Benihana reports falling sales in 3rd-Q

MIAMI Benihana Inc. cited slowed consumer spending for negative same-store sales across all three of its Japanese brands.

For the third quarter ended Jan. 4, Benihana also reported that total restaurant sales slipped 3.7 percent, to $66.8 million.

Blended same-store sales were down 11.1 percent, which reflected declines of 10.9 percent at Benihana's namesake teppanyaki chain, 9.1 percent at RA Sushi Bar and 14.6 percent at Haru sushi restaurant