Benihana Site Adds E-Commerce Capabilities and Free Greeting Cards
MIAMI - May 8, 2002 - Benihana announces the launch of its updated Web site - www.benihana.com - with upgraded e-commerce capabilities where visitors can purchase online gift certificates and Benihana merchandise, send a free personalized Benihana greeting and view the latest Benihana radio and television commercials.
In addition, visitor favorites including a direct link to Benihana's Japanese culture site, www.japancorner.com, and Benihana recipes have been expanded and new links make them easier to locate. Guests to the site can also now access investor relations resources, employment information and individual menus for each restaurant location.
"Via the Web, people from around the world can visit the restaurant and immerse themselves in the Benihana experience," said Kevin Aoki, vice president of marketing for Benihana. "Our e-commerce initiatives have grown considerably in the past year, and we want to enhance the capability of our customers to learn about Japanese culture, as well as purchase everything from Benihana gift certificates to our collectible calendars, t-shirts, hats and belt buckles."
Visitors at www.benihana.com can create and send free, personalized Benihana greeting cards to friends and family that feature Japanese cultural highlights and the art of Kanji. Web users also can download directions to local Benihana restaurants; complete menus for teppanyaki, sushi, kid's items and specialty drinks; the history of Benihana founder Rocky Aoki; and corporate information including awards and accolades.
In addition to extensive information about Benihana, the link to Benihana's JapanCorner Web site offers students, businesspeople, and the general public quick access to "everything Japanese" including business, political and sports news, plus a wealth of cultural information.
"For many people, Benihana has been their first taste of Japanese culture, and we want to continue the tradition of bringing our culture to new audiences by offering JapanCorner, a one-stop resource for Japanese cultural information and news," added Aoki.
Visitors can register to receive a monthly newsletter from JapanCorner and information about upcoming special offers. For more information or to register, please visit www.benihana.com.
Dreambox Creations, the firm that designs and maintains Web sites for Benihana Inc.'s Haru and Doraku sushi restaurants, www.harusushi.com and www.sushidoraku.com respectively, also developed the new Benihana site as part of the company's effort to reach a greater number of customers through e-commerce and Web-based programs.
About Benihana
Benihana Inc. (NASDAQ: NMS: BNHN and BNHNA), is an international restaurant chain combining fine Japanese food with dazzling performances by knife-welding tableside chefs. Founded by Rocky Aoki in 1964, the Miami-based company operates 53 teppanyaki restaurants, two Doraku sushi restaurants, five Haru sushi restaurants and licenses 17 additional restaurants in the U.S. and internationally. The Benihana family of restaurants provides a fun atmosphere for patrons of all ages, serving more than 6.0 million guests annually. To learn more about Benihana and its dining concepts visit www.benihana.com.
About DreamBox Creations
DreamBox Creations is a leading consulting firm that bridges the gap between companies and their customers through the use of leading edge technology and a strong foundation in design. Clients range from some of the world's leading global organizations to local privately owned businesses. For more information, visit www.dreamboxcreations.com.
Media Contact:
Tom Decker
Benihana Inc.
Public Relations Manager
800.327.3369
305.702.2887
tdecker@benihana.com
Daniel Bejmuk
DreamBox Creations
VP - Operations
626.859.2215x11
626.403.1879 (fax)
bejmukd@dreamboxcreations.com
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