MIAMI, Aug. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Carol Alabaster of Phoenix has won a national contest from Benihana Inc. (NASDAQ:BNHNNASDAQ:BNHNA) after submitting her "Best Benihana Experience" about a dinner she had 20 years ago at the popular Japanese steakhouse with her husband Ernie and son Jay.
Inspired to enter after reading about the contest in the travel section of the Arizona Republic, Alabaster sent a story about how Benihana's world-famous "eatertainment" turned her son into an avid fan of all things Japan.
"Jay has spent his life pursuing Japanese culture, and it was his first trip to Benihana at age nine that initially sparked his interest and drove him to want to learn more and more about Japanese culture," said Alabaster of her award-winning story. "From attending Matsuri festivals and eating at Benihana to joining a foreign exchange program and mastering the language, Jay has loved all aspects of the culture. He is now 30 and lives and works in Japan." Alabaster's husband will join her on the September trip to Tokyo, where they will take in a tour of the Tsujiki fish market and Sumo wrestling tournaments, but are most excited about seeing their son, who will reunite with them during a welcome dinner at Benihana, Tokyo.
Kevin Aoki, son of Benihana founder Rocky Aoki, will personally escort the travelers to his father's hometown. He said Alabaster's story met the two most important goals of the Benihana dining experience -- celebrating Japanese culture and bringing families together.
"Benihana's vision of enriching our customers through interaction with Japanese culture and cuisine has come full circle," Aoki said. "Many Americans had their first taste of Japanese food at Benihana and we are honored to now be able to take our guests to Japan, back to the place where it all began. By rewarding Ms. Alabaster with this opportunity, we further our goal of making Japanese culture accessible for everyone." Alabaster will receive a six-day, four-night trip to Tokyo, departing on September 17, which includes round-trip airfare for two and hotel accommodations at the prestigious Keio Plaza in the heart of Tokyo. Additionally, she and other guests on the tour will be greeted with an ornate welcome dinner party and have the opportunity to explore the city and its surrounding countryside.
"My husband and son said I was being too optimistic," boasted Alabaster. "And now we are going to Japan. I guess a little optimism never hurt!" About Benihana Inc.
Benihana, now in its 41st year and one of the nation's largest chains of Asian restaurants, currently operates 72 restaurants nationwide, including 56 Benihana teppanyaki restaurants, seven Haru sushi restaurants, eight RA Sushi Bar Restaurants and one Doraku restaurant. Under development at present are five restaurants -- two Benihana teppanyaki restaurants and three RA Sushi restaurants. In addition, a total of 22 franchised Benihana teppanyaki restaurants are now open or under development in the U.S. and Latin America. Recently, Benihana was named one of the top 10 healthiest family restaurants by Child magazine. DATASOURCE: Benihana Inc.
CONTACT: Melissa I. Fronstin, Benihana, +1-305-702-2867 Web site: http://www.benihana.com/
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