The Chef's Table FAQs
REGISTRATION
Why do I need to give Samurai my full name?
Samurai restaurants require the full first and last name as they appear on a valid ID in order to verify your identity when presenting your certificate. Even if you go by a nickname, the name on your The Chef’s Table account needs to match your ID. Samurai reserves the right to decline the certificate if this information is not accurate.
Why do I need to give you my full date of birth? I’m worried about identity theft.
Samurai respects the privacy of our members and does not knowingly share your birthday with anyone, except where required by law. The complete date of birth is required to not only ensure that the legal age of requirement for participation is met, but also to verify your identity in our restaurant when redeeming your certificate.
I keep getting an error message about “invalid name.” What’s happening?
We do not accept names with a single letter or first initial. The system will not accept periods, spaces or dashes in a name. Please remove these and re-enter the name. If you’re still having trouble, please email Guest Services at [email protected].
Why do I need to register with an email address from a provider other than Comcast, Facebook, Juno, and Netzero?
These providers are blocking the Samurai Birthday Certificate (and many other Samurai emails). You may reach out to your provider directly to inquire about this; however, to ensure the delivery of your Birthday Certificate, we recommend using an alternate address.
I’m trying to register my whole family on one email address. Why won’t it let me?
Per the Terms and Conditions, there is only one member of The Chef’s Table permitted per email address. Every member will need to have a unique email address.
I don’t have another email address to sign up additional family members. What should I do?
If you do not have another email address to use, there are a variety of free services online where you can sign up for another.
When I try to register, it says that I’m already signed up, but I’m not getting any Samurai emails. What do I do?
Please send an email to our Customer Service team at [email protected] so we can look into your account for you. Please make sure you’ve completed the whitelisting instructions in order to ensure the safe delivery of our emails and your certificate. If you do not complete this step, your email provider may block our emails. Please add [email protected] to your contact list. Helpful instructions can be found here.
I accidentally used my friend/family member’s email when registering. Can you switch our account information for us?
Unfortunately, we cannot switch profile information between guests, as it does cause confusion. Per our Terms and Conditions, we do ask that each member register with their own personal email address.
I recently legally changed my name and have updated identification. Can I update my name on my account?
Yes, please send us the life event that led to your name change (marriage, divorce, etc.) and our customer service team will update your account.
ACCOUNT INFORMATION
How do I update my Samurai account information?
Simply click the “Update Your Information” link at the bottom of any Samurai email and you will be taken to our website where you can update your account.
What if the Samurai website won’t allow me to update the field I need to? (Like my date of birth, name, etc.?)
Please send our Customer Service team an email at [email protected] so we can assist you with your edits. Some requests may not be able to be honored due to the terms and conditions of the program. You will need to complete the whitelisting instructions to ensure the safe delivery of our email response and your birthday certificate. If you do not complete this step, your email provider may block our emails. Please add [email protected] to your contact list. Helpful instructions can be found here.
How do I remove myself from getting any more emails from you?
Simply click the “Unsubscribe” button located on the bottom of every Samurai email. Please note that by completing this process, you will no longer receive any emails from Samurai including the $30 Birthday certificate or any Kabuki Kids certificates for children ages 12 and younger associated with your account.
I accidentally unsubscribed. How do I get re-registered?
If you’d like to re-register using a previously registered email address, please contact our customer service team by emailing [email protected] so we can assist. If you’d like to register with a new email address, please click here.
Why do I need to give you my full date of birth? I’m worried about identify theft.
Samurai respects the privacy of our members and does not knowingly share your birthday with anyone, except where required by law. The complete date of birth is required to not only ensure that the legal age of requirement for participation is met, but also to verify your identity in our restaurant when redeeming your certificate.
I keep getting an error message about ‘invalid name’. What’s happening?
We do not accept names with a single letter or first initial. The system will not accept periods, spaces or dashes in a name. Please remove these and re-enter the name. If you’re still having trouble, please email Guest Services at [email protected].
I’m trying to register my whole family on one email address. Why won’t it let me?
Per our Terms and Conditions, there is only one member of The Chef’s Table® permitted per email address. Every member will need to have a unique email address.
