Benihana Inc. reported sales results for the second quarter ended October 11, 2009. For the quarter, the company's total restaurant sales decreased 0.9% to $69.0 million from $69.6 million in the second fiscal quarter 2009. Company-wide comparable restaurant sales were (9.9%), including (12.2%) at Benihana teppanyaki, 0.2% at RA Sushi, and (14.3%) at Haru. During the period, Benihana teppanyaki represented approximately 64.4% of consolidated restaurant sales, while RA Sushi and Haru accounted for 24.7% and 10.9% of consolidated restaurant sales, respectively.

Benihana Inc. announced that Christopher P. Ames has been named Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. Juan C. Garcia will continue as President and will now serve as Chief Administrative Officer. Mr. Ames has served as an industry consultant to Benihana Inc. since July 2009, and brings more than 25 years of restaurant operations experience to the company. Prior to that, he held the position of Chief Operating Officer of Cosi Inc.

Benihana Inc. has announced new additions to the Benihana menu. The new menu offerings are part of the company's Teppanyaki Renewal Programme to enhance overall guest dining experience at Benihana locations in US. the new menu includes a 12-ounce Imperial Steak; Hibachi Lemon Chicken; an Emperor's Salad with a choice of shrimp, steak or chicken; Spicy Tofu Steak; Colossal Mango Shrimp; the Garden Delight, steamed vegetables prepared using a specialty steamer on the Teppanyaki grill; Spicy Seafood Soup and Yummi-Taki; and will be available immediately at all 64 company-owned Benihana restaurants.