Brewtope Inc. (Headquarters: Meguro-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Toshimasa Kanazawa), which operates "OtomoniWholesale," a specialized wholesaler handling over 500 breweries and a cumulative total of 5,000 craft beer brands, will hold the practical program "Craft Beer Customer Service & Experience Program" to solve staff education challenges for restaurants on July 29 (Wed.) and 30 (Thu.) in Tokyo (Gotanda).

This program is designed to solve the challenges faced by restaurant operators considering introducing craft beer to differentiate themselves from competitors, and those who have already introduced it but struggle with staff guidance and sales.

While we have already received positive feedback primarily from our existing clients, we are opening up a free special invitation for [2 companies by lottery (up to 2 people per company)] to deliver the charm of craft beer to more restaurants. We are also simultaneously accepting applications for "On-site (Online) Individual Consultations" for stores whose schedules do not match or who wish to hold the event at their own premises.

About the Program Content

▪️Background of Implementation

The industry hurdle of "wanting to sell, but lacking knowledge and interest on the ground."

In recent years, demand for craft beer has been increasing as a differentiating menu item. However, many restaurant owners have expressed urgent concerns such as, "We want to introduce craft beer, but our on-site staff lack beverage knowledge and cannot recommend it to customers," and "We want to try it at our own store, but there are too many varieties and we don't know where to start."

Traditional classroom-style training that requires memorizing technical terms (like IBU and hop types) can be boring for staff and does not directly lead to increased motivation for customer service. Therefore, OtomoniWholesale has developed a "hands-on, entertainment-focused tasting program" that eliminates "knowledge cramming" and enables staff to become enthusiastic about the enjoyment of beer and propose it to customers in their own words.

Last year, Brewtope also held craft beer seminars for restaurants. Restaurants that participated as a venue to connect with breweries about brewing methods, the beers themselves, and the breweries' passion and stories received high praise and actually led to an increase in sales volume after the seminar.

This year, due to numerous requests for re-implementation from many restaurants, we have updated the program content, and it has already reached full capacity (sold out with gratitude). OtomoniWholesale, wanting to solve the craft beer-related concerns of many restaurants, has decided to add this special invitation slot.

*For examples of restaurants that participated last year, please refer to the "Case Studies" on the OtomoniWholesale service site.

*Photos are from last year's event.

3 Features of the "Craft Beer Customer Service & Experience Program"

1. Almost No Lectures! Enthusiasm Through "Game Format" Like a TV Show

A team-based competition, similar to popular quiz shows, where members guess the craft beer tasted by the representative based on their reactions. Even staff with no prior knowledge can participate without hesitation and fully engage their senses. This is a hands-on program that dramatically improves on-site customer service skills through a game format.

2. "Customer Service Phrases Created in Your Own Words" Directly Linked to Tomorrow's Sales

While listening to explanations from craft beer sales professionals, teams will consider, "Which type of customer would enjoy this beer?" This leads to the creation of "living customer service phrases" that can be used directly in the store tomorrow, such as "It's fruity and easy to drink, perfect for your first drink!" without using difficult technical terms.

3. "Self-Sustaining Mechanism" That Doesn't End the Training on the Day

At the end of the program, participants will discover their "favorite style." By utilizing the list of breweries nationwide and key explanation points for major beers, we provide an entry point into the "craft beer rabbit hole" that encourages staff to spontaneously explore new craft beers.

Detailed Information

▪️Date & Access

Date: July 29 (Wed), 2026, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM / July 30 (Thu), 2026, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Venue: Higashi-Gotanda Square 13F

Address: 2-10-2 Higashi-Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-0022

Nearest Station: Approx. 5 min. walk from Tokyu Ikegami Line "Gotanda Station", Approx. 6 min. walk from JR Yamanote Line "Gotanda Station" East Exit, Approx. 7-8 min. walk from Toei Asakusa Line "Gotanda Station" A3 Exit

Target Audience: Restaurant Owners, Managers, and On-site Staff

Capacity: 2 companies by special invitation lottery (※Up to 2 people per company)

Participation Fee: Free *Transportation costs to the venue will be borne by the participant.