When I try to register, it says that I’m already signed up, but I’m not getting Samurai emails. What do I do?
Please send an email to our Customer Service team at [email protected] so we can look into your account for you. Please make sure you’ve completed the whitelisting instructions in order to ensure the safe delivery of our emails and your certificate. If you do not complete this step, your email provider may block our emails. Please add [email protected] to your contact list. Helpful instructions can be found here.
SAMURAI BIRTHDAY CERTIFICATE – GETTING YOUR CERTIFICATE
When do I get my Samurai birthday certificate?
Certificates will be sent approximately 8-10 days before your birthday occurs. You have 29 days from the date the certificate is issued to redeem at your favorite location. If you have not received your birthday certificate by the time your birthday occurs, please contact [email protected] for assistance. Please note that certificates can only be redeemed during dinner hours, Monday through Thursday after an initial $30 purchase. Certificates must be printed prior to your visit.
I just signed up for The Chef’s Table and my birthday is this month. When do I get my certificate?
Your Samurai birthday certificate will be emailed to you within two business days — please make sure the bar code is visible prior to printing the certificate. Please make sure you’ve completed the whitelisting instructions in order to ensure the safe delivery of the email and your certificate. If you do not complete this step, your email provider may block our emails. Please add [email protected] to your contact list. Helpful instructions can be found here.
I always get your emails but I never get my Samurai birthday certificate. What’s going on?
Please send our Customer Service team an email at [email protected] so we can look into your account for you. It is VERY important that you complete the whitelisting instructions in order to ensure the safe delivery of our response and your certificate. Even though you may receive our newsletters, due to the additional content on the birthday certificate including a bar code, your provider may not deliver the email to your account or will send it to spam. Please add [email protected] to your contact list. Helpful instructions can be found here.
I lost my Samurai birthday certificate. Can I get another one?
We will re-issue Samurai birthday certificates during the month of your birthday and only prior to the expiration date for that month. Please send an email to [email protected] to request a re-send. In order to re-send your certificate, you will need to complete our whitelisting instructions and add [email protected] to your safe sender list. Helpful instructions can be found here.
I need the Samurai birthday certificate tonight for my reservation and I just sent you an email. Is there any way to get it to me faster?
We will make every effort to respond within two business days.
My friend/family member does not have access to their email address. Can you send their certificate to me instead?
Unfortunately, to qualify for a birthday certificate, per our Terms and Conditions, each guest must be actively registered with The Chef’s Table with their own personal email address that they can access so that they can receive our communication throughout the year.
Can I share my email address with a friend/family member?
Per our Terms and Conditions, there is a limit of one guest per email address. The sharing of email accounts is not permitted.
I haven’t received my birthday certificate. Should I re-register?
If you find that you haven’t received your birthday certificate by the time your birthday occurs, please reach out to our Customer Service team and allow us to assist as opposed to re-registering.
SAMURAI BIRTHDAY CERTIFICATE – HOW TO USE YOUR CERTIFICATE
Do I need to print the certificate?
Yes. Per the terms and conditions of the program which you agreed to upon registration, the Samurai birthday certificate MUST be printed.
Can I just show the certificate to my server on my smart phone when I get to the restaurant?
No. Per the Terms and Conditions of the program which you agreed to upon registration, the Samurai birthday certificate MUST be printed.
When can certificates be redeemed?
Samurai birthday certificates can be redeemed during dinner hours only, Monday through Thursday after an initial $30 purchase.
Why do I need a valid government issued ID?
We must be able to verify your identity by matching the information listed on the certificate to your ID.
What if I don’t have a valid government issued ID?
The following forms of ID will be accepted: Military ID, birth certificate, driver’s license and passport.
My 15 year old doesn’t have a government issued ID. What should I do?
We will accept a birth certificate or school ID with a photo and date of birth listed for children 13 years of age or older without a photo government issued ID.
My birthday falls on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Does that mean I can’t use my certificate?
You may use your Samurai birthday certificate prior to the expiration date listed, Monday through Thursdays during dinner hours. Certificates cannot be redeemed on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
If my name or date of birth is wrong, will the restaurant accept my certificate?
