Benihana was founded by a Japanese entrepreneur, Rocky H. Aoki, in 1964 in New York City. It is one of the leading Japanese-style steakhouses and maintains several locations throughout the United States, Asia, Australia and Europe. Benihana operates more than 60 Benihana teppanyaki, over 20 RA Sushi and nearly five Haru Sushi restaurants. The chain manages a staff of approximately 5,000 employees worldwide. Its restaurants feature teppanyaki tables, theatrical lighting, organic textures, and darkened ceilings and floors. Benihana s restaurants serve a variety of Japanese dishes, such as sushi, yakisoba, noodles and beef julienne. The chain s restaurants offer a selection of salads, soups, appetizers and desserts. Benihana s restaurants also serve a range of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, including juices, smoothies, martinis and cocktails. Its restaurants offer delivery and catering services and private rooms and lounges for special events. In addition, the chain s restaurants provide greeting cards for special occasions and gift cards of various denominations. As a publicly traded company, Benihana additionally offers franchising options.