Los Angeles — Benihana Inc., the nation’s leading operator of Japanese-inspired teppanyaki and sushi restaurants, and AEG, the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company, have partnered to bring world-class culinary and dining experiences to fans at Dignity Health Sports Park (DHSP) in Carson, Calif., and Sprint Center in Kansas City, Mo. This is Benihana’s first-ever debut at a professional arena or sports complex and a market introduction for the brand to Kansas City, with the next closest Benihana location more than 400 miles away.
As part of the agreement, brokered by AEG Global Partnerships, Benihana will become an official partner of both DHSP and Sprint Center. Additionally, Levy Restaurants, the exclusive concessionaire of both venues, and Benihana will work collaboratively to deliver a state-of-the-art guest experience for fans onsite.
The new relationship will see Benihana and RA Sushi featured prominently across both venues and side-by-side for the first time ever. Additionally, as part of the deal, Benihana opened two new restaurant-style concessions located on the main concourses of DHSP and Sprint Center. The partnership will expand Benihana’s brand awareness across sports and live entertainment, while providing fans with enhanced, in-venue culinary experiences and access to select menu items from both Benihana and RA Sushi.
“Our partnership with AEG and their strong leadership team helps further strengthen our Benihana and RA Sushi brands not only across sports and live entertainment but also beyond our brick-and-mortar locations,” says Tom Baldwin, president and CEO of Benihana.
With the arrival of Benihana’s new fast-casual format, 400-square-foot concession at DHSP and its new 550-square-foot concession at Sprint Center, fans won’t have to go far for the authentic Benihana experience. Much like at a classic Benihana restaurant, both branded concessions feature traditional teppanyaki tables along with the iconic, performing chefs for guests to enjoy in-person. Both concessions will also offer customer favorites from RA Sushi including California rolls, avocado rolls, spicy tuna rolls and specialty poke bowls, among other menu items.
In addition to large-scale branding presence across both concessions, Benihana will also receive custom brand integrations throughout select premium areas at DHSP and Sprint Center, including Sprint Center’s Founders Club, an exclusive area for premium ticket holders.
Benihana Inc. has more than 100 Benihana, Haru Sushi, RA Sushi and Samurai restaurants nationwide, including 10 franchised Benihana restaurants operating in the United States, Caribbean, and Central and South America. For more information, visit www.benihana.com/about/company-video/.
Headquartered in Los Angeles, AEG is the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company. With offices on five continents, the company operates in the following business segments: AEG Facilities, which is affiliated with or owns, manages or consults with more than 150 preeminent arenas, stadiums, theaters, clubs and convention centers around the world including STAPLES Center, The O2 Arena, the Sprint Center and the Mercedes-Benz Arenas; AEG Presents, which is dedicated to all aspects of live contemporary music performances, including producing and promoting global and regional concert tours, music and special events and world-renowned festivals; AEG Real Estate, which develops world-class venues, as well as major sports and entertainment districts like STAPLES Center and L.A. LIVE; AEG Sports, which is the world’s largest operator of sports franchises and high-profile sporting events; and AEG Global Partnerships, which oversees worldwide sales and servicing of sponsorships including naming rights, premium seating and other strategic partnerships. For more information, visit www.aegworldwide.com.
SOURCE: AEG/Benihana Inc.