Restaurant operator Benihana says key sales figure falls 3.4 pct for 3rd qtr

Benihana sales figure falls 3.4 pct for 3Q

MIAMI — Restaurant operator Benihana Inc. said Wednesday that sales at its restaurants that have been open at least a year fell 3.4 percent in its fiscal third quarter, which ended Jan. 3.

Restaurant sales have suffered as consumers facing unemployment and tight credit eat out less.

Sales at restaurants open at least a year is a key measure of Benihana’s performance because it is not skewed by new openings and closings during the year.

The company’s total sales for the quarter rose 4.8 percent to $70 million from $66.8 million.

The company, based in Miami, also operates the RA Sushi and Haru chains.