 million from $72.2 million, driven by restaurant sales growth;
• Net income was $0.8 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $3.3 million or $0.21 per diluted share;
• Restaurant segment operating income increased 32% to $6.2 million from $4.7 million; and
• As previously announced, the Company extended its fixed-price beef contract through December 2012.

Richard C. Stockinger, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “We are delighted to report another strong quarter, driven by continued sales momentum.  We are particularly pleased that our strategy resulted in a consolidated comparable restaurant sales increase of 6.4% during the quarter, led by a 7.7% increase at our Benihana Teppanyaki restaurants. This represents a tremendous accomplishment in the current consumer environment.  Our team’s effective financial discipline is ensuring that robust sales results are translating into increased restaurant profitability, with a growth in income from operations of over 32% relative to the year-ago quarter.”

Mr. Stockinger added, “We are also very pleased that our sales momentum has continued into the third quarter, as we recently announced a consolidated comparable sales increase of 7.4%, led by a 9.8% increase at our Benihana Teppanyaki restaurants, for the first four-week period of our twelve-week third quarter.  Against this positive backdrop, having delivered twenty-two consecutive four-week periods of profitable sales growth, we are now well positioned to pursue new unit growth and are actively working to identify sites for the future development of Benihana and RA Sushi restaurants.”

Fiscal Second Quarter 2012 Financial Results

Net income for the second quarter of fiscal 2012 was $0.8 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $3.3 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, in the same quarter of the prior year.  Restaurant segment income from operations increased 32.0% to $6.2 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2012 from $4.7 million in the same quarter of the prior year.

Excluding stock-based compensation expenses and certain non-recurring general and administrative expenses in both years, income from operations for the second quarter of fiscal 2012 was $2.0 million, compared to a loss from operations of $0.1 million in the same quarter of the prior year.

For the fiscal second quarter of 2012, total revenues increased 5.6% to $76.2 million from $72.2 million in the same prior year quarter, primarily driven by a 5.6% increase in total restaurant sales.

Company-wide comparable restaurant sales increased 6.4% during the quarter, including increases of 7.7% at Benihana Teppanyaki restaurants, 5.3% at RA Sushi, and 0.6% at Haru.  This represented the seventh consecutive quarter of company-wide comparable sales increases.  All eight Haru units suffered reduced operating hours or complete closure for one or more days due to the severe weather associated with Hurricane Irene.  Comparable sales for Haru, excluding impacted days in both years, increased 2.0%.  Benihana Teppanyaki and RA Sushi were not significantly impacted by the severe weather.

During the quarter, Benihana Teppanyaki represented approximately 67% of consolidated restaurant sales, while RA Sushi and Haru accounted for 24% and 9%, respectively.  There were a total of 1,147 store-operating weeks in the fiscal second quarter of 2012 compared to 1,160 in the same prior year quarter.

Cost of food and beverage sales for the fiscal second quarter of 2012 totaled $19.2 million, or 25.3% of restaurant sales, compared to $17.5 million, or 24.4% of restaurant sales, in the fiscal second quarter of 2011.  The increase as a percentage of restaurant sales resulted from escalating commodity costs that more than offset certain menu pricing increases and shallowing of discounts taken at the beginning of the current fiscal year.

Restaurant operating expenses for the fiscal second quarter of 2012 increased $1.3 million, but decreased 1.9% as a percentage of restaurant sales, compared to the same prior year period.  The decrease as a percentage of restaurant sales was due to improved labor efficiencies, primarily related to overtime management, fixed cost leverage on higher sales volumes, and reduced depreciation (primarily due to certain prior year retirements), partially offset by increased occupancy costs.

General and administrative expenses for the fiscal second quarter of 2012 totaled $6.7 million, compared to $10.5 million for the same period in the prior year.  The current year quarter included $0.7 million of non-recurring expenses related to the special shareholders’ meetings and $0.4 million of stock-based compensation expenses.  The prior year quarter included $3.9 million of non-recurring expenses consisting of: $1.4 million related to various financial and operational consulting agreements; $1.1 million of depreciation related to the transition away from the ERP system in connection with the outsourcing of our accounting and payroll functions; $0.9 million of costs incurred to respond to and ultimately settle the proxy contest in connection with our 2010 Annual Shareholders’ Meeting; $0.3 million of costs incurred in conjunction with the execution of our accounting and payroll function outsourcing agreement; and $0.2 million for the write-off of abandoned projects.  The prior year quarter also included $0.1 million of stock-based compensation expenses.

Recurring general and administrative expenses were $5.5 million for the fiscal second quarter of 2012, a decrease of $0.9 million or 1.6% when expressed as a percentage of total revenues, compared to the same prior year quarter.

Income from operations improved to $0.9 million for the fiscal second quarter of 2012 from a loss of $4.0 million for the same period in the prior year.  Interest expense was slightly higher at $0.1 million for the current year quarter, compared to a credit of $0.1 million for the prior year quarter, as a result of the reversal of interest previously accrued in connection with certain litigation in which we subsequently prevailed.

The income tax benefit was $0.1 million for the fiscal second quarter of 2012 (an effective rate of negative 14.3%), compared to $0.9 million for the same period in the prior year (an effective rate of 22.7%).  The effective rate is impacted by the amount of tax credits relative to taxable income.

Net income for the fiscal second quarter of 2012 was $0.8 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $3.3 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, for the same period in the prior year.  Additionally, net income reflected a 9.3% increase in the diluted share count in the current year period.

Net income for the seven periods comprising the first two fiscal quarters of 2012 was $2.4 million, or $0.15 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $2.0 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, for the same period in the prior year.

Capital expenditures were $3.9 million for the first two fiscal quarters of 2012, compared to $3.5 million for the same period in the prior year.  We expect full-year capital expenditures to be approximately $14.6 million as we complete the significant remodeling of certain units during the second half of the fiscal year.

As previously announced, the Company has extended its fixed-price beef procurement contract through December 2012.  Beef prices were previously locked in through April 2012, and the extension provides for slightly lower weighted-average pricing throughout the remaining contract period.  The Company now has over 55% of its market basket of non-beverage commodities subject to fixed-price contract arrangements through at least April 2012, with beef being the single largest commodity exposure at approximately 22% of non-beverage food cost.

Headquartered in Miami, Benihana Inc. is the nation’s leading operator of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants with 96 Company-owned restaurants nationwide, including 63 Benihana restaurants, 25 RA Sushi restaurants and eight Haru restaurants.  In addition, 18 franchised Benihana restaurants are operating in the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Benihana Announces November Chef's Special

Benihana has announced the November Chef’s Special, Hibachi Steak & Chicken for Two, a five-course feast for only $45 and Hibachi Tuna Steak for One, five courses for just $21.75.

