PRESIDENT
Keith Kern
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
Cathy Vales
SECRETARY
Kris Zappa
TREASURER
Todd Giraud
SOUTHERN ZONE VICE PRESIDENT
Jennifer Collison
SOUTHERN DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT
Keith Koehler
EASTERN ZONE VICE PRESIDENT
Vinny Egle
EASTERN DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT
Don Mjelde
CENTRAL ZONE VICE PRESIDENT
Paul Salzwedel
CENTRAL DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT
Bob Carpenter
NORTHERN ZONE VICE PRESIDENT
Donn “Dino” Amundson
NORTHERN DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT
Nancy Lorbetske
PAST PRESIDENT
Chris Marsicano
MANAGING EDITOR
Carrie Mantey, Nei-Turner Media Group Inc.
GRAPHIC DESIGNER AND ADVERTISING COORDINATOR
Jerriann Mullen, Nei-Turner Media Group Inc. jem@ntmediagroup.com
ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE
Danielle Letenyei, Nei-Turner Media Group Inc. danielle@ntmediagroup.com
PRINTED BY Kodi Collective, Illinois
On Premise (ISSN #1051-4562) is a bimonthly publication of the Tavern League of Wisconsin Inc., 11801 W. Silver Spring Dr., Ste. 200, Milwaukee, WI 53225, Phone: (608) 270-8591.
On Premise is produced by Nei-Turner Media Group Inc., 400 Broad St., Unit D, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. Gary Nei, Chairman; William Turner, President; Barbara Krause, Publisher.
For advertising information, please contact Danielle Letenyei at (608) 438-6996 or danielle@ntmediagroup.com. Subscriptions included in TLW membership dues; nonmember subscriptions cost $15 per year. Postmaster: Send address corrections to the Tavern League of Wisconsin Office, 11801 W. Silver Spring Dr., Ste. 200, Milwaukee, WI 53225. Periodicals postage paid at Madison, WI and other additional offices.
©2024 Tavern League of Wisconsin Inc. Permission to reprint must
Evolution and change can be hard to accept sometimes, but there is not one thing on this planet that is exempt from the natural occurrence. Businesses open and close, trends are introduced and fade, and customers come and go — it is all a part of the process we call life.
Look no further than our weather this year. We went from record snow in parts of the state last year to what could be deemed as an absolutely surreal drought this year. Things are ever-changing, but there is one other thing that seems to be true: History usually has a habit of repeating itself and, for our association, this time has come once again. With that, of course, comes a story.
A few months ago, some directors and myself went to our office to start preparing for the sale of the building. We began to comb through the massive amounts of files, checking drawers and opening boxes to ensure we were keeping the documents of our history. I began to get a greater sense of where our association has been for the last 89 years. It was getting to the end of a full day and I was finishing up my final box when I came across a white binder, which contained every past president and executive director’s “Perspective” articles, dating back to before I was born.
I ran across names like Chuck Taylor and Melody Bruckner to past presidents like Bubba Sprenger and Bill Hunter. This binder was filled with history, trials and tribulations, and a pattern of change that has occurred roughly every decade. (I even learned a trick out of the Pete Madland/Jerry Hinderman book, letting others write your column for you so you can get a month off from writing these masterpieces!)
The articles spoke of our first days exploring the internet and forming our website to buying the building and growing our brand. There were stories about past conventions and how they have become what they are today. There were successful legislative efforts, like getting our endorsed candidates elected, the creation of the Safe Ride program, fighting the alcohol tax, and the decriminalization of five or fewer video poker machines, a change that reshaped our industry and help balance our state budget simultaneously. The list goes on and on.
It’s easy to remember all of our successes, but with that comes rocky waters and even failure. County and Rock Fest looked good on paper, but upon reading the results, you learn it definitely didn’t finish the way it was anticipated. We were forced
to accept lowered operating while impaired (OWI) limits, but at least we had the opportunity to compromise and write the smoking ban in order to try and protect our members’ licenses.
