"Something out of the Ordinary"
We were approached by renowned US restaurant group Benihana to create a fresh interior concept for their new site in Glasgow. The restaurant forms part of the brand’s planned expansion; delivering a new take on the entertaining teppanyaki experience that Benihana is famed for.
We worked closely alongside the client to conceptualise and create a narrative that draws on the remarkable legacy of founder Hiroaki ‘Rocky’ Aoki with subversive visual nods that evoke the energy and true ethos of the brand.
The 'Benihana' Experience
Located on Glasgow’s West Nile Street, the sites exterior has been lined with timber lattice screening giving reference to the Shoji screens found throughout Japan but updated with a unique twist.
The hypnotic design aesthetic captivates guests as soon as they enter the space; with the dramatically framed cocktail bar marking the beginning of their Benihana experience. In the bar area, traditional Noren screens are suspended above banquette seating with hanging pendant lighting injecting a warm and relaxed ambience.
A Modern Interpretation
We adopted a mature palette of polished plaster, pale oak and (Shou Sugi Ban) charred timber paired with bold tones of black and red which echo the brand’s origins.
Japanese manga illustrations have inspired key parts of the design from the mesmerizing feature floor tiles to the distinctive ‘anime’ style wall artwork. Our branding team collaborated with illustrator Siku Akinsiku to produce the wall graphics, which depict the colourful persona of founder Rocky.
The interior results project a confident tone and bold aesthetic in line with the brand’s vision of evolving Benihana for a new generation.