Benihana Presents Unicef Katrina Task Force With $50,000

International Chain Supports Organization's First Campaign for U.S. Relief

MIAMI, Nov. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- With the promise that 95 cents of every dollar would go to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, UNICEF's Katrina Task Force accepted a check for $50,000 from Benihana Inc. (NASDAQ: BNHN and BNHNA) this week. Founder Rocky Aoki and his son Kevin Aoki, vice president of marketing for Benihana, presented the donation, raised in October from sales of the restaurant's Benihana Rolls at a luncheon, on November 8, 2005.

Benihana implemented the campaign after seeing the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. Combining the efforts of the restaurant's founding family, 72 restaurants nationwide, and loyal customers, Kevin Aoki said they doubled Benihana Roll sales during their 'Support Hurricane Relief' campaign.

"We sold about 10,000 Benihana Rolls during the drive and were pleased to present the UNICEF Katrina Task Force with a check for $50,000 to support their ongoing efforts to provide relief," Kevin Aoki said. "With the help of my father, Rocky Aoki, we were able to host the Katrina Task Force for a special lunch at our flagship New York City location and honor their dedication."
Edward Lloyd, senior vice president of finance and operations and CFO of the U.S. Fund, accepted the check for UNICEF and added that the organization's efforts for Hurricane Katrina Relief were it's first opportunity to provide domestic support. At the lunch, Lloyd also presented a certificate of appreciation to Benihana and the Aoki family.