Hibachi Worldwide announced it has received a strategic growth investment from Andakin Ventures to accelerate the global expansion of its in-home hibachi and private chef entertainment platform.
The company operates a consolidation and acquisition platform focused on scaling the rapidly growing in-home hibachi, private chef, and mobile hibachi catering industry. Through acquisitions and operational integration, Hibachi Worldwide aims to bring together leading regional operators while standardizing operations and technology across markets.
The new investment will help fund strategic acquisitions, deploy centralized booking and logistics technology, and strengthen supply chain and training infrastructure as the company works to build a global platform for experiential dining and live culinary entertainment.
Demand for in-home hibachi and private chef dining experiences has grown significantly in recent years as consumers increasingly seek premium, personalized alternatives to traditional restaurant dining. The sector has experienced sustained double-digit growth, fueled by the popularity of private hibachi chef services for birthdays, corporate gatherings, weddings, and luxury events.
Hibachi Worldwide said the industry remains highly fragmented with thousands of independent operators and limited coordination at a national or global level. The company’s strategy focuses on consolidating leading regional brands, enhancing them with centralized systems, and scaling them through technology, marketing, and operational support.
As part of this strategy, Hibachi Worldwide has acquired Hollywood Hibachi and Hawaii Hibachi, two well-known brands in the in-home hibachi catering market.
Hollywood Hibachi, founded in Denver by Alan “Crazy Knife” Cavanaugh, is known for delivering high-energy hibachi chef performances and restaurant-quality cuisine at private homes, offices, and event venues across multiple U.S. markets. Hawaii Hibachi, founded by Joey and Kala Nakaya, blends traditional Japanese hibachi craftsmanship with modern hospitality execution and serves customers across Pacific and U.S. markets.
Proceeds from the investment will support additional acquisitions in domestic and international markets, expand technology infrastructure for booking and logistics, develop regional chef training programs, and launch coordinated national marketing initiatives as Hibachi Worldwide continues to expand its global platform.
KEY QUOTES:
“The in-home hibachi and private chef entertainment industry is at an inflection point. Demand for hibachi at home and live chef-driven entertainment is accelerating globally, yet the market remains operationally inconsistent. Our strategy is to acquire leading operators, preserve what makes them exceptional, and provide the infrastructure, technology, and capital required to scale responsibly. We are building the first truly global platform in live hibachi entertainment – combining performance, tradition, and operational excellence under a unified framework.”
Matthew “Chef Vangraham” Graham, Chief Executive Officer of Hibachi Worldwide
“Hollywood Hibachi is built on delivering exceptional cuisine paired with spectacular live performance – wherever our clients choose to host their event. It took fifteen years to refine the perfect approach to private hibachi chef experiences, transforming intimate dinners and large-scale celebrations into immersive hibachi at home events. Partnering with Hibachi Worldwide provides the operational platform, technology infrastructure, capital, and strategic reach to expand that standard of excellence into more domestic and international markets.”
Alan “Crazy Knife” Cavanaugh, Founder of Hollywood Hibachi
“Partnering with Andakin Ventures provides the financial strength and strategic backing necessary to execute our long-term vision. Our mission is to bring the tradition, artistry, and excitement of hibachi to audiences around the world while honoring the craftsmanship passed down through generations.”
Kala Nakaya, Head Master Chef of Hawaii Hibachi
“Hibachi Worldwide represents a rare opportunity to scale a high-growth, experience-driven hospitality platform on a global scale. While artificial intelligence is transforming nearly every industry, certain experiences remain fundamentally human. In-home hibachi, private chef catering, and live culinary entertainment are built on presence, energy, and craftsmanship. We see a clear path to category leadership through disciplined acquisitions, operational integration, relentless focus on customer success, and brand elevation.”
Derek Rundell, Managing Partner at Andakin Ventures