Escape the chilly days of late fall with a visit to Benihana with friends and family. Throughout the month, two guests can enjoy this Benihana teppanyaki treat of hibachi steak and chicken grilled with mushrooms and sesame seeds, Benihana onion soup, Benihana salad, hibachi shrimp appetizer, mushrooms, hibachi vegetables, homemade dipping sauces, steamed rice and Japanese hot green tea, a five-course meal for just $45 (tax and gratuity excluded). Another option this month is the sesame crusted hibachi tuna steak special for one, paired with tomato, avocado and edamame in a white balsamic sauce, Benihana onion soup, Benihana salad, hibachi shrimp appetizer, homemade dipping sauces, steamed rice and Japanese hot green tea, a five-course meal for only $21.75 (tax and gratuity excluded).

Enjoy either of the November Chef’s Specials with one of Benihana’s specialty drinks such as the Golden Plum Daiquiri or Spiced Cranberry Mojito. Or, try either special with a wine pairing – the Hibachi Steak & Chicken for Two with a glass of Don Miguel Gascon Malbec and the Hibachi Tuna Steak for One with a glass of Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio.

Both Chef’s Specials are available throughout the entire month of November. The Hibachi Steak & Chicken for Two will be offered at all Benihana restaurants in the United States with the exception of New York City, Little Rock and Hawaii. The Hibachi Tuna Steak for One will also be available at all Benihana restaurants other than Salt Lake City, New York City, Little Rock and Hawaii.

Market Force recently released a survey showing that The Cheesecake Factory is America’s favorite casual dining chain. The chain was also the top winner in last year’s survey. Over 4,500 people responded for the survey on casual dining choices.

The new Ultimate Angus Philly from Arby’s has expanded to national distribution. The sandwich was under a limited release to test it before the national release. This sandwich features thinly sliced roast beef topped with Swiss cheese, bell peppers and garlic aioli sauce.

The recent renovations made by the Fazoli’s chain has increased revenues by up to 20% in some restaurants. Changes included serving on real tableware, better menu items and improved interiors. All company owned stores have been renovated, but only 17 franchisees have.

Bojangles’ Famous Chicken ‘n Biscuits has managed to continue increasing sales and growth in the past 3 years despite rising costs. The chain enjoyed the highest rate of growth of fast food restaurants in its category. Over 500 locations are now open across the U.S., with plans for more next year.

Benihana has announced Two Chef’s Specials for the month of October. Hibachi Shrimp & Chicken for Two comes with five courses for $36, and the Hibachi Tuna Steak for One for $21.75. Both meals fit perfectly with many varieties of sake, which is brewed in Japan this month each year.

The Melting Pot is working to adapt their special fondue theme to better fit the culture of Saudi Arabia. Like many other chains trying to expand in Islamic countries, some aspects of the brand have to be adapted or dropped.

Jack Crawford has been nominated as the Chairman for the upcoming National Restaurant Association convention. He is the CEO and President of Ground Round Independent Owners Cooperative. The convention will be held from May 5 ^th to the 8^th in 2012.

A new sub has been added to the D’Angelo Grilled Sandwiches chain. The Italian Toasted features three Italian meats topped with mortadella and provolone cheese. Other Toasted Classics include the Pastrami Reuben and the Thanksgiving Toasted.

Corner Bakery Cafe is expanding in South Texas with new franchisee agreements. The agreements will develop seven locations within the next five years. The state is home to the chain and already features nearly 25 restaurants within its borders.

Panera Bread is celebrating the 10^th year of their Pink Ribbon bagel to raise money for breast cancer awareness. The sale of the bagels has raised over $1 million dollars. The bagels are full of dried cherries and cranberries to give them a natural pink color.

To celebrate the new Ice Cream Pizza from Marble Slab Creamery and MaggieMoo’s, the chains are giving away free samples on October 24^th.  Ice Cream Pizza comes in three flavors, including Chocolate Lover’s and Supreme.

Locally-owned Punxsutawney pizza store Fox’s Pizza Den raised over $31,000 for their fire department. The restaurant holds a “Pizza and Prevention” fund-raiser each year. Just the sales of the specialty pizzas raised the money that has been counted so far.

Sonic, America’s largest drive-in chain, saw a 1.8% increase in same-store sales during 2011. The chain experienced a decrease of over 7% during the 2010 fiscal year. This marks a serious improvement in the chain’s profitability and traffic.

Benihana Inc., the nation’s leading operator of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants, has announced the October Chef’s Special, Hibachi Shrimp & Chicken for Two, a five-course feast for only $36 and Hibachi Tuna Steak for One, five courses for just $21.75.

October is the official start of sake brewing season, and what better way to celebrate than a dinner out at Benihana for a sampling of the traditional Japanese “rice wine.” Throughout the month, two guests can enjoy this Benihana teppanyaki treat of hibachi shrimp and chicken grilled with mushrooms and sesame seeds, Benihana onion soup, Benihana salad, hibachi shrimp appetizer, mushrooms, hibachi vegetables, homemade dipping sauces, steamed rice and Japanese hot green tea, a five-course meal for just $36 (tax and gratuity excluded). For solo diners, the sesame crusted hibachi tuna steak special is paired with tomato, avocado and edamame in a white balsamic sauce, Benihana onion soup, Benihana salad, hibachi shrimp appetizer, homemade dipping sauces, steamed rice and Japanese hot green tea, a five-course meal for only $21.75 (tax and gratuity excluded).

Enjoy either of the October Chef’s Specials with one of Benihana’s specialty drinks such as the refreshing Classic Saketini or Strawberry Sake Caipirinha. Or, try either special with a wine pairing – the Hibachi Shrimp & Chicken for Two with a glass of La Crema Chardonnay and the Hibachi Tuna Steak for One with a more traditional sake, such as the Shimizu No Mai “Pure Dawn.”

Both Chef’s Specials are available throughout the entire month of October. The Hibachi Shrimp & Chicken for Two will be offered at all Benihana restaurants in the United States with the exception of New York City and Hawaii. The Hibachi Tuna Steak for One will also be available at all Benihana restaurants other than Salt Lake City, New York City and Hawaii.

The Cheesecake Factory has grown to be one of the country’s most successful casual dining chains. The oversized portions and simplified dishes from a wide range of cuisines have attracted a wide variety of demographics. Along the way, it became one of the nation’s most profitable restaurant chains, with annual sales of $1.6 billion.

Cracker Barrel has responded to Biglari Holdings’ announcement that the company plans to start a proxy fight. The chain says that they have tried to work out a deal with Sardar Biglari that did not involve him being part of the board of directors. He is continuing to demand that he becomes part of the committee.

It may sound like a joke, but FEMA uses the Waffle House Index to help measure damage in disaster affected areas. When the restaurants in the area are serving the full menu, the index is green. Limited menus are marked yellow and indicate the use of generators for power and dwindling food supplies. Closed locations are red and are a sign that serious damage occurred.