Over our many years, we have seen directors and staff come and go. Some were not a good fit; some decided to move on. I think it’s fair to say that many of our boards over the years have found themselves looking toward an uncertain (or at least uncomfortable) future. Being a board member of this association is not always blue skies and cocktails. Hard decisions must be made to help shape the next chapter of our association.
This white binder showed me that this is not the first time we have been here and it definitely will not be the last. Another valuable lesson from one article I read was recognizing the importance of supporting the board’s decisions and remaining unified in their decisions. After all, they are the ones you all elected to make those hard decisions.
As we move forward and shape the next era in our association, I would like to thank and congratulate Pete Madland for his many years of service and dedication to this association. He has accepted a temporary outreach role and then he gets to enjoy his retirement, which has taken us over three years to provide. His fingerprint will forever be ingrained in the identity of who we are, not only currently, but for generations to come. The dedication he has showed this league over the last 30-plus years is one of the sole reasons our industry is stronger in Wisconsin than anywhere else in the world. I wish him and Louie the happiest retirement, exploring life outside of the TLW, while meeting us all for drinks and tales of their next chapter.
Lastly, I’m excited to finally welcome Mark Jefferson as our new executive director. He joins us with years of experience working and running associations at both the state and federal levels. Myself, our Executive Board and our Board of Directors are fully prepared, and look forward to working with Mark to help further grow and shape the TLW. He will be immediately faced with many tasks, including developing a strategic plan to further our association. We are going to create a plan that outlines goals and needs, and evaluates progress. We are excited to see what’s in store, are confident in the future of our league and can’t wait to start our next chapter.
Cheers,
Keith Kern TLW President
Support Those Who Support our Association
PLATINUM SPONSORS
PLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT OUR ASSOCIATION groups for their support, and encourage others not on the list to participate. Any business interested in joining should call (608-270-8591) for our brochure that lists the benefits of the different categories. Remember “Support those who support us.”
Anheuser-Busch
Anheuser-Busch
BRONZE SPONSORS
Make sure to thank these groups for their support and encourage others not on the list to participate. Any business interested in joining should call the TLW office at (608) 270-8591 for more information regarding the benefits of the different categories. Remember to “support those who support us.”
Wisconsin Amusement & Music Operators, Inc.
and thank these groups for their support, and encourage others not on the list to participate. Any business interested in joining should call office (608-270-8591) for our brochure that lists the benefits of the different categories. Remember “Support those who support us.”
n
Wisconsin Amusement & Music Operators, Inc. 5
It’s been a busy first week, but with another successful Legislative Day now behind us, thanks to the many leaders, staff and members who made it possible, I wanted to take the opportunity to say hello and thank you for the warm welcome you’ve given me since coming on board.
In just a few days, I’ve had the opportunity to see firsthand the involvement of members from throughout the state, hear their stories and discuss how they’re making a difference in their communities. It drove home how few people outside the industry truly understand the positive impact our members have on this state. Telling those stories and amplifying them at the state level must be part of making the TLW stronger than ever.
you can expect an aggressive push to recruit new members, engage more with sponsors, and update both the website and TLW app to make them handier and more user-friendly.
Many folks have already offered ideas as to what can be done better and voiced their thoughts on the future of the industry. I’d like to hear from more of you — please feel free to drop me an email at executivedirector@tlw.org and let me know your ideas.
My roots are in rural Wisconsin, having grown up on a farm in Adams County, and I now live in the rural Edgerton area. A small-town background helps instill a sense of community and we know that people are more likely to find common ground over a beer than over a keyboard. So thank you for all you do on behalf of communities throughout our state, and I look forward to working with you to continue to build the Tavern League.
Sincerely,
The numbers are worth repeating: Our members are responsible for $15.3 million going to 17,500 charities across Wisconsin — and that’s on top of the 160,000 jobs our industry provides in the state. There’s plenty more to brag about and we’ll be talking about all of it. In the coming days, we will also be taking the SafeRide program to the next level. TLW members provide an average of 800 rides every week through the program and soon all licensed providers will have an opportunity to participate on a trial basis. SafeRide has been highly successful in lowering arrests in Wisconsin and we’re committed to doing even more.