No. The information on the certificates must match your valid ID. Samurai reserves the right to decline the certificate per the Terms and Conditions of the program.
Do I need to make a reservation to use my certificate?
Samurai does not currently take reservations.
Can I use my certificate towards alcoholic beverages?
No. Samurai birthday certificates cannot be used towards alcoholic beverages, tax or gratuity.
Why can’t I use my certificate at Happy Hour?
The Samurai birthday certificate cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion, offer or discount. Happy Hour/Banzai Hour is a promotion.
I’d like to use my certificate for a to-go order.
Certificates are for dine-in only. We do not permit the use of the Birthday Certificates on to-go orders.
My family member/friend and I celebrate birthdays in the same month. Can we use our certificates at the same time?
Yes. However, you will need to ensure that the Samurai birthday certificates are redeemed on separate checks. We do not permit more than one certificate per guest check. Simply alert your server prior to ordering that you will need separate guest checks.
Why was my certificate declined at the restaurant?
A certificate may be declined because we are unable to process it or due to a technical issue. We will happily look into this for you. Simply email [email protected].
If I dine alone, does that mean I can’t use the Samurai birthday certificate?
You may still redeem your $30 Birthday Certificate. You may either order a second adult teppanyaki entrée or you may choose any of our delicious sushi rolls, side orders, desserts or non-alcoholic beverages and those items will be discounted up to $30 (after an initial $30 purchase).
I thought the Samurai birthday certificate gave me $30 off my bill?
In order to receive your full $30 gift, you must spend $60 on qualifying items. We can only discount qualifying items up to $30, so your total discount may vary based on your guest check. It is recommended that you spend $60 on qualifying items to take full advantage of your $30 discount.
Why doesn’t the food my guest ordered get discounted?
The Samurai birthday certificate and the discount can only be applied to the certificate recipient’s order.
Are there any blackout dates?
Certificates are not valid on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Eve and Valentines Day.
MISCELLANEOUS
I don’t have a printer. What should I do?
You will need to print your Samurai birthday certificate to redeem your discount per the Terms and Conditions of the program.
I’m having trouble viewing/printing my certificate. What should I do?
This typically occurs based on the settings for your email account. Make sure the following email address is listed in your contacts: [email protected].
You can also try viewing the email and Samurai birthday certificate in your browser by clicking “View Online” in the top right corner of your email. If you’re still having trouble, you will need to contact your email provider.
Can I get an extension on my certificate?
We do not extend the Samurai birthday certificate for any reason. Certificates are valid 29 days from the date that your certificate is issued or the expiration date listed on the certificate.
I’ve been emailing Customer Service but I don’t get a response. What’s going on?
We will make every effort to respond within two business days. You will need to complete the whitelisting instructions to ensure the safe delivery of our email response and your Samurai birthday certificate. If you do not complete this step, your email provider may block our emails. Please add [email protected] to your contact list. Helpful instructions can be found here.
I just want to talk to someone. Is there a number to reach you?
The Chef’s Table is an online marketing program and we can ONLY assist you via email. Please send a message to our Customer Service team at [email protected]. We will make every effort to respond within two business days, but may require additional time to resolve depending on the issue. We review requests Monday through Friday between 9:30AM and 6:30PM Eastern Standard Time*. We will do our best to assist you as quickly as possible. * Excludes Holidays.
When did you update the Samurai birthday certificates to be used Monday through Thursday?
The change was implemented in December 2010.
When did you update the Samurai birthday certificate to be redeemed at dinner only?
The change was implemented in May 2013.
What is a teppan entrée?
At the heart of the Samurai experience is the teppanyaki table, around which guests gather and enjoy a meal expertly prepared and cooked to perfection on a steel teppanyaki grill, right before their eyes — by a chef who is as much of an entertainer as they are culinary master. A teppan entrée is any dinner entrée from our menu that is prepared on the teppanyaki table.
When did you update the Samurai birthday certificates to sending out weekly instead of monthly?
The change was implemented in June 2016.
How many guests can be seated at a table?
Our hibachi tables can seat up to 8 guests.
Can I redeem my Samurai birthday or MVG certificate at Samurai?
