BENIHANA - Concession Stand at Phoenix Suns Arena

- 201 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

For Arizona sports fans, concert-goers, and event attendees in Downtown Phoenix, the BENIHANA - Concession Stand at Phoenix Suns Arena (now known as Footprint Center) offers a unique and convenient way to enjoy popular Japanese restaurant and Sushi restaurant cuisine. This isn't the traditional, full-service teppanyaki experience many Arizonans associate with the Benihana brand; instead, it's a specialty stand designed for Fast service within the energetic atmosphere of the arena, ensuring you can grab a high-quality bite without missing the action.

Strategically located inside the premier sports and entertainment venue at 201 E Jefferson St, this concession aims to elevate the typical stadium dining experience. It provides a focused menu of favorites that are perfect for enjoying at your seat. The offerings blend the familiar, comforting flavors of Japanese cooking with the convenience required for a high-volume, event-day setting.

The menu is smartly curated to offer quick, delicious options. Guests can choose from a range of signature dishes, primarily served in bowl formats for easy portability. These include various HIBACHI BOWLS and YAKISOBA BOWLS featuring grilled proteins like HIBACHI STEAK*, HIBACHI SHRIMP, and HIBACHI CHICKEN, served over rice or noodles. For sushi enthusiasts, the menu features staple MAKI ROLLS such as the CALIFORNIA† and SPICY SALMON* options, as well as the contemporary and easy-to-handle SUSHI BURRITOS. This focused approach ensures maximum flavor delivery with minimal wait time, making it a popular choice for Lunch or Dinner during games and shows.

While the atmosphere is primarily Casual and geared toward the exciting, Trendy energy of the arena, the food quality and brand reputation shine through. It is designed to be a quick stop for a satisfying meal, whether you are a Solo dining attendee or with a Family-friendly group enjoying a Phoenix Suns game or a major concert event.

Please note that as an arena concession stand, its operational hours are closely tied to the event schedule of the Footprint Center. It is typically open for Lunch and Dinner during event days, including when the arena hosts the Phoenix Suns and Mercury games, as well as concerts and other major shows.

The Benihana Concession Stand is uniquely situated inside the Footprint Center (formerly Phoenix Suns Arena), the home of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury, in the vibrant epicenter of Downtown Phoenix.

Address: 201 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA

The location places it directly in the downtown core, surrounded by major office buildings, hotels, and other entertainment venues like Chase Field. Access to the concession is restricted to ticketed guests attending an event at the arena.

Accessibility for guests with mobility needs is well-managed within the arena environment:

• The arena structure ensures Wheelchair accessible entrance points are available.
• Dedicated Wheelchair accessible parking lot spaces are provided in nearby facilities, as the concession stand itself does not have a private lot.
• All essential amenities, including Wheelchair accessible restroom facilities and Wheelchair accessible seating for dining, are provided throughout the venue.

Parking downtown is typically managed through several large, nearby garages and surface lots, which may have variable pricing, especially on event days. While the provided information mentions a Free parking lot, event-day parking in the immediate vicinity of the Footprint Center and Chase Field generally involves a fee and often requires pre-booking for guaranteed access. Notable nearby options include the Footprint Center Garage, Luhrs City Center Garage, and the CityScape Garages, all within a short walking distance of the arena's entrance.

As a specialty concession stand within a major venue, the services are streamlined for efficiency and convenience, focusing on the event-day customer:

• Event-Day Dining: The stand is designed for Dine-in within the arena’s common areas and seating, offering quick-service Lunch, Dinner, and simple Dessert options.
• Convenient Service Options: The focus on Fast service is a primary highlight, with all meals prepared for easy Takeout (in the sense of taking the food to your arena seat) and consumption on the go.
• Full Bar Offerings: To complement the meals, the stand or nearby arena bars offer a selection of beverages including Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, and Wine, allowing attendees to enjoy a full range of refreshment options with their food.
• Dietary and Portion Variety: The menu provides choices for different needs, including Healthy options and flexible portions categorized as Small plates, which are ideal for sharing or a lighter meal.
• Family Amenities: The venue is recognized as Good for kids and Family-friendly, with High chairs available within the broader arena dining areas, ensuring ease of service for families attending events.
• Payment Flexibility: All major forms of payment are accepted for a hassle-free transaction, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and modern NFC mobile payments.
• Amenities: Access to a Restroom is readily available within the immediate vicinity of the concession area inside the arena.

The Benihana Concession Stand experience is highlighted by its strategic location and specialized service model:

• Brand Recognition and Quality: This stand provides the recognizable flavor and quality of a major national Japanese restaurant brand in a venue where quick food is the norm. It allows patrons to enjoy signature, flavorful Japanese cuisine like Hibachi and Sushi as an upgrade to traditional arena fare.
• Speed and Efficiency: The most significant highlight is the dedicated focus on Fast service. The streamlined menu of grab-and-go options, such as Sushi Burritos and Yakisoba Bowls, is perfectly tailored to keep lines moving efficiently, minimizing the time patrons spend away from the main event.
• Unique Menu Items: It is one of the few places in the arena to offer fresh-tasting Sushi restaurant items and cooked Japanese favorites like HIBACHI CHICKEN and PORK GYOZA, providing a diverse and exciting culinary choice that caters to Healthy options and more indulgent Small plates.
• Ideal for Downtown Events: The concession is specifically designed to cater to the large crowds of Groups, Tourists, and locals attending major events. Its specialty menu is a popular alternative to standard stadium food, making it a highly desirable choice for Lunch or Dinner pre-game or during intermissions.
• Full Beverage Service: The ability to easily pair quality Japanese food with a selection of Beer, Wine, and Cocktails available nearby enhances the overall event-day dining experience at the venue.

For general inquiries regarding the Benihana Concession Stand at Footprint Center, please use the following contact details. Note that for specific operational hours or venue access, it is best to check the Footprint Center's event schedule.

Address: 201 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA

Phone: (602) 379-2000

Mobile Phone: +1 602-379-2000

Choosing the Benihana Concession Stand is a strategic decision for local Arizonans and visitors who prioritize speed, convenience, and a higher quality of cuisine while attending an event at the Footprint Center. In an arena setting, where food can often be generic, this concession stand provides a welcome and necessary upgrade.

The main reason to choose this spot is the superior quality of Fast service Japanese restaurant food. It offers a clear step above standard stadium fare with fresh-tasting options like MAKI ROLLS and satisfying, hot meals like the various Hibachi Bowls. When you are short on time between a work day and a Suns game, or during a concert intermission, this concession delivers a quick, flavorful, and filling meal.

However, potential patrons must manage their expectations. This is a quick-service, high-volume environment, not a full-service sit-down restaurant, and the menu reflects that specialization. The priority is getting good food into the hands of the customers quickly and efficiently. While some customer feedback may point to service wait times or food quality issues—which can often be the nature of high-volume, event-day concessions—the consistent presence and brand power of Benihana suggest a commitment to providing a recognized and reliable Japanese food option. For a fast, delicious, and distinctly Japanese meal at a major Downtown Phoenix venue, the Benihana Concession Stand remains an excellent and highly recommended choice for event-goers.

BENIHANA - Concession Stand at Phoenix Suns Arena

201 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA