MAGNIFICENT MILE — Benihana is opening a restaurant this month in the John Hancock Center, marking a return to the Mag Mile for the Japanese chain.
The restaurant will open Aug. 23 next to the Cheesecake Factory at the base of the 100-story tower at 875 N. Michigan Ave., according to a Benihana spokeswoman. The restaurant will donate 10 percent of first-day proceeds to nearby Lurie Children's Hospital.
Known for its hibachi chefs who cook with dramatic flair, Benihana ran a restaurant for years in Streeterville until closing it in 2007. Once open, the new Benihana will be the only one in the city.
“We are thrilled to return to historic Downtown Chicago after 10 years,” Tom Baldwin, Benihana's president and CEO, said. “At Benihana, we pride ourselves on ‘creating great guest memories’ and providing our guests with delicious food, warm and friendly service, and an atmosphere for every occasion and celebration."
The restaurant will include 22 Teppanyaki tables with hibachi grills, a sushi bar, three private dining rooms, an indoor cocktail lounge and an outdoor patio on the Magnificent Mile, the company said. Customers also can order takeout.
The new Benihana will be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday. The restaurant will offer daily happy hour specials from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Reservations can be made on Benihana's website or by calling the new restaurant at (312) 780-3110.
