#Japan #Tokyo #Beyondge #SBWorks #Trailhead

Trailhead's Digital Food Tech Strategy: Redefining the Dining Experience

In an ambitious move to redefine the dining experience, Trailhead Global Holdings, headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, has officially begun executing its Digital Food Tech Strategy. Under the leadership of President Tomohikari Takada, the firm aims to create a data-driven revolution in the food and beverage sector, a plan that has been integrated as a priority within its medium-term management initiative.

To realize this transformative vision, Trailhead has established a strong collaboration with Beyondge, led by CEO Takanori Nogami, and SBWorks, the group's core technology firm managed by President Tomokatsu Nemoto. Together, these three companies are set to pioneer innovations that leverage technology to enhance operational efficiency in restaurants.

Core Transformation: Data-Driven Decision Making

Trailhead has set an ambitious goal of achieving ¥20 billion in revenue and managing 500 stores by March 2031. To reach these targets, the company will pivot towards a next-generation store model that places artificial intelligence (AI) and data at the heart of its decision-making processes.

Roles and Responsibilities Within the Strategy

• - Beyondge will be responsible for creating the overarching design of the digital food tech strategy and developing a detailed roadmap for AI implementation.
• - SBWorks, as the group's technological backbone, will consistently design, develop, and operate AI systems that utilize real-time operational data.

Innovative Revenue Models Through Collaborative Creation

This triad collaboration aims to establish innovative revenue models that will enhance the food service industry:
1. Supply Chain Optimization via AI Demand Forecasting: Merging real-time data with AI demand predictions to optimize menu planning, reduce waste, and streamline ordering processes.
2. Personalized Customer Experiences (OMO): Seamlessly integrating digital and physical stores to cater to individual customer preferences, offering unique culinary experiences tailored to each guest.
3. Elevated Human-Centric Service: By automating operations, staff can focus on delivering high-quality, empathetic service, enhancing the overall customer experience.

Roadmap and Societal Contribution

The restaurant industry currently faces significant structural challenges, including a chronic labor shortage and rising ingredient and energy costs. Through innovative technology solutions, Trailhead aims to address these issues and significantly increase corporate value.

Proof of Concept and Sustainable Practices

By 2026, Trailhead plans to conduct proof of concept (PoC) experiments for AI demand forecasting and store digital transformation (DX) at its directly managed establishments. The goal is to build a demand forecasting model based on data that supports proper ordering and efficient store operations, contributing not only to improved management efficiency but also to the critical issue of reducing food waste in the restaurant industry.

Group Expansion and Workplace Improvement

Upon the completion of initial testing, the company will explore progressively expanding the successful models across its group stores, seeking to ease the burden on staff through the automation of repetitive tasks, while enhancing the overall work environment in a bid to combat labor shortages in the sector.

Global Reach and Economic Impact

Trailhead's established next-generation store model will be expanded through mergers and acquisitions (M&A) both domestically and internationally. As a pioneering food tech model originating in Japan, the company aims to elevate the entire food service industry’s value and invigorate local economies.

Leadership Insights

Tomohikari Takada, President of Trailhead

“This initiative represents not just the adoption of IT, but a full-fledged digitalization of management. By merging the expertise of Beyondge’s Nogami and the implementation strengths of SBWorks, we aim to evolve into the world’s most data-driven and warm-hearted dining group.”

Takanori Nogami, CEO of Beyondge

“Implementing AI technology in the real-life dining scene represents an exciting opportunity to significantly enhance Japan’s competitive edge in the global food service industry. We at Beyondge are committed to merging our know-how with that of SBWorks to effectively realize Trailhead’s strategic ambitions.”

Tomokatsu Nemoto, President of SBWorks

“Being part of this group allows us to utilize real-time operational data directly, providing us with unparalleled advantages. We are here to solidify the strategy tech-wise and carve out a promising future for the industry.”

Company Overviews

• - Trailhead Global Holdings, Inc.:

- Headquarters: 1-2-3 Dogenzaka, Shibuya, Tokyo
- Established: May 12, 1994
- President: Tomohikari Takada
- Market: Tokyo Stock Exchange, Standard Market (Code: 3358)
- Business: Management and related activities of group companies, real estate rental

• - Beyondge, Inc.:

- Headquarters: 1-1-3 Shibuya, Shibuya, Tokyo
- CEO: Takanori Nogami
- Business: Creation and growth support of startups, corporate growth hacking

• - SBWorks, Inc.:

- Headquarters: 1-4-16 Horidome-cho, Nihonbashi, Chuo, Tokyo
- Established: March 4, 2016
- President: Tomokatsu Nemoto
- Business: IT consulting, system development support, IT service planning and management