NEW YORK Rocky Aoki, the founder of the Benihana chain, died Thursday after complications due to cancer, according to a statement from his family. He was 69.
The Japanese-born Aoki opened the first Benihana in New York in 1964. The chain, which now has 60 units, is largely credited with introducing Americans to the teppanyaki-style of dining.
Benihana Inc. is also the parent of the nine-unit Haru and 19-unit RA Sushi brands, which the company purchased in 1999 and 2002, respectively. The company is now based in Miami.
Aoki is survived by his wife, Keiko Ono Aoki, and six children.
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