A new Benihana could be coming to the East Bay waterfront

The Bay Area could soon be getting a new razzle-dazzle Benihana restaurant.

The Japanese chain is eyeing a large property on the Emeryville waterfront, at 1890 Powell St., previously occupied by Chevys Fresh Mex. That Chevys closed in 2024 after 25 years when it failed to reach a lease-renewal agreement with the landlord.

Demolition on the Chevys could “begin as early as this month with a (Benihana) grand opening anticipated in early 2026,” reported the Emeryville Eye, which broke the news.