Cosi Inc., a premium convenience restaurant chain company, is undergoing some executive management team changes. The former CEO, James Hyatt, resigned recently to pursue another opportunity. The chairman of the board Mark Demilio will step in as the interim CEO until a suitable replacement is found.

There are two Chef’s Specials at Benihana for September, giving guests more choices. The specials include the Filet Mignon and Hibatchi Chicken for Two and the Hibachi Mango Salmon For One. Both involve five courses including salad, appetizers, and hot tea.

Six restaurants that were formally part of the George Webb chain are now joining the Griddlers Cafe brand instead. The restaurants failed to renew their franchise agreements with George Webb Corporation. The Griddlers locations will serve a variety of soups, sandwiches and a full breakfast menu.

Many thousands of homes across the Southeast have lost power due to Hurricane Irene. Diners are using the power and free wi-fi offered by many restaurants to email loved ones or charge their cell phones. Some restaurants are running out of food every night due to increased traffic. Restaurants are also keeping storm victims fed as cooking without power in the home is challenging.

Jay Justilian won the Tasti D-Lite “Healthy Habit” weight loss contest and the local Houston contest. He lost nearly 50 pounds while integrating the Tasty D-Lite frozen yogurt into his diet. Each local restaurant runs a monthly weight loss contest that awards $1000 to winner and free gift cards for the chain.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is opening another new restaurant location in Rowlett, Texas. The newest location is owned by country singer and songwriter Guy New. He’ll ensure that the restaurant offers an authentic barbeque restaurant experience to all diners. The chain now has two locations in the town.

Benihana, the nation’s leading operator of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants, has announced the August Chef’s Special, Hibachi Steak & Chicken for Two, a five-course feast for only $45 and Hibachi Mango Salmon for One, five courses for just $21.

Two guests can enjoy this Benihana teppanyaki treat of hibachi steak and chicken, Benihana onion soup, Benihana salad, hibachi shrimp appetizer, mushrooms, hibachi vegetables, homemade dipping sauces, steamed rice and Japanese hot green tea, a five-course meal for just $45 (tax and gratuity excluded). For solo diners, the hibachi mango salmon special is paired with sweet potatoes and vegetables served with a delicious Asian inspired mango salsa, Benihana onion soup, Benihana salad, hibachi shrimp appetizer, homemade dipping sauces, steamed rice and Japanese hot green tea, a five-course meal for only $21 (tax and gratuity excluded).

Enjoy either of the August Chef’s Specials with one of Benihana’s specialty drinks such as the refreshing Coconut Mojito or Tokyo Peach. Or, try the Hibachi Steak & Chicken for Two paired with a glass of Estancia Pinot Noir.

Both Chef’s Specials are available throughout the entire month of August. The Hibachi Steak & Chicken for Two will be offered at all Benihana restaurants in the United States with the exception of Little Rock and Hawaii. The Hibachi Mango Salmon for One is available in select locations only. Please contact your local Benihana for details.

A new opening of a Five Guys Burgers and Fries causes visitors to line up for hours just for a taste. Other “better fast food” chains like Panera Bread and Chipotle Mexican Grill are stealing more traffic from casual restaurants like Applebee’s than from fast food giants. Customers are enjoying the combination of low prices, fast service and fresh ingredients.

Americans may be used to picking up nothing but a burger and fries at their favorite fast food joints, but beer and wine may soon be available too. Burger King locations in large towns like Las Vegas and Miami are now testing a “Whopper Bar” concept. Two South Florida Sonic restaurants will be adding alcohol to their menu as well.

Darden Restaurants, the parent company behind Olive Garden, is increasing the value priced menu offerings of the popular Italian food chain. Recent research demonstrated that the chain could capture more of the households with an annual income of under $60,000 by offering lower priced meals. They’re planning to maintain the same profit margins even with new menu items.

The founder of the Phillips Seafood Restaurants chain, Brice R. Phillips, has passed away at age 90. With the help of his wife Shirley he was able to open Phillips Crab House in 1956. The small restaurant grew into a chain of 19 locations and a line of retail seafood products. Their flagship store also constantly ranked highly in the top 100 highest grossing independently owned restaurants.

Two restaurants from Muskegon, Michigan have been featured on the Food Network’s new show “Outrageous Food”. Bernie O’s Pizza and Papa Bear’s Restaurant have both enjoyed increased business from the positive publicity. Customers traveled from neighboring states to try the incredibly hot Firebird pizza or the massive stuffed hash browns known as the Grizzly.

The Cheesecake Factory has announced that July is now National Cheesecake History Month. The restaurant’s Facebook page will share interesting stories and facts about the development of the famous dessert. The end of the month culminates with the National Cheesecake Day Celebration and the new Hershey’s Chocolate Bar Cheesecake.

Dairy Queen’s newest ad campaign features a commercial with Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton in a pinata. The commercial is part of the new “So Good It’s RIDQulous” concept. A DQ manager hits the pinata and Mary Lou Retton comes tumbling out of it. Retton was chosen for her iconic status and for being a Gen-X mother of four.

Benihana, America’s largest and most popular Japanese steakhouse chain, has announced the monthly Chef’s Special for July. Hibachi Shrimp & Chicken for Two will be available at the discounted price of $36. The meal includes five courses and drinks. Classic Benihana sides like onion soup, Benihana salad and hot green tea is all included.

The Wienerschnitzel chain turns 50 this summer just in time for National Hot Dog Month. The company is starting a “Chili Dog Days of Summer” promotion by sending the Wiener Wagon out to give away 5,000 free chili dogs. The truck will make 20 stops across Southern California in areas like Los Angeles and San Diego.

Pizza Inn is expanding in the Midwest again. The newest location for the chain opened in Springdale, Arkansas in a larger travel center. The location cooks full sized pizzas from scratch despite being part of the convenience store. The chain is now in three states including Arkansas, Tennessee and Alabama.

Benihana Inc., the nation’s leading operator of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants, has announced the July Chef’s Special, Hibachi Shrimp & Chicken for Two, a five-course feast for only $36.

During the hot days of July, take a break from the kitchen and treat the family to a delicious dinner out. Two guests can enjoy this Benihana teppanyaki treat of hibachi shrimp and chicken, Benihana onion soup, Benihana salad, hibachi shrimp appetizer, mushrooms, hibachi vegetables, homemade dipping sauces, steamed rice and Japanese hot green tea, a five-course meal for just $36 (tax and gratuity excluded).

Enjoy the July Chef’s Special with a glass of Coppola ‘Bianco’ Pinot Grigio, or one of Benihana’s specialty drinks such as the Yuzu Margarita or Passion Colada.

This Chef’s Special is available throughout the entire month of July and at all Benihana restaurants in the United States except Hawaii.

For more information about the July Chef’s Special or to find a Benihana location, visit www.benihana.com.

