# Happy hour and lunch drive traffic for STK, Benihana

> STK and Benihana boost traffic with value-focused happy hour and lunch specials.
- Title: Happy hour and lunch drive traffic for STK, Benihana
- Summary: STK and Benihana boost traffic with value-focused happy hour and lunch specials.
- Keywords: stk, benihana, happy hour, lunch drive, traffic, value pricing, the one group, same-store sales, restaurant traffic, casual dining, value-based offers, teppanyaki
- Source: Nation's Restaurant News — https://nrn.com/casual-dining/happy-hour-and-lunch-drive-traffic-for-stk-benihana
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: stk, benihana, happy hour, lunch drive, traffic, value pricing, the one group, same-store sales, restaurant traffic, casual dining, value-based offers, teppanyaki
## Traffic growth for The One Group
The One Group reported positive traffic growth across seven restaurant brands for the second consecutive quarter.
## Same-store sales decline at STK
STK same-store sales declined 0.9% while Benihana same-store sales increased 0.7% in the quarter ended September 27.
## Value pricing strategy
The One Group uses a barbell pricing strategy with value options like STK's $3 $6 $9 daily happy hour and Benihana's $15.95 lunch special.
## Traffic performance
The One Group's traffic rose 1.8% while same-store sales declined 0.4% in the quarter ended September 27.
## CEO comments
CEO Manny Hilario stated value pricing is critical for maintaining traffic and market share.
## Storm impact
East Coast storms in September dampened business, keeping same-store sales from being flat.
## Financial projections
The One Group narrowed same-store sales growth to positive 1% and revenue expectations to $800 million to $810 million.
## Restaurant closures
The One Group closed four Kona Grills and three Ra Sushi locations to convert them to Benihana.
## Rebrand success
Sales doubled at a Baltimore outlet after converting a former Kona Grill to STK with a smaller Kona.
## Benihana Express concept
The One Group launched Benihana Express, a small-footprint teppanyaki concept with 800 to 1,000 square feet.
## Benihana Express sales
The Miami Benihana Express location is pacing at $1.8 million annual sales with two more openings planned in 2026.
## Cost efficiency
The One Group maintained cost of goods at 19.5%, an all-time low, despite beef inflation.
## Key takeaway

The One Group's STK and Benihana restaurants saw positive traffic growth through value-based offers like happy hour deals and lunch specials.