▪️Schedule

11:00 AM Opening & Orientation

11:30 AM Team Competition! Craft Beer Tasting Game

12:30 PM Awards Ceremony & Distribution of Learning Materials

1:00 PM Social Gathering (Information Exchange with Other Stores/Companies) *Optional Participation

3:00 PM Dismissal (Scheduled)

*Content is subject to change without notice.

*As tasting of beer is involved, please bring a photo ID on the day of the event.

*Those under 20 years of age and those planning to drive a vehicle are not permitted to participate.

Participation Benefits

Craft Beer Utilization Guide for Restaurants

Detailed Explanation Materials for Program Tasting Beers

White Paper for Restaurants: "Beer Style Explanation Materials"

List of Recommended Craft Beer Breweries Nationwide

How to Apply

[Special Slot] For those wishing to participate in the event

Please apply from the dedicated form below.

We will contact the winning companies only after a strict lottery.

- Application Form

[Must See] For those whose schedules do not match or who wish to hold the event at their own premises

For restaurants that wish to participate but cannot make the date, or want to experience it with their staff at their own store,

Please inquire from the OtomoniWholesale inquiry page, stating "Regarding the Craft Beer Customer Service & Experience Program" in the content of your inquiry (free writing section).

https://brewtope.jp/service/wholesale/restaurant/inquiry

*On-site (online) sessions of the program may end without notice. Please understand this in advance.

Conclusion: For those wondering "Should we introduce craft beer, or how should we sell it?"

Whether you are a business owner hesitating to introduce craft beer wondering "Will craft beer sell at my restaurant?" or a manager struggling with sales and wanting staff to proactively recommend it to customers, you will find clues to solve your problems through this program and the accompanying case study. OtomoniWholesale does not just wholesale beer; we provide supportive assistance to help your store maximize sales by making craft beer a "weapon for differentiation and a reason for customers to visit."

Let's create a store where staff naturally fall into the "rabbit hole" and want to sell it. Please take this opportunity to participate. If you are even slightly interested, please start with a free consultation.

https://brewtope.jp/service/wholesale/restaurant

Company Information | Brewtope Inc.

With the purpose of "Supporting the spread of the craft beer industry and fostering a society full of playfulness," we aim to create a society where various people can freely express their playfulness, regardless of the difficulty of product distribution or the size of the business operator.

We operate a wide range of services and platforms specializing in craft beer, handling the largest number of craft beers in Japan, over 5,000 types.

We will continue to take on challenges that transcend the framework of the alcoholic beverage industry, while fulfilling our role as a public institution by engaging in community contribution, addressing food loss issues, and supporting breweries, and by refining our service value through customer feedback and data.

Brewtope Inc.

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Location: 153-0043 3-7-11 Higashiyama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Ohashi Kaikan 203

Representative: Toshimasa Kanazawa, President and Representative Director

Business Activities: Sales and distribution of craft beer, application development, etc.

Corporate Site: https://brewtope.jp

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What is OTOMONI Wholesale?

OTOMONI Wholesale is a craft beer wholesale service provided by Brewtope Inc.

We boast the No. 1 handling volume, offering over 5,000 types of craft beers carefully selected from domestic and international sources, from over 500 companies.

We provide an environment for restaurants and retailers to easily introduce a wide variety of craft beers, supporting sales increases, customer attraction, and differentiation.

Service Site: https://brewtope.jp/service/wholesale

Official Instagram: craftbeer_otomoni_wholesale

Contact Information

We are always accepting consultations regarding introduction and handling from restaurants and retailers.

If you are interested in introducing craft beer, please feel free to contact us from the link below.

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[Contact for Inquiries Regarding This Matter]

Brewtope Inc. (Contact: Kanazawa)

Mail: [email protected]

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FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event
  • Organizations: OtomoniWholesale