Yes you are permitted to redeem your Chef’s Table certificate at either Samurai or a Benihana location. Your preferred restaurant must offer dine in service. However, you can only register with The Chef’s Table once.
What is RA Sushi?
RA Sushi is our sister brand of sushi restaurants. Visit RASushi.com to learn more and find a location.
Can I redeem my Samurai certificate at RA Sushi?
No. Samurai certificates cannot be honored at RA Sushi locations.
Why am I getting a VIP certificate?
You have been identified as one of our most loyal guests by visiting Samurai multiple times per year and/or your annual spend at our restaurant. Because of this, we are rewarding you with a $14 Most Valuable Guest VIP Certificate. Terms and Conditions apply.
What is a Most Valuable Guest or MVG?
A Most Valuable Guest (MVG) is a guest determined and identified by Benihana National Corporation, operator of Samurai restaurant. BNC reserves the right to revoke this designation at any time, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.
What can I do to become a Most Valuable Guest?
Most Valuable Guest is a designation determined and identified by Benihana National Corporation. We encourage you to continue to visit your favorite Benihana, Samurai or RA Sushi location. We thank you for your patronage.
Can I use my certificate at other restaurant brands?
Certificate can only be redeemed at Samurai. Not applicable for use at any other restaurant brands.
KABUKI KIDS
How to I register my child for the Samurai Kabuki Kids program?
Simply click the “Manage Profile” link at the bottom of any Samurai email and you will be taken to our website where you can update your account and add your child to your membership. Please note that you must first be an active member of our Chef’s Table program before you can register your child with our Kabuki Kids program. You both must be registered with the same email address.
Do I have to be a parent to register a child for the Kabuki Kids program?
No. We welcome grandparents, aunts, uncles and other guardians to register the child in their lives to the Kabuki Kids program and add even more birthday to your celebrations.
I tried to register my child for The Chef’s Table so why haven’t they received their email certificate?
The Chef’s Table Terms and Conditions require that members must be at least 13 years of age to participate. If you tried to register the child for The Chef’s Table program and they do not meet this requirement, your child will not be eligible to receive a certificate.
I selected the option to have my child receive a Samurai Kabuki Kids birthday certificate. When can I expect to receive it?
Samurai Kabuki Kids birthday certificates are emailed to members during the month of their birthday. If you are registering during the month of their birthday, please allow approximately two business days to receive their birthday certificate. Please make sure you’ve completed the whitelisting instructions to ensure the safe delivery of the email and your certificate. If you do not complete this step, your email provider may block our emails. Please add [email protected] to your contact list. Helpful instructions can be found here.
I didn’t get my child’s Samurai Kabuki Kids birthday certificate sent to me. What do I do?
Please send our Customer Service team an email at [email protected]. We will make every effort to respond within two business days.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
THE CHEF’S TABLE TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Please note that by signing up for this program, you are agreeing to be a member of all programs of Benihana National Corporation and its subsidiaries. Restrictions on Certificate and these Terms constitute Terms and Conditions of offer. Complete date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY), location you most frequently visit, zip code, internet access, your own individual email address and the ability to print Certificate are required. Certificates MUST be printed and presented prior to ordering to be redeemed at participating locations. Limit one “The Chef’s Table” registration per person. Limit one certificate per person, per party and per calendar year. Certificates are valid during dinner hours for dine-in Monday – Thursdays only. Samurai birthday certificates can be redeemed only after an initial $30 purchase. Blackout dates apply. Not valid for use on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Eve and Valentines Day. The Samurai Inc. (Sponsor) is not responsible for lost or deleted Certificates regardless of cause. Sponsor does not for any reason extend or change expiration dates on certificates. Sponsor is not responsible for any typographical or other error in the printing, the offering or the announcement or administration of offer or The Chef’s Table®, whether caused by computer, technical or human error. Printed Certificates must include the first and last name, date of birth, barcode and expiration date and must be presented with a valid photo ID that matches the information on the Certificate. Certificate is good for recipient only and is non-transferable. Employees of Sponsor and their immediate families (defined as parent, child, sibling and spouse) are NOT eligible to participate in offer; but, such persons may register for The Chef’s Table®. No group or organization requests will be accepted. Decisions of Sponsor regarding offer (including eligibility, Certificate redemption and interpretation of Terms and Conditions) and The Chef’s Table® are final and binding; Sponsor reserves the right to refuse to honor Certificate and require payment of $30 if Sponsor determines in its sole discretion that participant is not in full compliance with Terms and Conditions of the program and/or the offer (including but not limited to Certificate/submission that is illegible, damaged or incomplete). By participating in offer and/or registering for The Chef’s Table®, entrants agree to release and hold harmless The Samurai Inc., its advertising and promotion agencies and their respective parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, partners, representatives, agents, successors, assigns, employees, officers, shareholders and directors, from any and all liability, for loss, harm, damage, injury, cost or expense whatsoever including without limitation, property damage, personal injury and/or death which may occur in connection with, preparation for, travel to, or participation in offer or The Chef’s Table®, including but not limited to use or redemption of Certificate. Certificate not valid on previous transactions.
