Aug. 20, 2009 (Business Wire) -- Benihana Inc. (NASDAQ: BNHNA; BNHN), operator of the nation’s largest chain of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants, today formally announced its Benihana Teppanyaki Renewal Program at its 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders was held at the Marriott Doral Golf Resort and Spa, 4400 NW 87th Avenue, Miami, Florida 33178 at 10:00 a.m. ET this morning.

Benihana Teppanyaki Renewal Program

The Benihana Teppanyaki Renewal Program was presented by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Richard C. Stockinger, and outlines several steps the Company is taking to improve guest perceptions of the Benihana Teppanyaki dining experience as they relate to image, value, quality, consistency, and lack of Japan. Mr. Stockinger also discussed how the Company intends to elevate the quality of food and beverages, raise the level of service standards, and revitalize the concept’s marketing and public relations activities. These combined efforts, which are in various stages of implementation, are focused on increasing guest frequency, creating greater mindshare, and ultimately bolstering restaurant sales at the Company’s flagship brand.

Menu & Dining Experience Enhancements Include the Following:

• Raised tenderloins specifications to USDA Choice, improved chicken product, and enhanced cooking methods for both proteins to enhance flavor.
• Revamped specification and preparation process for cold water lobster tails and scallops.
• Upgraded shrimp product for dinner entrees to Mexican #1 white U12, which will be prepared with the shell on the teppanyaki grill.
• Produce is now being cut on premises to ensure maximum freshness. Salads have been augmented with the use of romaine and iceberg lettuce, and grape tomatoes.
• Reintroduced Häagen-Dazs^® as the premium ice cream brand for dessert and added a premium Bindi^® sorbet. All specialty entrees include ice cream or sorbet.
• Revitalized beverage program will feature new Sake cocktails, enhancements to the existing hot Sake menu with items that are currently only found in Japan, new specialty cocktails.
• Upgraded wine program with new wines, new glasses and temperature controlled wine storage.

These enhancements will be in place for the October 1^st new menu launch. The new menu is part of the Company’s efforts to improve the food quality and variety without any entrée price increases. The menu contains 7 new items, including the 12 oz.