Headquartered in Miami, Benihana Inc. is the nation’s leading operator of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants with 96 restaurants nationwide, including 63 Benihana restaurants, eight Haru sushi restaurants, and 25 RA Sushi restaurants. In addition, 20 franchised Benihana restaurants are operating in the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Denny’s recently added new healthy and low calorie options to their menu of classic breakfast and brunch foods. The new Fit Fare meals focus on high protein and fiber combined with lower calorie counts and less fat. The Fit Slam offers a great alternative meal with turkey bacon and scrambled egg whites for a meal with less than 550 calories.

Specialty burger shops that focus on high quality meat or gourmet toppings sprung up as an alternative to fast food chains. However, the market for better burgers is slowly becoming saturated as new chains open each week. These chains do offer small differences and specialties, but most of them are competing directly with each other as well as with giants like Burger King.

Rocky Aoki, the founder who built the Benihana restaurant chain after arriving in the country at 19, found great success as an immigrant business owner. Sabah Liddawyeh also entered the country as a young bride, but after her marriage ended and a college education she found success as the general manager of the Benihana in Milwaukee.

Unger Enterprises already sells cleaning products and equipment used for cleaning restaurant windows, but now they’ve developed new tools specifically for restaurant cleaning. A new oven hood cleaning system makes the chore much easier, and the griddle cleaning kits ensure all employees leave the griddles spotless at the end of a shift.

Any restaurant, whether it is a tiny individual location or part of a massive chain, can utilize social media as an effective marketing tool. Building a community of guests on a platform like Facebook makes people feel connected. Follow this up by listening to what your customers are saying, then offer special contests and promotions to keep people interested.

Food trucks have already become an important part of the culinary scenes of large metros like New York and Los Angeles, but smaller cities are now seeing a rise in them as well. Louisville is embracing the food truck concept quickly. Converted trucks and vans like the Morels mobile food service deliver top quality foods to customers all across the city.

Abuelo’s Mexican restaurants already offers top quality wood-grilled fajitas, but now they’re being improved just in time for summer. New meat options, fresher vegetables and a greater amount of customization will help customers enjoy their fajita meal even more. Limited time fajita options like Fajitas Pescado are available from now until August 8^th.

Nello Cucina, the award winning Italian restaurant in Costa Mesa, is releasing their annual summer menu as summer officially begins. New summer dishes will include Tagliata di Manzo and Farfalle al Salmone Affumicato. A line of light sandwiches, wraps and salads is being added as well for lunch or as an alternative to a full dinner.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit continues to be the country’s largest barbecue chain because of its strong commitment to expansion. As part of this the chain will soon be opening another restaurant in Allentown, Pennsylvania. This is the town’s first location and is being opened by new franchisee owners Tony Trinchere and his wife Renee.

Cracker Barrel has added a new member to their Board of Directors. Coleman Peterson was elected by the other directors and brings the total number of board members to 10. He’s served as the vice president of human resources for Walmart and joins Cracker Barrel after his retirement from the company.

The path to the American dream is often through a restaurant kitchen. That is certainly true at the downtown Milwaukee outpost of the Benihana Japanese steakhouse chain.

Rocky Aoki came to this country from Japan at 19 to go to school, and he supported himself selling ice cream out of a truck in Harlem while studying restaurant management at New York City Community College.

Within four years of arriving in the U.S., Aoki used $10,000 he had saved to open the first Benihana restaurant — the name means red flower in Japanese — in mid-town Manhattan in 1964. It had only four tables, and when business soared after a positive review in the old New York Herald-Tribune, the young restaurateur opened a second location in the Big Apple.

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Websites offering a one-day-only deep discount on local dining are actually helping restaurants attract new customers. Research by Technomic shows that a majority of diners who used discount sites returned later and paid full price. They also were likely to recommend the restaurant to family members or write a review on a social media website.

Whataburger has put together a beautiful and informative book detailing the history of the company just in time for Father’s Day. The Whataburger Story is a hardback photo book perfect for keeping on the coffee table. It features exclusive interviews, photographs and stories from the people who were most involved in the founding of the iconic hamburger chain.

The new Fastest Growing Restaurant Operators Report from Chain Store Guide has been released for 2011. This report focuses on the fastest growing larger chains that currently have at least 50 locations. Growth was measured over a three year span to prevent fast but unstable growth from skewing the results. Affordable luxury dining topped the list.

Domino’s, a pizza chain that managed to resurrect itself after a slow decline, hopes that by the fall of this year international store sales will be higher than U.S. based sales. The chain has almost the same amount of locations both inside and outside the country. However, some countries like China are still presenting difficulties for the brand.

Saladworks, America’s fastest growing fresh salad chain, announced the signing of a new agreement to develop three new locations in the Boston area. The new restaurants will open over the next three years. Tien Tien Lai will be the franchisee for all three. The Saladworks chain currently operates 100 locations with plans for many more to open over the next year.

Burger King and Pizza Hut may not directly compete in the same part of the restaurant industry, but they’ve committed to a new competition. The basketball finals have found Miami and Dallas facing off. BK is based in Miami, and Pizza Hut in Dallas. The CEO of the losing company will spend a day working at a restaurant from the opposing chain.

T.G.I.Friday’s wants you to visit and enjoy their new craft beer menu this summer. To encourage beer lovers the restaurant chain has created the Buy Your Friend a Beer application for Facebook. Users over 21 can buying up to 5 beers for any friend at $5 a piece, regardless of location. The coupons are delivered through Facebook to the recipient.

Baskin-Robbins may be well known for delicious ice cream in the United States, but they just opened their first Singapore location. This marks the 4,000^th location outside the country for the chain. Singapore is the 48^th country to host a Baskin-Robbins store. Executives from the country celebrated the milestone at the grand opening of the store.

A new pizza restaurant is coming to Rogers, Arkansas. Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers will be opening their newest location on June 13^th. The restaurant will be open 7 days a week and offers a beer list with 70 different options, including 30 beers on draft. Mellow Mushroom’s menu features a broad variety of pizzas, salads and sandwiches.

Benihana Inc. has released the fiscal reports for the last quarter of the 2011 fiscal year. The chain saw great improvement in comparable restaurant sales with a rise of 5.6%. Total revenue rose to $81.8 million for the entire fiscal year. Net income was slightly lower than last year, with $0.5 million during 2011 compared to $1.7 million last year.

 Sizzler, one of America’s first fast casual dining chains, is being purchased from the Australian based Pacific Equity Partners by Sizzler USA. This will bring all of the Sizzler locations in the United States under control of a U.S. based company. Pacific Equity Partners will retain the rights to all international locations.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries was only founded in 1986, but despite little effort through advertising to attract customers, they’ve developed a nearly cult following. Franchising began in 2002 and since then the chain has grown to over 800 stores. 300 new locations are planned to open by the end of this year, and another 1200 are currently in development in the U.S. or Canada.

The CEO of the Texas Roadhouse chain, GJ Hart, has announced that the chain has noted an expanding demographic in their customers and plans to target guests with higher income levels. He made this statement at the InvestKentucky Equity Conference. The chain used to appeal primarily to middle class workers, especially those in blue collar industries.

