Benihana Owes Albuquerque Thousands in Unpaid Fees

The restaurant chain has yet to settle permit costs required to move forward with a new location at ABQ Uptown.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Openings & Closings

A modern stucco commercial building exterior in Albuquerque under bright daylight with sharp shadows and minimalist architecture. — Benihana currently owes the city of Albuquerque over $7,000 in permit fees, stalling construction at their planned ABQ Uptown development location. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Benihana currently owes the city of Albuquerque $7,280.86 in unpaid permit fees. This outstanding balance has prevented the city from issuing a commercial alteration permit for the restaurant's planned site at 2240 Louisiana NE.

Why it matters

The company needs to clear these municipal fees before the city will authorize construction at the 10,319-square-foot space. Once the payment is settled, the city is expected to grant the necessary permit to move the project forward.

The proposed restaurant occupies a 10,319-square-foot space formerly held by Elephant Bar. Benihana maintains a national footprint of roughly 80 locations across the United States.

The players

Benihana

This international restaurant company operates approximately 80 dining locations across the United States.

Albuquerque

This municipal government manages commercial permitting and zoning regulations for businesses operating within the city.

The details

The city approved the restaurant's permit review in June 2026, which covers interior and exterior renovations including a bar, sushi bar, and patio. The space is situated within the ABQ Uptown development.

Signage for the restaurant appeared at ABQ Uptown in 2025.
Residents questioned the status of the restaurant opening in May 2026.
The city approved the restaurant permit review in June 2026.

Market Landscape

The commercial development landscape at ABQ Uptown frequently involves complex permitting processes for national chains retrofitting existing spaces. This project underscores the competitive strategy of major brands to secure prime real estate in high-traffic urban centers.

Customers in the area should expect a delay in the restaurant opening until the outstanding municipal fees are resolved. The site remains inactive while pending the necessary permits for interior and exterior renovations.

The takeaway

Large-scale restaurant expansions rely on strict compliance with municipal permitting schedules to maintain planned launch timelines. Prospective diners should monitor future local permit filings to track when construction on the space finally begins.