The entire industry has had a lot to overcome in recent years and the unseasonably warm winter this year hasn’t been helpful. That makes the work of the Tavern League and its members more important than ever, whether it’s effectively lobbying leaders in the Capitol or donating to a local cause.
The TLW needs to take this opportunity to grow the organization and make it even more accessible to you, the members. In the coming months,
Mark Jefferson TLW Executive Director
Grand Geneva resort & spa
7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, WI 53147 G
Monday, April 8
8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Food Safety Class and Exam, Maple Lawn B
April 8-11, 2024
The 2024 TLW Spring Conference & Trade Show will be Wal-worth your time! Meet up with your friends from around the state for four days of networking, education and fun. Check out the following pages for more information:
• Schedule of Events
• Host League, Keynote, Seminars, Entertainment and Challenge Coins
• Trade Show Exhibitors and Conference Registration
• Hotel Accommodations
• Tavern of the Game, Auctions and Shuttle Schedule
The class and exam are open to members and nonmembers. Preregistration is required.
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
TLW Board of Directors Meeting, Maple Lawn C
2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Registration and $2 Bill Exchange, Ballroom Coat Check
6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Walworth County Tavern League Welcome Party
Location: Hawk’s View Golf Club 7377 Krueger Rd., Lake Geneva
Tuesday, April 9
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Registration and $2 Bill Exchange, Ballroom Coat Check
8:45 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.
Nominating Committee Meeting
8:45 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.
Rules Committee Meeting
9:15 a.m. to 12 p.m.
General Session, Grand Ballroom
• Welcome
• Introduction to Local Leaders
• Opening Ceremony
• TLW Updates from the President, Secretary and Treasurer
• Keynote Speaker: Dr. Rick Grandinnetti
• Special Club Member Recognition
• President’s Award Presentation
• Charity Presentations
• Attendance Drawing
12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Silent Auction Benefiting the Tavern Industry Political Action Committee (TIPAC), Forum
12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Trade Show, Forum
12:15 p.m.
First-Timers Orientation, Grand Ballroom
12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Seminar 1: Department of Revenue Updates, Maple Lawn AB
Presented by: Wisconsin Department of Revenue
2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Seminar 2: What You Should Expect if OSHA Comes Knocking, Maple Lawn AB
Presented by: Occupational Safety & Health Administration
7:30 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Tuesday Night Party, Grand Ballroom
The party will include the TLW Live Auction benefiting Direct Givers and entertainment by Bella Cain.
Note: Times and events are subject to change without notice.
Wednesday, April 10
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Registration and $2 Bill Exchange, Ballroom Coat Check
9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
General Session, Grand Ballroom
• Welcome
• Legislative Update from TLW Lobbyist Scott Stenger
• Operations Update from TLW Managing Director
Tina Conley
• Introduction from TLW Executive Director Mark Jefferson
• Good and Welfare
• Attendance Drawing
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Silent Auction Benefiting TIPAC, Forum
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Trade Show, Forum
11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Human Services Narcan Demonstration, Maple Lawn AB
1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
SafeRide Meeting, Maple Lawn AB
2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Vendor Drawings, Forum Attendees must be present to win.
2:45 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Exhibitor Booth Drawings, Forum Exhibitors must be set up to win.
3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
District Caucuses
Districts 1 and 9 in Maple Lawn A, 2 in Maple Lawn B, 3 in Maple Lawn C and 4 in Salon C
4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
District Caucuses
District 5 in Maple Lawn A, 6 in Maple Lawn B, 7 in Maple Lawn C and 8 in Salon C
5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
President’s Reception, Evergreen Ballroom
$25 Donation to TIPAC for Admission
Thursday, April 11
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
General Session, Grand Ballroom
• Parade of Candidates for Spring 2024 Election
• Nominating Committee Report
• Host League Drawing
• Foundation Raffle Drawing
• Silent Auction Drawing
• Buyer Raffle Drawing
• Good and Welfare
• President’s Closing Remarks
• Video Wrap-Up of the Convention
• Attendance Drawing
12 p.m.