A steady push for new growth and careful menu pricing kept chains like Buffalo Wild Wings and Panera Bread booming through the recent recession problems. However, success in the restaurant industry is going to continue to be more challenging as gas prices rise higher and unemployment does as well. Many young adults, the primary diners at fast food chains, have seen a dip in income recently.

Smashburger, the chain famous for fresh beef hamburgers smashed on the grill, is coming to Charlotte, North Carolina. The first Smashburger location for the city will open on June 20^th. Four more locations are currently in development. The location will feature unique North Carolina inspired items like Brunswick Stew and a Banana Pudding Milkshake.

Freebirds World Burrito is opening its 50^th location on June 15^th in Ventura, California. Freebirds began in nearby Santa Barbara, but quickly spread through the state. The chain specializes in custom burritos and salads made with a variety of international flavors. The new restaurant will team up with local charities to raise money and promote awareness.

Nathan’s Famous may have begun as a humble hot dog stand in Coney Island, but the Long Island based company is now making plans for international expansion. The company began development in China earlier this year and is working on new agreements in Canada. Nathan’s is already available in 5 other countries and 26 states.

The expansion plans of the Dickey’s Barbecue Pit brand has paid off and the company is celebrating the grand opening of three new locations in Missouri. Ballwin, Valley Park and Olivette are all home to new Dickey’s restaurants. All three restaurants opened on June 10^th with raffles, giveaways and $1 barbeque sandwiches.

Benihana first developed their “Be the Chef” program to help guests learn the intricacies of fine Japanese cooking. However, the package was only available at limited times. Now the chain has announced that they will offer the program year round for anyone who is interested in learning from a real hibachi chef. The guest will receive private training, then will cook their own teppanyaki meal for friends or family.

To embrace the push for healthier dining options for children, Jack in the Box has added Chiquita Apple Bites as a side option. This side is available with all children’s combos for no extra cost. The bites are accompanied by a caramel dipping sauce. The fresh fruit and dip has only 70 calories and provides children with a full serving of fruit.

Benihana Inc., operator of the nation’s largest chain of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants, today reported results for its 12-week fiscal fourth quarter and full year ended March 27, 2011.

Richard C. Stockinger, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Benihana Inc., said, “We are very proud of Benihana’s dramatic turnaround.  Company-wide, unit level performance significantly improved from a year ago, and we generated a large, positive swing in net income despite major non-recurring expenses.  Our outstanding top-line performance, our disciplined restaurant operations, our strong balance sheet and our highly attractive dining categories make us very excited about Benihana’s opportunity to drive further growth in profitability and reach more customers in both existing and new markets.”

Highlights for the Company’s 12-week fiscal fourth quarter 2011 relative to the 12-week fiscal fourth quarter 2010 include:

• Company-wide comparable restaurant sales increased by 5.6%, led by the flagship Benihana teppanyaki concept, which saw 7.6% comparable restaurant sales growth;
• Total revenues increased 5.1% to $81.8 million from $77.8 million;
• Total restaurant sales increased 5.2% to $81.4 million from $77.4 million; and
• Net income was $0.5 million, or $0.02 per basic and diluted common share, compared to net income of $1.7 million, or $0.09 per basic and diluted common share.

Highlights for the Company’s 52-week full year 2011 relative to the 52-week full year 2010 include:

• Company-wide comparable restaurant sales increased by 4.2%, led by Benihana teppanyaki, which saw 6.3% comparable restaurant sales growth;
• Total revenues increased 4.5%, or $14.1 million, to $327.6 million, the Company’s 19^th consecutive year of total revenue growth;
• Total restaurant sales increased 4.5%, or $14.1 million, to $325.9 million;
• Income from operations of $2.0 million compared to a loss of $7.7 million, representing an increase of $9.7 million
• Net income was $1.3 million compared to a net loss of $8.9 million, representing an increase of $10.2 million;
• Earnings per basic and diluted common share of $0.02 compared to a loss of $0.65 per basic and diluted common share;
• Completed an amended and restated credit agreement that provides us with continued access to our existing secured revolving credit facility through February 10, 2014, with an initial aggregate principal amount of $30 million and an option to increase the principal amount by $5 million to $35 million, subject to certain conditions (this facility had no borrowings as of June 7, 2011); and
• Additionally, key operational accomplishments during fiscal 2011 included:
  • significantly growing the Benihana brand’s loyalty programs;
  • filling general manager positions at all of the Company’s units and placing experienced regional managers in each of Benihana teppanyaki’s ten geographic regions;
  • continued addressing deferred maintenance;
  • improving unit level controls over labor and cost of sales;
  • significantly improving mystery shopper scores and reducing guest complaints; and
  • improving health and sanitation scores.

Mr. Stockinger continued, “Our company-wide comparable restaurant sales growth, both in the most recent quarter and for the full fiscal year, was outstanding and speaks volumes as to the strength of our brands and, in particular, the success of the Renewal Program for our Benihana teppanyaki restaurants.  The Benihana concept is delivering guests a consistently high quality dining experience built on premium food and beverages, higher service standards and an authentic and contemporary environment.  We are building on our traffic growth through continued marketing and promotional efforts to drive brand awareness. The Chef’s Table program, which builds brand loyalty through value-based promotions (including communicating our monthly Chef’s Special offer), now has approximately 1.8 million members.  With certificates valid only Monday through Thursday, The Chef’s Table is also growing our non-weekend traffic.  Kabuki Kids, a value-based promotion aimed at children, has approximately 200,000 participants and is helping to bring more and more family groups to Benihana.

“With strong restaurant-level managers in place Company-wide, and experienced regional managers at Benihana teppanyaki, our disciplined operating model has allowed us to harness our top-line growth to generate operating leverage and better bottom-line results,” Mr. Stockinger continued.  ”Our unit level controls now include an improved labor scheduling process to better control restaurant operating expense, along with a suite of tools and processes for optimizing food and beverage costs, such as weekly physical inventory, par stock levels, managed order guides and greater economies of scale as a result of reducing Company-wide SKUs from 8,240 to approximately 725.  Accordingly, for the year we were able to hold food and beverage costs virtually flat as a percentage of sales, despite commodity pricing pressures, while sharply reducing restaurant operating expenses by 260 basis points Company-wide and 370 basis points at Benihana teppanyaki.”

Mr. Stockinger continued, “Our improved operating model and profitability enabled us to eliminate to date all of our outstanding borrowings and increase our financial flexibility.  In light of the attractive growth characteristics of the full service Asian and sushi dining categories, we are looking for potential new locations using what we have learned from the Renewal Program and an expansive proprietary consumer survey that we recently completed.

