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.

David Mourra, mayor of Emeryville, said details are still being worked out. “My understanding is that there are still negotiations ongoing,” he said via email. “However, Benihana’s interest in coming to Emeryville is a testament to our ongoing efforts to create a vibrant city where people want to live, dine and shop.”

If the restaurant did move in, it would be quite a coup for the franchise. The property looks right over the Bay to the San Francisco skyline and the setting sun. It also has a significant nostalgia payload for locals: Chevy’s was a go-to spot for waterfront dining, where many had their first encounter with fresh tortillas and flaming fajitas, and it was a sad day for some when it closed.

Of course, Benihana carries its own familiar branding. The teppanyaki restaurant is known for the theatrical antics of its food-flipping chefs — as well its founder Hiroaki “Rocky” Aoki and his famous offspring, EDM artist Steve Aoki and model Devon Aoki.

Benihana has six locations in the Bay Area including Concord, Cupertino and San Francisco. The company did not respond immediately to a request for comment about the Emeryville deal.