Famous for their fast paced performance of skilled chefs and hibachi style dining, Benihana has attained an iconic cultural status in the industry. Because of IDA’s deep experience with restaurant projects and a keen understanding of Japanese design sensibilities we were commissioned to design and refresh the brands of some of Benihana’s stand-alone concepts and branches.

Taking inspiration from the designs of contemporary Japanese art and architecture, IDA infused new energy into the Benihana design featuring clean lines, warm woods and more natural materials reminiscent of traditional Japanese construction. One noteworthy element missing from the design however, was the large ventilation hoods over each of the teppan tables. With new teppan table technology featuring built in grease and smoke filtration systems, the large hoods were no longer needed which opened up the dining rooms to reveal new design potential. New dynamic lighting was introduced which was inspired by the Japanese lantern festivals, thus creating a dining experience which is both open and intimate.

IDA is also managing the development of new standards for its up-coming concepts, and its implementation and site adaptations.