“Looking ahead, we believe there are attractive opportunities for Benihana to further enhance shareholder value by continuing to execute our Renewal Program and introducing new initiatives under development at RA Sushi and Haru to heighten brand awareness and drive traffic growth.  The significant improvements we have delivered to Benihana’s customers have put us in a strong position to continue delivering value to our shareholders. That is our overriding objective, and all our efforts are focused on that goal,” Mr. Stockinger concluded.  

Fiscal Fourth Quarter 2011 Results

For the fiscal fourth quarter of 2011, total revenues increased approximately 5.1% to $81.8 million, compared to $77.8 million in the fiscal fourth quarter of 2010.  Total restaurant sales increased 5.2% to $81.4 million in the fiscal fourth quarter of 2011 compared to $77.4 million in the same period in fiscal 2010.

Company-wide comparable restaurant sales increased 5.6%, including increases of 7.6% at Benihana teppanyaki and 3.4% at RA Sushi and a decrease of 2.7% at Haru.  During the period, Benihana teppanyaki represented approximately 68% of consolidated restaurant sales, while RA Sushi and Haru accounted for 23% and 9% of consolidated restaurant sales respectively. There were a total of 1,164 store-operating weeks in the fiscal fourth quarter of 2011 compared to a total of 1,174 store-operating weeks in the fiscal fourth quarter of 2010.

Franchise fees and royalties were essentially flat during fourth quarter of fiscal year 2011 as compared to the same period a year ago.

Cost of food and beverage sales for the fiscal fourth quarter of 2011 totaled $20.1 million, or 24.7% of restaurant sales, compared to $18.8 million, or 24.3% of restaurant sales, in the same period last year.  The increase in cost as a percentage of sales was primarily due to rising commodity costs.

As a result of improved labor management, restaurant operating expenses for the fiscal fourth quarter of 2011 totaled $50.3 million, or 61.8% of sales compared to $48.6 million, or 62.8% of sales, in the same period last year.

As a result of a $2.2 million increase in stock-based compensation for restricted shares granted, general and administrative expenses for the fiscal fourth quarter of 2011 totaled $9.8 million, or 12.0% of sales, compared to $7.5 million, or 9.8% of sales, in the same period last year.

Due primarily to the above-referenced increase in stock-based compensation, income from operations for the fiscal fourth quarter of 2011 was $1.6 million compared to $2.9 million a year ago.

Net income for the fiscal fourth quarter of 2011 was $0.5 million, or $0.02 per basic and diluted share, compared to net income of $1.7 million, or $0.09 per basic and diluted share, in the same quarter of 2010.  The decrease in net income was primarily attributable to higher stock-based compensation, partially offset by lower borrowing costs.

Full Year 2011 Results

Total revenues for the 52-week fiscal year 2011 increased 4.5%, or $14.1 million, to $327.6 million compared to $313.5 million in the 52-week fiscal year 2010.

Fiscal year 2011 was Benihana’s nineteenth consecutive year with total sales increases.  Total restaurant sales increased 4.5%, or $14.1 million, to $325.9 million from $311.8 million.  Company-wide comparable restaurant sales increased by 4.2%, including an increase of 6.3% at Benihana teppanyaki, an increase of 0.3% at RA Sushi, and a decrease of 0.4% at Haru. Benihana teppanyaki represented approximately 67% of consolidated restaurant sales, while RA Sushi and Haru accounted for 23% and 10% of consolidated restaurant sales respectively. There were a total of 5,034 store-operating weeks in fiscal 2011 compared to a total of 5,060 store-operating weeks in the prior year.

Franchise fees and royalties were flat during fiscal year 2011 as compared to fiscal year 2010.

The cost of food and beverage sales for fiscal 2011 increased 0.5% as a percentage of restaurant sales, as compared to the prior fiscal year, primarily due to rising commodity costs.

Restaurant operating expenses decreased 2.6% as a percentage of restaurant sales during fiscal year 2011 as compared to fiscal year 2010.  At Benihana teppanyaki, restaurant operating expenses decreased 3.7% as a percent of revenue. The decrease is primarily the result of enhanced labor management, improving expenses by 2.4% of sales.  At RA Sushi, restaurant operating expenses decreased 1.4% as a percent of restaurant sales when compared to the prior year, with half of the improvement due to more effective labor management.  At Haru, restaurant operating expenses increased 1.2% as a percent of restaurant sales as a result of an increase in utilities costs.

General and administrative costs increased $11.7 million, or 3.3% as a percentage of sales, in fiscal year 2011 as compared to the prior fiscal year, which included approximately $10.8 million in non-recurring expenses associated with, among other things, consulting agreements, severance costs, costs related to the proxy contest, and costs related to the process to explore strategic alternatives for the Company.  

Income from operations was $2.0 million compared to a loss from operations of $7.7 million in the prior fiscal year.  Fiscal 2010 included $12.3 million in impairment charges.

Net income increased by $10.2 million, resulting in net income of $1.3 million compared to a net loss of $8.9 million in fiscal year 2010.  Earnings per basic and diluted common share were $0.02 compared to a loss per basic and diluted common share of $0.65 for the prior year.

The above discussion contains certain non-GAAP financial measures as defined under SEC rules, such as net (loss) income and diluted (loss) earnings per share, adjusted in each case to exclude certain items disclosed above. The Company believes that each of the foregoing non-GAAP financial measures improves the transparency of the Company’s disclosure, provides a meaningful presentation of the Company’s results from its ongoing operations excluding the impact of items not related to the Company’s ongoing operations, and improves the period-to-period comparability of the Company’s results from its ongoing operations.

About Benihana

Headquartered in Miami, Benihana Inc. (NASDAQ GS: BNHN, BNHNA) is the nation’s leading operator of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants with 96 restaurants nationwide, including 63 Benihana restaurants, eight Haru sushi restaurants, and 25 RA Sushi restaurants. In addition, 20 franchised Benihana restaurants are operating in the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Benihana Inc., the nation’s leading operator of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants, today announced that it has made its popular “Be the Chef” experiential cooking package available to consumers year round.  Perfect for Father’s Day or a graduation gift, the Benihana “Be the Chef” program provides consumers with the opportunity to train alongside a Benihana chef and then prepare an authentic Japanese teppanyaki meal for their guests.

The “Be the Chef” package begins with a private, one-on-one training session with a Benihana chef to learn the essential skills needed to cook behind a teppan grill.  On a separate weekday after training, the gift recipient prepares a full Benihana meal for their friends and family.  In addition to the private training lesson and cooking performance, the package also includes a Benihana hat, Benihana apron, complimentary souvenir photo of the performance and a Master Chef Diploma from Benihana.

“Benihana is renowned not only for its delicious food, but for the entertaining dining experience.  We are delighted to provide our guests with the unique opportunity to actually cook behind the teppan grill, and learn directly from our talented chefs,” said Richard C. Stockinger, president and chief executive officer of Benihana.

