New York, NY;  Surge Brands, recently partnered with The ONE Group as the exclusive licensing agent for its brands including Benihana, the nation’s leading operator of teppanyaki restaurants. Surge and The ONE Group has unveiled a trio of licensing partners and the launch of the first Benihana-branded product under the program. The new collaborations will extend the iconic Benihana brand into a range of retail and product categories, strengthening its presence around the world and consumer reach.

As a leader in hospitality and “vibe dining,” The ONE Group oversees Benihana, the iconic brand that has spent more than 60 years redefining teppanyaki with its theatrical dining experience. Today, with over 80 domestic and international locations, Benihana continues to enchant guests across North America, the Caribbean, and Central & South America under The ONE Group’s direction.

The first licensed product to debut is Benihana Teriyaki Chicken Crisps from Flock Foods. The high-protein, keto-friendly chicken crisps seasoned with flavors inspired by Benihana’s signature dishes. The crisps reflect the brand’s celebrated craftsmanship and culinary personality, giving consumers a new way to enjoy Benihana at home or on the go.  Available at flockfoods.com.

Additionally, Surge Brands has appointed Continuum to develop a line of steak knives, cutting boards, woks, etc., and Pelmen for frozen dumplings and Benihana’s iconic sauces.

“As we look to the future, further expanding our brands beyond our restaurant doors is a natural evolution,” said Emanuel “Manny” Hilario, President and CEO of The ONE Group. “Through this partnership with Surge Brands, we will bring the unique experience of our brands to fans worldwide in new and exciting ways, further cementing our place as a cultural and culinary icon.”

Surge Brands is developing a licensing program to extend the beloved brand beyond its world-renowned restaurant experience and into retail spaces, grocery aisles, and home kitchens through unique product development across categories, including gourmet foods, cookware, kitchen accessories, apparel, collectibles, and home experiences that celebrate Benihana’s signature flavors, craftsmanship, and celebratory spirit.

“Benihana is an iconic brand that evokes passion, nostalgia, and excitement for millions of guests around the world,” said Ari Freedman, Vice President of Licensing at Surge Brands. “With the launch of the Benihana Chicken Crisps and the addition of Continuum and Pelmen, we are proud to translate Benihana’s legendary experience into a dynamic range of products that consumers can enjoy every day.”

About The ONE Group
The ONE Group Hospitality, Inc. (Nasdaq: STKS) is an international restaurant company that develops and operates upscale and polished casual, high-energy restaurants and lounges and provides hospitality management services for hotels, casinos and other high-end venues both in the U.S. and internationally. The ONE Group is recognized as one of “America’s Greatest Companies” (NEWSWEEK, 2025) and Benihana honored as “Forbes Best Brands for Value”. The ONE Group’s focus is to be the global leader in Vibe Dining, and its primary restaurant brands and operations are:

• STK, a modern twist on the American steakhouse concept with restaurants in major metropolitan cities in the U.S., Europe and the Middle East, featuring premium steaks, seafood and specialty cocktails in an energetic upscale atmosphere.
• Benihana, an interactive dining destination with highly skilled chefs preparing food right in front of guests and served in an energetic atmosphere alongside fresh sushi and innovative cocktails. The Company franchises Benihanas in the U.S., Caribbean, Central America, and South America.
• Samurai, an interactive dining experience located in sunny Miami, FL, provides a distinctive dining experience where skilled personal chefs masterfully perform the ancient art of teppanyaki right before your eyes.
• Kona Grill, a polished casual, bar-centric grill concept with restaurants in the U.S., featuring American favorites, award-winning sushi, and specialty cocktails in an upscale casual atmosphere.
• Salt Water Social is your gateway to the seven seas, featuring an array of signature and unique fresh seafood items, complemented by the highest quality beef dishes and elegant, delicious cocktails.
• Benihana Express, a small footprint casual concept showcasing the best of Benihana but without teppanyaki tables or bar.
• RA Sushi, a Japanese cuisine concept that offers a fun-filled, bar-forward, upbeat, and vibrant dining atmosphere with restaurants in the U.S. anchored by creative sushi, inventive drinks, and outstanding service.
• ONE Hospitality, The ONE Group’s food and beverage hospitality services business develops, manages and operates premier restaurants and turnkey food and beverage services within high-end hotels and casinos currently operating venues in the U.S. and Europe. 

About Surge Brands
Headquartered in New York, NY, Surge Brands, Inc., a sister company to Surge Licensing, Inc., focuses on leveraging IP in the corporate and luxury brand, food, and confectionery spaces, strategically building franchises through global multi-platformed entertainment and product licensing programs.