Walworth County Tavern League President’s Reception
Location: Papa’s Blue Spruce Resort, W4086 Lake Shore Dr., Lake Geneva
The following companies have already committed to exhibiting at the 2024 Spring Conference & Trade Show, with more to follow. Register and connect with them one on one at the trade show in Lake Geneva!
Don’t see your company on the exhibitor list and want to join us at the trade show? Contact Tina Conley at tina@tlw.org to reserve your booth.
Tuesday, April 9
Presented by: Dr. Rick Grandinnetti
Dr. Rick Grandinnetti is an author, and business and workplace expert.
Presented by: Wisconsin Department of Revenue
Tuesday, April 9 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
The Wisconsin Department of Revenue will update the audience on the new changes to the organization, including the addition of a Division of Alcohol, and its role in enforcement since Chapter 125 was amended in December 2023.
The Walworth County Tavern League is excited to host the 2024 TLW Spring Conference & Trade Show
Presented by: Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
Tuesday, April 9 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Many businesses may never see OSHA. But if, by chance, they do arrive, what can you expect and what can you do to prepare? In this presentation, Nicole O’Connor of OSHA will discuss the common issues that OSHA finds in your industry and what your biggest risks are.
Bella Cain, one of the hottest Top 40 country groups in the Midwest, will perform with high energy and high production value at the Tuesday Night Party.
Custom challenge coins will be available for purchase during online registration and on site at the 2024 TLW Spring Conference & Trade Show. Profits from the sales will be donated to a hero organization to be named later.
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa
7036 Grand Geneva Way
Lake Geneva, WI 53147 (262) 248-8811
res.grandgeneva.com/ibe/details. aspx?propertyid=13972&nights=3& checkin=04/08/2024&group= ZU&lang=en-us
Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark
7020 Grand Geneva Way
Lake Geneva, WI 53147 (262) 249-3400
res.timberridgelodge.com/ibe/ details.aspx?propertyid=14141&nig hts=3&checkin=4/8/2024&group= 77J3ZU&lang=en-us
• Co-sponsor of TLW Legislative Day
• Underwriter of TLW Video on Jobs and Employment
• Sponsor of the TLW Trip Giveaway at TLW Spring Conference & Show
• Donor of Large-Screen TV at TLW Fall Convention & Show
TAVERN LEAGUE PROGRAMS (SafeRide, Golf, Others)
• Contributions and Support from Individual WAMO Members
• Matching Funds from WAMO to Taver n League Locals
• Contributions to SafeRide Program, Golf and Others
• Active Participation and Attendance
Jesse Huff, co-owner of Jen’s Choppin’ Block in Dallas and secretary of the Barron County Tavern League, started off his letter to TLW President Keith Kern complaining about the lack of “characters in the Why box” on the Member of the Year nomination form as insufficient for the number of Kris Zappa’s efforts over the last year for the TLW. She is not only the owner of Bourbon’s Bar in Cumberland, but she has also been the TLW state secretary for the last few years.
Huff says that perhaps Zappa’s biggest achievement was the Back the Blue event held in Cumberland last summer. According to the Chetek Alert newspaper, “The event was originally a small street dance fundraiser for the Cumberland Police Department, but after the tragedy in April that devastated the Chetek and Cameron communities, the Cumberland community wanted to help.”
The tragedy the newspaper mentions was the death of two Wisconsin police officers who were shot during a traffic stop. Zappa headed up a team of community members to raise $22,520 for the Cameron, Chetek and Cumberland police departments, each receiving $7,500 for radios, patrol vehicle equipment and training.
According to Huff, Zappa was also instrumental in the Barron County Tavern League’s creation of a challenge coin for every member (approximately 700 total) of the police and fire departments, and ambulance services in Barron County to commemorate the end of watch for Hunter Scheel and Emily Breidenbach, the fallen officers.