Included in the package is the Benihana Splash ‘n Meadow dinner, which features hibachi steak and shrimp, vegetable fried rice, Benihana onion soup, Benihana salad, hibachi vegetables, homemade dipping sauces, Haagen-Dazs ice cream and Japanese hot green tea.  Now available year round, the basic “Be the Chef” package costs $140* for four people.  Additional guests can be added for only $35 per person, and Benihana is offering a special price of $250 for eight guests.

For more information about “Be the Chef” or to find a Benihana location, visit www.benihana.com

*pricing is subject to change.

Restaurants around the country are embracing the popularity of salads to make 2011 the Summer of Salads. As customers have become more health conscious and interested in alternatives to burgers or pizza, many fast food and casual restaurants alike are adding new menu items. Wendy’s, McDonald’s and others have added new limited time salads to their summer menus.

The price of coffee is about to shoot up as the cost of growing the beans skyrockets. Large distributors like J.M. Smucker, responsible for brands like Dunkin’ Donuts and Folgers, announced it will raise prices by 11%. Starbucks is raising the cost for beans and ground coffee by 17%. The commodities price of a pound of unroasted coffee has gone up nearly 92% over the last year.

Red Robin wasn’t looking very well to investors about a year ago, but after nine months with a new CEO confidence is once again building in the company. Profits have risen and costs sunk after Steve Carley took the helm. The chain is now much fitter and leaner after three consecutive years of falling profits and falling stock value.

Lettuce Entertain You is turning 40 this week, and the 80 American locations plan to mark the celebration in style. Rich Melman, the CEO of the chain, received the James Beard Award a month ago as well. Lettuce Entertain You started as a restaurant known as RJ Grunts in Chicago, which is still open. Melman has also opened scores of popular restaurants like Maggiano’s and Shaw’s Crab House.

Some of the biggest names in the restaurant industry are integrating new technology to speed up the serving process and cut down on errors. This includes texting systems to notify customers when their table is ready. Customers can’t leave with an expensive restaurant pager and they’re no longer confined to the lobby or bar of the restaurant as they wait.

Pizza Inn already has the fresh pizza concept down, but now they are expanding into the fast casual market. The Pie Five Pizza Co. brand launched recently in Fort Worth, Texas. The restaurant combines fresh baked, custom topping pizzas that are ready in under 5 minutes. The prototype is a small 60 seat location with a shiny industrial styled interior.

Jon Basso’s Heart Attack Grill may be in need of some CPR.  The controversial burger concept is closing temporarily after clashes with the city over the exterior paint color, but he says that it will reopen shortly. He is considering moving the restaurant, which has generated plenty of buzz for its wait staff dressed as nurses and purposely unhealthy menu, to a more welcoming city. The Grill is painted white, but it is located in a nearly vacant tan shopping center.

Rocky Aoki founded the Benihana chain, but his widow is now suing the company for allegedly making false statements and defamation. This new development comes in reaction to the suit filed against her last month by the current Board of Directors of Benihana. That suit claimed that the widow Keiko Aoki was purposely trying to lower the stock value by making claims that she deserved to run the company.

Fazoli’s offers you an inexpensive way to explore Italy’s cuisine with their new Tour of Taste promotion. Five new entrees have been added to help guests explore the unique tastes of Naples, Sicily, Rome, Tuscany and Campania. Guests who order a large drink can win instant prizes, while anyone who orders a Tour of Taste entree can enter a sweepstakes to win a trip to Italy.

Frisch’s has made their 202^nd consecutive quarterly dividend repayment. The latest repayment comes in the form of $.15. The company continues to report a profit, as it has since it first sold stock in 1960. It has also paid cash back to its shareholders and investors every single quarter since going public. The company operates the Big Boy brand and owns some Golden Corral restaurants.

The KFC restaurants located in Canada will soon be under new management. The Soul Restaurants Canada company will take responsibility for 204 KFC restaurants in Canada, with the majority of these locations in British Columbia and Ontario. The company has already managed locations in the UK for over 30 years.

Dolores Onate, the owner of two Mexican restaurants in Decatur, Illinois, was found guilty of violating labor laws by refusing to pay her employees properly for overtime. She also required employees to endorse their paychecks to the restaurant so she could take back part of their pay, making their hourly wage below minimum standards. She has been ordered to pay $1.15 million in backpay and damages.

Smashburger, one of the country’s fastest growing burger chains, is kicking off a new summer celebration with a focus on the Classic Smashburger. The “Why I Love the Classic Smashburger” video contest invites Facebook fans to send in their entries until June 24^th. The grand prize winner will receive free Smashburgers for a year. Fans who vote will also have a chance to win prizes.

Noodles & Company is adding two new salads that combine all of the fresh flavors of the season into one bowl. The Backyard Barbeque Chicken salad begins with a bed of mixed greens topped with fresh corn, pulled chicken breast and a smoky dressing. The Very Berry Spinach Salad offers bacon, strawberries, blue cheese and a balsamic fig dressing.

Benihana wants guests to come and have a fine dining experience at an affordable price. They’ve put their popular five course Filet Mignon and Chicken for Two at the bargain price of $46 for the month of June. This meal is great for any of the many holidays in June, including Father’s Day and Graduation. The meal includes appetizers, entrees, sides and drinks for two diners.

Del Frisco’s is making some very important promotions. Chef Thomas Dritsas has been moved to the newly created Vice President, Corporate Executive Chef position to oversee the culinary preparations of all restaurants in the chain. Bill Martens is now the Vice President, Corporate Executive Chef that works to manage assets and oversee the development of new restaurants.

Thomas Emmons learned discipline and the value of hard work during his time in the Marines, and now he’s using those skills to open a new Dickey’s Barbecue Pit location. His new restaurant will be the first for the chain in Mesa, Arizona. Emmons enlisted the help of his mother in opening the new business. He first experienced the Dickey’s brand while living in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Moe’s Southwest Grill is offering everyone a chance at winning $10,000 in their new “Dance Your Queso Off” contest. Dance videos under 30 seconds in length can be submitted through the ILoveQueso.com website until July 24^th. The judges from Moe’s will pick the most inspiring and original one and award the dancer with the grand prize.

Pollo Campero is opening their first San Francisco location now that the local zoning commission has approved their request. The new restaurant will open by the end of this year in the Mission District. The South American chain first arrived in America in 2002. Primary locations were built in Los Angeles, but it took popular demand to bring the chain to the Bay Area.

On June 11^th guests to Jack’s Bar and Grill in Lincoln Park will get to enjoy a fun Jimmy Buffet inspired Margaritaville celebration. Drink specials include $5 Patron shots, $5 Margaritas and $3 Coronas. A Mexican themed buffet will also be available and the bar will be decorated in a tropical theme to match.

The widow of Benihana founder Rocky Aoki filed a countersuit Thursday against the restaurant chain for defamation and making false statements.

The suit filed in U.S. District Court in Delaware by Aoki’s widow Keiko Ono Aoki and Benihana of Tokyo, the family-owned trust that she controls, is a reaction to litigation filed last month by the company.

