Benihana announces 2019 restaurant opening in Glasgow

Pioneering teppanyaki steakhouse renowned for its flamboyant dining experience is set to complement Glasgow’s emerging gastronomic scene!

Article Source: Benihana
Last Updated: 23 November 2018 13:17

Benihana has today announced it will be opening in the heart of Glasgow’s city centre, adding to the city’s vibrant food scene. The menu will showcase iconic teppanyaki favourites like Hibachi steak, chicken and shrimp, as well as sushi and sashimi. There will also be a lively bar area for guests to enjoy an array of delicious small dishes, premium sakes and beverages, including drinks from the newly launched cocktail menu curated by globally renowned The Cocktail Professor.

Located on the west side of West Nile Street between Gordon Street and Drury Lane, the globally recognised teppanyaki steakhouse will be opening its doors with a 400m2 restaurant able to accommodate over 100 guests. It will feature nine teppan tables where guests can experience a fast-paced performance of chopping and juggling by their own personal chef, that creates an exciting and entertaining teppanyaki-style dining experience for all ages.

The ground floor restaurant occupies a dominant position, less than 100m from Glasgow’s prime shopping location on Buchanan Street, and close to Central Station. Guests will experience for the first-time a new interior design at Benihana, featuring a minimal palette and authentic materials that is complemented by luxurious Japanese aesthetics, such as charred timber detailing and anime wall graphics; as an ode to the old anime techniques. Those passing and entering the restaurant will be greeted by a striking 3-dimensional timber cladding exterior entrance.

The announcement is an exciting development for brand that will be celebrating its 55th anniversary next year, as the international group’s first venture into Scotland. These developments are part of the planned expansion following the investment by billion-dollar Asian hospitality, lifestyle and restaurant leaders Minor International, that bought a 75% stake in Benihana (BAPL) earlier this year (April).

Richard Mackay, Managing Director Benihana Ltd, comments: “Benihana is a pioneer in introducing Japanese cuisine to global palates and has been entertaining guests from all over the world for more than 50 years. We are excited to confirm the new restaurant in Glasgow will open in early 2019. As Benihana moves into an exciting new era, guests will see a beautiful new design concept that marries authentic Japanese visuals with a modern palette and texturised materials.”

“As the first restaurant to open in more than 20 years in the UK, it is a milestone in our growth strategy for Benihana. This is an important period as the prised restaurant looks to evolve, both through new bricks and mortar, as well as culinary experience. I would like to thank the Benihana Board of Directors and Minor International in their support to making the aspirations of expansion a reality.”

Benihana opened its doors back in 1964 with just four tables to entertain guests when iconic founder ‘Hiroki ‘Rocky’ Aoki’ first launched the brand. Glasgow will complement the popular three existing restaurants in the UK, all in London.

Benihana will be recruiting staff across its front and back of house, including its time-honoured teppanyaki chefs. For more information about careers at Benihana, visit; www.benihana.co.uk/careers.