Sponsor is not responsible for late, lost, damaged, incomplete, illegible, faulty, or incorrect transmissions/Certificates, incorrect announcements of any kind, technical hardware or software failures of any kind, any damage to any person’s computer related to or resulting from submitting information online to receive Certificate or dissemination of Certificate, registration for The Chef’s Table®, or lost or unavailable network connections, or failed, incomplete, garbled or delayed computer transmission that may limit a users ability to participate in offer and/or The Chef’s Table® whether caused by computer, technical or human error. Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to modify, cancel, terminate, or suspend this offer and/or The Chef’s Table® should (in its sole discretion) virus, bugs, non-authorized human intervention, fraud or other causes beyond its control corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness or proper conduct of the offer and/or The Chef’s Table®. And, in such event, Sponsor’s liability shall be limited to those Certificates distributed by Sponsor prior to such action being taken by Sponsor (provided that such Certificates are redeemed in full accordance with Terms and Conditions). Notice of such action by Sponsor will be posted on www.samurairestaurant.com. Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify or prohibit the participation of an individual in offer and/or The Chef’s Table® if fraud or tampering is suspected, or if the individual fails to fully comply with any requirement of participation or with any provision in these Terms and Conditions. CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE www.samurairestaurant.com INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE CHEF’S TABLE® OR UNDERMINE THE OPERATION OF THIS OFFER AND/OR THE CHEF’S TABLE® IS A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL & CIVIL LAWS. SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DISQUALIFY AND/OR SEEK DAMAGES FROM ANY INDIVIDUAL MAKING ANY SUCH ATTEMPTS TO THE FULL EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.
Monthly e-mail newsletter is intended for recipient’s personal and non-commercial use only, and may not be modified, edited, altered or revised in any manner. Any dispute, claim or cause of action arising under this offer, The Chef’s Table® or these Terms and Conditions shall be brought in the federal or state courts of Delaware, and such courts shall apply the internal, substantive law of Delaware in adjudicating any such dispute/claim/cause of action. To the fullest extent permitted by law, by participating, you agree (a) to the jurisdiction of such courts; (b) to bring any action individually (NOT as part of a class action); (c) that in any such dispute/claim/cause of action, your recovery shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs incurred (if any), with any right to special, indirect, incidental, consequential, punitive or other damages and/or attorneys’ fees being waived.
SPONSORED BY: THE SAMURAI INC., MIAMI, FL 33178.
SAMURAI BIRTHDAY CERTIFICATE*
MAXIMUM VALUE OF CERTIFICATE
* Maximum value of certificate is $30 (excludes alcoholic beverages, tax and gratuity) after the initial $30 purchase of food and non-alcoholic beverage. The initial purchase of a food and a non-alcoholic beverage cannot be discounted. The certificate is valid for use by the recipient for the recipient’s meal only. If you are registering during the month of your birthday, please allow approximately two business days to receive your Birthday Certificate.
**Must be 13 or older. First Name, Last Name and Birthday on certificate must match a valid ID. No exceptions will be made. Restrictions apply. ***Limit one The Chef’s Table® registration and one Certificate per email address/person. We respect your privacy and will never rent or sell your information. By providing your email address you are opting-in to receive email from our company and you may ask to stop receiving emails from us at any time.