Frequently Asked Questions


Payment/Purchasing a gift card

Q: Where can I purchase a Benihana gift card?
A: Benihana gift cards can be purchased online or in person at any of our Benihana locations in the continental U.S.

Q: May I include a message with my gift card?
A: Yes, when you order online, you will be prompted during the order process to include a personalized message which will be printed on the gift card carrier.

Q: How will I receive confirmation of my online order?
A: You will be prompted to include your email address during the order process. Once your order has been placed, you will be sent a copy of your order. Once your order is processed and shipped, you will be sent another e-mail confirmation with shipping times and tracking information, if applicable.

Q: May I ship the gift card directly to my recipient?
A: Yes, once you have entered your billing information, you will have the choice to ship the gift card(s) to your billing address, another address or you may split the gift cards by choosing multiple addresses.

Q: How is the gift card packaged?
A: Each Benihana gift card is packaged in a gift card carrier and envelope with the Benihana logo. You may include you own message on the carrier once received or have one included during the order process if you are shipping the card directly to the recipient.

Q: Can I return or exchange my gift card?
A: Gift cards cannot be returned or redeemed for cash or applied as payment on any account unless required by law.

Gift Card Delivery

Q: What are my delivery/shipment options?
A: Gift cards may be delivered via USPS 1st Class Mail at no charge. Gift cards shipped via USPS 1st Class Mail cannot be tracked and will take approximately 5-7 business days to arrive.
Gift cards can also be shipped via FedEx 2Day delivery for $10 per delivery address or Standard Overnight for $18 per delivery address.

Q: Is there a signature required for delivery sent via FedEx?
A: No, a signature is not required. Your package will be left at the front door or with the reception person at your place of business.

Q: Will FedEx deliver to a P.O. Box?
A: No, FedEx will not deliver to a P.O. Box. You will need to ship the gift card to a physical mailing address.

Q: When will my gift card arrive?
A: Gift card orders are processed & shipped Monday-Friday until 12:00pm CST. Any orders placed after 12:00pm CST will be processed & shipped the following business day. Please note: if you place an order for FedEx Standard Overnight delivery after 12pm CST on Thursday or any time on Friday, your package will be delivered on the next available business day (Monday – excluding holidays).

USPS 1st Class Mail – approximately 5-7 business days
FedEx 2Day – 2nd business day after the order has shipped
FedEx Standard Overnight – the following business day after 3:00pm

Note: FedEx does not deliver on Saturday, Sunday or on Holidays. Benihana is not responsible for shipping delays due to courier error or inclement weather or incorrect/incomplete addresses.

Q: I have not received my online order, what do I do?
A: Please call our fulfillment center at (800)706-4743 ext.6254 (hours of operation are Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm Central Standard Time) or email us at Benihana@jetlitho.com and one of our representatives will get back to you within one business day.

Using your Benihana Gift Card

Q: Where may I use my Benihana gift card?
A: Our gift cards may be used at Benihana restaurants in the continental U.S. only.

Q: Can Benihana gift cards be used for tax & gratuity?
A: Yes, you may apply your gift card to the entire check including food, beverage, tax & gratuity.
Q: Can I use more than one gift card to pay for my check?
A: Yes, you may use as many gift cards as you wish to pay for your meal.

Q: What will happen if I do not use the full amount of the gift card in one visit?
A: The balance will remain on your gift card until the full value has been depleted.

Q: How can I check the balance on my Benihana Gift Card?
A: For gift card balance inquiries, please call 1-800-242-5353.

Q: Can I re-load my gift card?
A: Unfortunately, our gift cards cannot be re-loaded.

Q: Do gift cards expire?
A: Purchased gift cards do not expire. We do not charge a maintenance or non-usage fee to your gift card. We do issue promotional cards that do expire, however the expiration will be noted on the promotional card. If you have any questions as to what type of card you have, please contact our fulfillment center at (800)706-4743 ext.6254 or email us at Benihana@jetlitho.com for assistance.

Q: I have a Promotional Card - does it expire?
A: The Promotional Card is only valid January 2, 2011 - March 31, 2011. The dates are printed on the card. Promotional Cards cannot be extended.

Q: May I use the Promotional Card on multiple visits?
A: Unlike our regular gift cards, the Promotional Card is valid for one time use only.

Q: Can my Benihana gift card be replaced if lost or stolen?
A: The value of the card will not be replaced if the card is lost, stolen, destroyed, altered or used without your permission.

"Be The Chef" Packages

Q: How do I redeem by “Be The Chef” package?
A: Simply contact your nearest Benihana* to schedule your training and performance dates.
   *Excludes Las Vegas, Hawaii and international locations.

Q: When is the training and performance held?
A: Training is typically held for about an hour on Saturday or Sunday afternoons based on availability and the performances are held the following Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.

Q: What if those days don't work for me?
A: Please work directly with our management team to determine if there may be a solution. Please note that some restrictions do apply to the training and performance dates available.

Q: What does the package include?
A: The basic package for the guest chef and three friends or family members includes the one-on-one training session, four Splash 'N Meadow entrees with vegetable fried rice, Benihana soup, Benihana salad, shrimp appetizer, hibachi vegetables, homemade dipping sauces, Japanese hot green tea, Benihana hat, Benihana apron, diploma and commemorative photo.

Q: Can I change the Splash 'N Meadow menu option to something else?
A: No substitutions are permitted.

Q: When do I need to present my "Be The Chef" gift card?
A: Please present your "Be The Chef" gift card on the day of the performance prior to beginning. Should you forget the gift card, an alternate form of payment is required.

Q: Can I get a refund if the person I purchase this for doesn't want to "Be The Chef?"
A: "Be The Chef" gift cards cannot be returned or redeemed for cash or applied as payment on any account unless required by law.

Q: Can I use my Chef's Table birthday certificate towards the purchase of the "Be The Chef" gift card?
A: No. The offer cannot be combined with any other offer, promotion or discount including the Chef's Table $30 birthday certificate.

Q: Is there an age restriction to the “Be The Chef” program?
A: Yes. Guest chefs must be 18 years of age to participate in the “Be The Chef” program.

Additional questions about "Be The Chef?" Please complete the contact us form on our website and select "Be The Chef" from the drop down menu. We'll be happy to assist you.