$2 Million Benihana Confirmed for Fashion Show Mall

Plywood suggesting a Benihana is headed to the Fashion Show mall has been on display since December, but a series of new permits provides confirmation that the teppan grill-style Japanese restaurant is well on its way.

To create the second local home for knife-juggling, joke telling chefs, construction costs alone will reach an estimated budget of $2,143,277, building flush to the already open Kona Grill.

The world's largest Benihana first debuted in Las Vegas at The International, now the Westgate, more than 40 years ago. On the Strip, the restaurant will fit into a 8,321-square-foot footprint, including patio space with views staring across Las Vegas Blvd. to the Wynn and Encore resorts. Inside there will be enough room for 279 occupants.

Current plans include their signature teppanyaki tables, a stand-alone bar and an elevated dining area. Plywood renderings also hint at an open, lounge-style environment and a large, exotic fish tank.

Benihana Inc. is also the parent company of Ra Sushi, still open a few steps away at the mall's north entrance. Kona Grill is situated between Ra and Benihana, raising the future possibility of three Asian-focused restaurants serving right next door to each other.

Neither Fashion Show mall nor Benihana have yet to announce the addition or a possible opening date.