He writes, “We as a county league will sell additional coins, expecting to raise in the neighborhood of $10,000 to go directly from Tavern League members to their
local police, fire and ambulance services. It’s just another way to say thank you for what they do and that we know how dangerous their jobs are. Kris was involved in both the design and raising of extra funds for the coins, amongst other logistics.”
Another initiative that Zappa spearheads is managing the SafeRide program during Cumberland’s Rutabaga Festival, giving many the opportunity to get home safely during the city’s famous celebration.
While Huff says that Zappa has always had a hand in the county golf outings over the years, last year was extra special. In 2023, Barron County was awarded the honor of holding the TLW Seventh District’s Annual Golf Outing. He writes, “As usual, Kris pulled off a great showing, with 36-plus teams for the 18-hole event, raising $2,500 for the Seventh District itself and an additional $5,800 for the Barron County Tavern League. All had a great day of food, fun and camaraderie.”
He continues, “Kris is also a big animal lover. She’s always raising money and awareness for local animal shelters such as Little Red Barn Dog Rescue and Happy Tales Pet Boarding & Daycare, amongst others. Really, I’m just scratching the surface on what she does and has accomplished this year.”
Huff shares a personal side to Zappa’s generosity and charity as well. “Since I ‘temporarily’ became the Barron County Tavern League secretary, I’ve always been able to rely on several former or current officers for guidance in the role. Kris is no exception. She has helped me along the way to figure out the little things I should be doing and watching for. This is all along with her new duties as the state secretary,” he writes.
“She not only has been supportive of me and many others, but watching how she helps her local community has made me aware of new ways I can do more in my own community, too. I see Kris as a great example of what we all can be and do to really make a difference top to bottom in our communities, and because of that, I think she deserves to be Member of the Year.”
From the entire Tavern League membership, thank you, Kris Zappa! TLW
VetsRoll
Your continuing belief and support of our program has allowed us to provide CLOSURE*GRATITUDE*RESPECT to more than 2,000 American heroes, since 2010!!
These tips will help you get more bang for your buck on bar insurance premiums in Wisconsin without sacrificing coverage.
There are many behind-the-scenes things bar and tavern owners need to deal with in running their businesses. You have to hire employees, work with food and equipment suppliers, and alcohol distributors, and maintain your building, just to name a few. Running a bar also comes with a lot of risk, so having adequate bar insurance is crucial so you don’t lose everything you work so hard for.
Having adequate insurance coverage for your bar is a smart thing to do. Insurance can help protect your assets if a fire or other event damages your business. It can also protect you from lawsuits if an employee or customer is hurt on your property, you unknowingly serve a minor or a former employee sues you for wrongful termination. Bar owners should carry the following insurance coverages:
• General liability. General liability insurance helps to cover costs if someone is injured or their property is damaged at your bar or on your property. Most states require all businesses to carry this type of coverage.
• Commercial property. Commercial property insurance covers the repair or replacement costs if your business or equipment is damaged or destroyed. Bar owners should carry commercial property insurance regardless of whether they own or rent their building.
• Workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation insurance is also required by law in most states. It helps cover costs if employees are injured or killed on the job.
• Business income. Business income insurance covers your loss of income if you have to close your bar due to a fire, water damage or other covered loss.
• Liquor liability. Liquor liability insurance protects you if your patrons injure or kill someone after leaving your bar.
“Although Wisconsin does not have a dram shop law [a law that can hold business owners legally responsible if someone buys a drink at the business, leaves and then causes harm], border states do. Bar owners that are located near state lines may need to protect themselves,” says Jim Kuerschner, a corporate sales manager at Society Insurance
According to Mike Ausing, executive vice president of operations at Greater Insurance Service Corp. , there are a number of factors that influence bar insurance premiums.
They can include:
• Type of operation (a bar, or a bar/restaurant, for example)
• Length of ownership
• Claims or loss history
• Square footage
• Contents and equipment
• Type of entertainment
“You could have two taverns located side by side that are similar in operation, but paying significantly different prices for insurance coverage,” says Ausing.
