The Sporkful

Why Hibachi Gets Complicated

01.29.2024 - By Dan Pashman and StitcherPlay

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In 1964 Rocky Aoki, a Japanese immigrant, created hibachi restaurants in America when he opened his first Benihana. Rocky later said that he based his concept on the idea that "Americans enjoy eating in exotic surroundings, but are deeply mistrustful of exotic foods.” The restaurant took off, but Rocky's legacy is complicated.

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