THE Après Bar has just discovered what Japan has known all along – robots make great employees. This season Robocco ‘Robbo’ the Après Bar Robot will be standing ready 24 hours a day, seven days a week to pour beer for thirsty skiers and snowboarders. Après Bar co-owner Sam Jackson discovered Robbo in a little-known 24-hour second hand shop near Sapporo, ironically after a big night at the city’s annual beer festival. After parting with ¥10,500 (just over $US100) Sam had paid his star employee’s lifetime wage in advance.
Having Robbo serve you up a Kirin or Asahi is just one reason to get along to the Après Bar this season. Sam and co-owner Nestor Moreno have planned a huge season of parties and events, including a heap of on snow events including rail jams and big-air comps. They also asked us to give their new overnight secure ski storage a plug – drop your gear off and lock it up overnight, ready and waiting at the bottom of the slopes first thing the next morning. There you go, guys, you owe us a beer!