The company’s suit filed last month in Miami-Dade Circuit Court accused Keiko Aoki, Benihana of Tokyo and others of disparaging the company in an attempt to dilute its value, discourage a sale and raise questions about the ownership of the Benihana trademarks.

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Benihana Inc.,the nation’s leading operator of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants, has announced the June Chef’s Special, Filet Mignon and Chicken for Two, a five-course feast for only $46.

The month of June is jam-packed with celebratory occasions for family and friends. From Father’s Day to graduation, Benihana is the perfect location to enjoy a special day. During the month of June, two guests can enjoy this Benihana teppanyaki treat of filet mignon and chicken, Benihana onion soup, Benihana salad, hibachi shrimp appetizer, mushrooms, hibachi vegetables, homemade dipping sauces, steamed rice and Japanese hot green tea, a five-course meal for just $46 (tax and gratuity excluded).

Enjoy the June Chef’s Special with a glass of Tangley Oaks Merlot, or one of Benihana’s specialty drinks such as the Tokyo Wild Tea or Coconut Saketini.

This Chef’s Special is available throughout the entire month of June and at all Benihana restaurants in the United States except Las Vegas and Hawaii.

For more information about the June Chef’s Special or to find a Benihana location, visit www.benihana.com.

Headquartered in Miami, Benihana Inc. is the nation’s leading operator of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants with 96 restaurants nationwide, including 63 Benihana restaurants, eight Haru sushi restaurants, and 25 RA Sushi restaurants. In addition, 20 franchised Benihana restaurants are operating in the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Benihana Inc. (“Benihana”), operator of the nation’s largest chain of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants, has announced that it, together with its affiliates Benihana National Corp. and Noodle Time (collectively “the Plaintiffs”), has filed a complaint against Benihana of Tokyo, Inc. (“BOT”), Keiko Aoki, and Takanori Yoshimoto (collectively “the Defendants”) in the Circuit Court of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit in and for Miami-Dade County, Florida.

According to the Complaint, Aoki, motivated by a desire to perpetuate her position of control over BOT and influence over Benihana, directed BOT and Yoshimoto to engage in actions damaging to all Benihana stockholders, including BOT’s other beneficiaries. The Complaint details the Defendants’ breach of contract, civil conspiracy, injury to business reputation, violation of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, tortious interference, and unfair competition arising out of the Defendants’ deceptive, unfair and unlawful conduct relating to their disparagement of the Plaintiffs.  Through these actions, the Defendants have deliberately attempted to dilute the value of Benihana and deceive the public into believing that the title to the BENIHANA® Trademarks is in question when it is not, according to the Complaint.

Benihana said that it has pursued this litigation in order to protect the interests of all its shareholders from the Defendants’ alleged self-serving actions and agenda.

Headquartered in Miami, Benihana Inc. (NASDAQ GS: BNHN, BNHNA) is the nation’s leading operator of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants with 96 restaurants nationwide, including 63 Benihana restaurants, eight Haru sushi restaurants, and 25 RA Sushi restaurants. In addition, 20 franchised Benihana restaurants are operating in the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Despite owning 12 restaurants and producing over 2000 episodes of his show for food network, celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse was still surprised by the equipment and practices of the kitchens he visits in the upcoming show “The Originals”. The chef will tour some of the most historical American eateries, including the Peter Luger Steakhouse and the Grand Central Oyster Bar.

Del Taco is adding two new crispy chicken offerings to their national menus. The Big Fat Crispy Chicken Taco includes a fresh breaded chicken tender, lettuce and tomatoes, grated cheese and your choice of a bacon ranch or creamy chipotle sauce. A Crispy Chicken burrito will also be added this week including the same sauce choices and two chicken tenders.

The new sirloin steak items Panera Bread is adding it to its chain menu this week have been in development for over two years. Options include the Steak & Egg Breakfast Sandwich, the Steak & White Cheddar Panini and a Steak & Bleu Cheese Salad. Only top quality sirloin steak cuts go into these items, and the meat is complemented with the best cheeses, toppings and lettuce.

Jamba Juice has expanded into its 24^th state in the country, making it present in nearly half of all states. The new franchise location was opened in Orange, Connecticut. Operator David Katz is new to the chain, but is a graduate of the Center for Culinary Arts and is an accomplished business owner with years of experience in the restaurant industry.

Fazoli’s wants to recognize mothers year round, not just on Mother’s Day, so each regional market will award the Mother of the Year award to one lucky customer. The chosen mothers will be entitled to a year’s worth of free meals at Fazoli’s. Anyone can nominate their favorite mother through the company’s Facebook page.

America’s favorite Japanese themed restaurant chain, Benihana, is offering a new May special. The Hibachi Steak for Two meal involves five courses to feed two for just $40. Appetizers, salad, soup and hibachi grilled steak are all included in this meal. This special will not be available on Mother’s Day, and will return to its normal price when June begins.

Tulsa will be home to the next Dickey’s Barbeque Pit as the 70 year old chain continues to grow. While the company only operates 147 stores, 35% of their growth has occurred in the last 2 years. The Tulsa location is operated by Mark Woeppel.

Dunkin’ Donuts new advertising campaign will include four Boston Red Sox players and the team manager. The commercials and ads will combine two New England favorites – the Red Sox and Dunkin’ Donuts Iced Coffee. Featured players include David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia and Adrian Gonzalez.

Country music star Randy Travis is the newest musician to sign with the Cracker Barrel Music Program. The program exclusively distributes the releases of a variety of country and Christian musicians through their nationwide general store locations. Randy Travis’ new CD is self titled and part of the proceeds of each sale will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Benihana Inc., the nation’s leading operator of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants, has announced the May Chef’s Special, Hibachi Steak for Two, a five-course feast for only $40.

During the month of May, excluding Mother’s Day on May 8, two guests can enjoy this Benihana teppanyaki treat of hibachi steak, Benihana onion soup, Benihana salad, hibachi shrimp appetizer, mushrooms, hibachi vegetables, homemade dipping sauces, steamed rice and Japanese hot green tea, a five-course meal for just $40 (tax and gratuity excluded).

Enjoy the May Chef’s Special with a glass of Don Miguel Gascon Malbec, or one of Benihana’s specialty drinks such as the Blossoming Bellini or Strawberry Saketini.

This Chef’s Special is available throughout the entire month of May, excluding Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 8 and at all Benihana restaurants in the United States except Las Vegas, Little Rock and Hawaii.

For more information about the May Chef’s Special or to find a Benihana location, visit www.benihana.com.

Headquartered in Miami, Benihana Inc. is the nation’s leading operator of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants with 97 restaurants nationwide, including 63 Benihana restaurants, nine Haru sushi restaurants, and 25 RA Sushi restaurants. In addition, 20 franchised Benihana restaurants are operating in the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean.