Summary: What was Rocky Aoki’s Net Worth?
We are here to provide comprehensive information about the net worth of Rocky Aoki, the Japanese-American amateur wrestler and restaurateur. At the time of his death in 2008, Rocky Aoki had a net worth of $40 million. He was best known as the founder of the Japanese cuisine restaurant company Benihana, which owns or franchises over 100 franchises worldwide.
Early Life and Wrestling
In Tokyo, Japan, on October 9, 1938, Rocky Aoki, whose real name was Hiroaki Aoki, was born to parents Yunosuke and Katsu. As a youth, he formed a rock band called Rowdy Sounds, but later decided to pursue a career in athletics. Aoki attended Keio University and participated in karate, wrestling, and track and field. Despite qualifying for the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome as a wrestler, he chose not to compete. Aoki received wrestling scholarships from several American colleges and ultimately enrolled at Springfield College in Massachusetts. He later transferred to CW Post College in New York, where he gained fame as a wrestler and won the flyweight title for three consecutive years. Aoki was eventually inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1995.
Benihana
After exploring his passion for athletics, Aoki shifted his focus to restaurant management. He studied at New York City Community College and simultaneously worked in an ice cream truck in Harlem. With $10,000 saved from his ice cream business, Aoki convinced his father to invest in the first Benihana location on West 56th Street. Benihana is known for its teppanyaki style of Japanese cuisine, where dishes are cooked on an iron griddle. Aoki wanted the meals to be theatrically prepared in front of customers by entertaining chefs. Benihana expanded rapidly, opening franchises globally and acquiring other restaurant chains like Haru and RA Sushi.
Other Ventures
Aoki had a diverse range of ventures throughout his life. In 1973, he launched a softcore porn magazine called Genesis. In the early 1980s, he partially funded and crewed the Double Eagle V, the first balloon to successfully cross the Pacific Ocean. Additionally, Aoki enjoyed offshore powerboat racing for some time.
Insider Trading Scandal
In 1998, Aoki faced legal trouble for insider trading. He made a profit of over $590,000 by trading stock in Spectrum Information Technologies, Inc. using inside information. Aoki learned that Spectrum was about to hire John Sculley, the former chairman of Apple Computer Inc., as its new chairman. He purchased 200,000 shares of Spectrum stock, which increased significantly in value after Sculley’s hiring was publicly announced. Aoki pleaded guilty to the charges in 1999, resulting in a $500,000 fine and three years of probation.
Personal Life
Aoki was married three times. His first wife was Chizuru Kobayashi Aoki, followed by Pamela Hilburger Aoki, and finally, Keiko Ono Aoki. He had seven children, including Devin Aoki, a successful model and actress, and Steve Aoki, a well-known DJ and record producer who is also heir to the Benihana fortune. Unfortunately, Aoki passed away in 2008 due to pneumonia and complications from diabetes and cirrhosis of the liver.
Conclusion
Rocky Aoki, the founder of Benihana, had a net worth of $40 million at the time of his death. Apart from his success in the restaurant industry, he had a colorful life with involvement in wrestling, magazine publishing, balloon crewing, and powerboat racing. Despite facing legal challenges, Aoki’s legacy and entrepreneurial spirit continue to live on through his successful children.
FAQs
Q: What was Rocky Aoki’s net worth at the time of his death?
A: Rocky Aoki had a net worth of $40 million at the time of his death in 2008.
Q: What is Benihana known for?
A: Benihana is known for its teppanyaki style of Japanese cuisine, where dishes are cooked on an iron griddle in front of customers by entertaining chefs.
Q: What were Aoki’s other ventures?
A: Aoki launched a softcore porn magazine called Genesis and partially funded the first balloon to successfully cross the Pacific Ocean. He also had a stint in offshore powerboat racing.
Q: What legal trouble did Aoki face?
A: Aoki faced insider trading charges in 1998 for trading stock in Spectrum Information Technologies, Inc. based on insider information. He pleaded guilty and received a fine and probation.
Q: Who are Aoki’s famous children?
A: Aoki’s children include Steve Aoki, a renowned DJ and record producer, and Devon Aoki, a successful model and actress.
Final Thought
Rocky Aoki was a trailblazer in the restaurant industry, and his entrepreneurial spirit led to the establishment of the globally recognized brand Benihana. Despite facing personal and legal challenges, Aoki’s net worth at the time of his death was a testament to his success and impact. His children continue to carry on his legacy in various fields, ensuring that his contributions are remembered for years to come.