Contemporary Japanese design is also "engineered" for profitability.

WD Partners, the leader in restaurant design and development, has developed a contemporary new restaurant for Benihana. Inspired by traditional Japanese culture and architecture, the restaurant allows guests to enjoy Benihana's teppanyaki-style menu in a dramatic new environment, the first of which recently opened in Miramar, Florida.

Benihana chose WD Partners to design their new restaurant because it is the only firm with the expertise to develop the front-of-the-house "look and feel," while also engineering efficient back-of-the-house operations to boost profitability.

The restaurant's operations—the "engine" of the restaurant—were not an afterthought for the Benihana prototype. Now, Teppanyaki is easily served anywhere in the restaurant, even in the bar. This big change gives guests more flexibility, and increases the opportunities for guests to dine at Benihana more frequently. In addition, WD Partners reduced the overall size of the building by about 1,300 square feet. Making the facility more compact reduces investment and real estate costs.

Benihana's existing restaurants will be renovated to include interior elements from the new look. All new restaurants will use WD Partners' prototype. Sales at a renovated restaurant in Short Hills N.J. are up 30% compared to the prior year, and have occasionally spiked up to 50%. At the first completely new location, in Miramar FL, sales have exceeded expectations. Joel A. Schwartz, President and CEO of Benihana recently stated, "The revitalization program continues to outpace our expectations, adding to our confidence in the renovation strategy."

NOTE: Professional photos of the restaurant are available upon request.

WD Partners' new Benihana restaurant design features:

The new restaurant design is a contemporary interpretation of traditional Japanese architecture. Colorful backdrops act as stages for the chefs' theatrical cooking techniques, heightening the drama of the environment. The new restaurant was inspired by the Japanese concept of "Chikara," which translates to bold and confident character, or vigor.

Exterior features include (where permitted by local development standards):

* a contemporary interpretation of traditional Japanese architecture
* horizontally etched windows along the sides of the building allows driving passersby as well as entering guests enticing glimpses of activity inside
* a small Japanese garden near the entrance, and a selection of Japanese shrubs and bamboo encircling the building

Waiting foyer:

* garden courtyard ambiance is carried into the foyer
* wood ceiling beams, reminiscent of traditional Japanese architecture
* bamboo "wall" creates a view into the restaurant
* a curved stone wall with the Benihana family crest separates the sushi bar from the waiting area
* an open band in the wall gives waiting guests a glimpse of what's going on in the bar
* a Japanese pictograph hanging from the bar ceiling is partially visible

Sushi bar/bar area:

* a dramatic open-ceiling room, with a hanging 5-ft diameter Japanese pictograph
* a central circular table that seats groups
* a dramatically-lit red mural with screened-bamboo pattern runs the length of the sushi bar
* stone wall behind bar area has Kanji character graphics

Two dining rooms:

* one on each side of central bar area: one inspired by "Energy" and one by "Spirit"
* each dining room has a slight different ambiance, color palette, décor and graphics
* theatrical backdrops frame each chef at the Teppanyaki tables, heightening the drama of the cooking technique
* bold graphics, including organic-patterns and translucent screening elements
* four "tea rooms" offer a more family-focused dining experience