Benihana Inc. Appoints Shingo Inoue, Sushi Expert, Executive Chef at Haru Restaurants.

MIAMI -- Benihana Inc. (NASDAQ:BNHNA and BNHN), operator of the nation's largest chain of Japanese and sushi theme restaurants, today named master sushi artist, Shingo Inoue, as executive chef of its Haru restaurant chain, a new position. Chef Inoue will head up recipe and menu creation and staff training, in addition to overseeing cooking operations, at the popular, growing chain of Japanese fusion cuisine restaurants.

Mr. Inoue brings world-class culinary expertise to Haru's kitchen, and most recently served as master chef at Shoji Sushi in South Beach, where he worked with Executive Chef Michael Schwartz. He also held positions as sushi chef at the highly acclaimed Nobu Malibu and at Otom Sushi in Los Angeles.

"Shingo's meticulous technique and his eye for top quality have earned him widespread recognition and a loyal clientele," said Joel A. Schwartz, President of Benihana. "He has a highly developed personalized approach that encourages guests to try new dishes. Shingo will bring to Haru in this new position an added dimension to the fusion dishes and quality service that have made Haru restaurants highly popular for sushi dining and takeout."

The new Haru master chef draws upon classical training in authentic Japanese culinary skills he received in his native Osaka, Japan. His creative approach offers diners unique tastes and combinations, including signature dishes such as Live Lobster Nuta, which features fresh lobster sliced to order with special nuta miso. "Chef Inoue's sushi combinations are masterful and his presentations artful. He is aware of every movement, creating meals that are as compelling to the eye as they are to the palate," says Seth Rose, director of operations at Haru.

Haru is one of three Benihana concept restaurant chains. Operating six locations in New York City and one in Philadelphia, Haru offers inventive Japanese fusion cuisine with a contemporary flair, and is highly regarded for its generous portions of fresh sushi, sashimi and tempura, and wide variety of unique sushi rolls. Its website is www.harusushi.com.

About Benihana

Benihana, now in its 41st year operates 72 restaurants nationwide, including 56 Benihana teppanyaki restaurants, seven Haru sushi restaurants, eight RA Sushi Bar Restaurants and one Doraku restaurant. Under development at present are eight restaurants - two Benihana teppanyaki restaurants and six RA Sushi restaurants. In addition, a total of 21 franchised Benihana teppanyaki restaurants are now open or under development in the U.S. and Latin America.

Statements in this press release concerning the Company's business outlook or future economic performance, anticipated profitability, revenues, expenses or other financial items, together with other statements that are not historical facts, are "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined under Federal Securities Laws. "Forward-looking statements" are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated in such statements. Such risks, uncertainties and factors include, but are not limited to, changes in customers' tastes and preferences, acceptance of the Company's concepts in new locations, obtaining qualified personnel, industry cyclicality, fluctuations in customer demand, the seasonal nature of the business, fluctuations of commodities costs, the ability to complete construction of new units in a timely manner, obtaining governmental permits on a reasonably timely basis, and general economic conditions, as well as other risks detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company disclaims any obligations to update any forward-looking statement as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release, including the litigation commenced by Benihana of Tokyo, Inc.