The best thing you can do to save money on your insurance coverage is to take pride in ownership of
great lakes beverage gary’s premium beverages
920-884-2244
N3712 WI-55 #101
Freedom, WI 54130
Our Crispy Barrel Breaded Chicken Tenders are fully cooked for easy preparation, marinated with a hint of savory spices for juicy flavor, and coated in a crispy, golden breading with a hand-crafted appearance for a satisfying bite every time.
Brakebush Code: 5047
Brakebush Code: 5471
This fully cooked Brakebush ® Signature Classic Crispy Filet has the hand-breaded appearance and savory, juicy bite your customers crave in a chicken sandwich.
Tender, whole muscle chicken breast surrounded by an impressively crunchy breading makes this 4 oz. filet the perfect choice for premium sandwiches.
800.933.2121 • Brakebush.com
In some cases, you may qualify for discounts on your bar insurance that can cut the cost of your premiums. However, discounts vary depending on the insurance company you get coverage from. Typical discounts that you may qualify for include:
Multi-policy discounts. This is when you have more than one insurance policy with the same company.
Paid-in-full discounts. This discount is provided when you pay your insurance premium annually rather than monthly.
Affiliation discounts. Insurance companies may offer discounts to members of specific organizations, such as the Tavern League.
Claim-free discounts. Some insurers give you a discount if you have gone without filing a claim for a specified amount of time. For example, if you haven’t filed a claim in three years, you may qualify for a discount on your insurance premiums.
your bar with regular cleaning, maintenance and updates. “Proper maintenance and pride of ownership are important,” says Kuerschner.
“When grease accumulation is not attended to regularly, fires happen. Also, proper storage of greasy rags in metal, self-closing fireproof containers is necessary as part of safety protocol. Walking surfaces need to be maintained to protect employees and customers from slips, trips and falls,” he advises.
Insurance companies frequently require that “maintenance is done on a regular basis; kitchens are clean; hoods, ducts and fire suppression systems are maintained at least semi-annually; and electrical, heating and plumbing systems are up to date. By staying on top of these types of maintenance, you can ensure that your property and patrons are safe,” agrees Thomas
“You could have two taverns located side by side that are similar in operation, but paying significantly different prices for insurance coverage.”
— Mike Ausing, Greater Insurance Service Corp.
(T.J.) Phillis, associate director of sales for Ansay & Associates . “It also allows you to control some of the main factors in your insurance costs.”
“If the maintenance isn’t done, you may be forced into a non-standard market, which will drastically increase your insurance premiums,” he continues.
Another way bar and tavern owners can reduce the cost of their insurance premiums is by choosing a higher deductible. A deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. For example, if an insurance policy has a deductible of $1,000, you would pay $1,000 if you have a claim and then your insurance would pay the rest.
“Purchasing a higher deductible, or updating your roof, electrical or anything of that nature can really help your business,” confirms Ausing.
Opting out of certain insurance coverages may cost you more in the long run. For example, if you pay your employees cash, you may not think you need workers’ compensation coverage, suggests Phillis.
However, if an employee is injured on the job, you may be forced to pay their medical bills and lost wages, he warns. You could also face fines by the state.
Other frequently overlooked coverages are cyber liability and employment practices liability insurance. Cyber liability insurance protects you if there is a cyber-attack or data breach at your business. In the bar industry, this could be something like cyber thieves hacking into your system and stealing customer credit card numbers.
“If a cyber-attack forces your business to shut down because services are made unavailable, standard business income coverage does not cover it,” Phillis says.
Employment practices liability insurance can protect you if an employee you fired sues you for wrongful termination, harassment or discrimination.
Insurance coverage is a necessary part of running any business, especially in the bar and tavern industry, which encounters more unique risks than other types of business.
