Benihana Case Study Analysis

Benihana Harvard Case Study/ Profitability Analysis

MGSC206 32852 Service/ Manufacturing Operation Management Sec 08-Spring 2016 Northeastern University

Benihana Harvard Case Study/ Profitability Analysis

MGSC206 32852 Service/ Manufacturing Operation Management Sec 08-Spring 2016 Northeastern University

Gabriel David Reggi

1/16/2016

Gabriel David Reggi

1/16/2016

Benihana Harvard Case Study/ Profitability Analysis

1. What is the Benihana concept?

Benihana is a Japanese theme restaurant chain founded in 1964 by Hiroaki (Rocky) Aoki. The concept created was to offer diners an authentic dining atmosphere with real Japanese components imported from Japan and built by Japanese carpenters. More than a simple dining experience Benihana would offer guests something along the lines of entertainment value. Well skilled chefs would cook and perform at large cooking stations called Teppanyaki tables in front of the guests. This immersive experience was based on the notion that American diners like exotic locations, yet are weary of exotic cuisine. A smaller menu is offered with limited options to maintain a simplistic and familiar feel to diners. The layout is something of a theatre, where guests dine in large groups, feeling like an audience at a show. Even waiting to be seated in a lounge area has entertainment value; offering cocktails in themed cups and mugs that look like Japanese Sumo wrestlers or Samurai add to the overall experience.

2. Is Benihana a successful operation? How successful?

Everything from the layout of the tables to the maximization of space throughout the restaurant was well planned by Rocky. The menu selection maintains low food costs and keeps very little inventory on hand further reducing waste. The staff, specifically the chefs, undergo an extensive and through training process in food preparation as well as entertainment of the guests. They have even gone to great lengths to train staff in the English...