Rocky Aoki

Inducted 1992

For millions of Americans, the first taste of Japanese food came in front of a knife wielding Benihana chef. What started as a tiny four-table restaurant on New York’s Westside in 1964, has grown into an international symbol of great entertainment and excellent food.

From his beginnings in Japan, to his traveling to the United States as part of the Japanese Olympic wrestling team, to his speedboat and ballooning accomplishments, Rocky H. Aoki has defined an international legacy that is Benihana.