Benihana names new chief operating officer

Benihana names industry consultant Christopher Ames as new chief operating officer

• On 5:22 pm EDT, Monday October 19, 2009

MIAMI (AP) -- Restaurant operator Benihana Inc. said Monday it has named industry consultant Christopher Ames as its new chief operating officer.

Ames was previously chief operating officer at Cosi Inc. He has also worked for Elephant Bar Restaurants Inc. and California Pizza Kitchen Inc.

The Miami-based company said Juan Garcia will remain at the company as president and now hold the title of chief administrative officer.

Benihana runs its namesake restaurants as well as Haru sushi and RA Sushi Bar restaurants. There are also 22 franchised Benihana Teppanyaki restaurants in the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean.

Benihana shares rose 2 cents to close at $5.59 on Monday.