To save money, bar and tavern owners should be proactive and address things that may cause higher insurance premiums, suggests Ausing. Pride of ownership, making updates and increasing your insurance deductible are all things you can do to save money on insurance. TLW
American Beverage Licensees (ABL) w ill hold its 2024 annual conference in San Antonio, Texas from July 27 to 29, 2024. The meeting will be held concurrently with the Texas Package Stores Association (TPSA) meeting, and ABL attendees will have access to the TPSA trade show and hospitality events. ABL’s meeting hotel, the San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk, is located on the River Walk in downtown San Antonio, ideal for both business and leisure. Stay tuned for more information
From the Capitol
Congress has gaveled in for the second year of the 118th Congress with a handful of must-pass issues on its docket. (Congress enacted just 34 public laws in 2023 — the fewest in the first year of a Congress since at least 1951.) Those issues include addressing supplemental spending for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan and border security; and a handful of other pieces of legislation pertaining to national defense, foreign intelligence surveillance, farming and the Federal Aviation Administration.
At the end of the year, some tax provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act expire, so we will work on a tax bill that may include extenders or permanency provisions throughout the year, but may not see a vote until a potential lame-duck session after the November elections. ABL will hold its spring Board of Directors meeting in Alexandria, Virginia from March 20 to 22, 2024. Both the House and Senate will be in session, and ABL plans on meeting with legislators.
On February 7, 2024, ABL commented on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) proposal to ban junk fees, which would broadly prohibit businesses subject to FTC jurisdiction from mispresenting the nature and purpose of any fee. It would require the clear and conspicuous disclosure of the “total price” for goods or services, with the “total price defined to include all fees and charges … that a consumer must pay for a good or service, or for any additional good or service offered to the consumer as part of the same transaction.”
ABL is concerned about the unintended consequences the proposal would have on local bars, taverns and on-premise licensed alcohol retailers — honest businesses that value their customers and operate in a competitive marketplace. Instead ABL asks that the FTC emphasize disclosure and transparency rather than adding strict requirements.
ABL wrote, “Service fees charged by bars, taverns and other on-premise beverage alcohol licensees are not in and of themselves unfair or deceptive. In addition to the fact that fees often cover the costs of services and products for customers, disclosure of fees on menus or prior to an order being placed is already required by some states or local jurisdictions. Eliminating the ability of on-premise food and drink businesses to use service charges to manage their costs while operating in a highly competitive market puts them at a disadvantage. Unlike other industries that are more concentrated, there are hundreds of thousands of restaurants, bars and taverns for consumers to choose between.
“Just as a restaurant that sells food that does not taste good will be subject to consumers taking their business to other establishments, consumers are free to do the same should they object to a business’ pricing policy for a meal or a drink. Diners or imbibers are not captured like they might be when engaging in commerce with more concentrated industries.
“Prior to a rulemaking that does not necessarily take into account the pricing policy nuances of industries as varied as cruise lines and corner taverns, we encourage the FTC to consider focusing on the disclosure of policies and practices instead of the prohibition of them. This could include initiating industry-specific workshops, education campaigns for businesses and consumers, and an enforcement strategy of existing laws that focuses on individual actors and actions.”
On November 7, 2023, ABL submitted a comment on the Department of Labor’s Defining and Delimiting the Exemptions for Executive, Administrative, Professional, Outside Sales and Computer Employees proposed rulemaking. ABL opposes the changes to the “white-collar” exemptions for federal overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act. If adopted, these provisions would have a negative impact on independent beverage licensees and the proposed minimum salary threshold would endanger ABL members’ businesses.
ABL wrote, “The average update to the salary level has been made roughly 10 years after the previous update. This would take effect just five years after the previous update, which has yet to be fully studied and its impact understood. Additionally, the increase from $23,660 in 2019 to $60,209 in 2024 would represent a 154% increase in just six years, outpacing previous increases.
“Beverage businesses rely on flexibility to allocate work hours based on schedules that include nontraditional work hours, especially when it comes to bars, taverns and restaurants. This change would put that flexibility in jeopardy, and would create uncertainty for employers who could be forced to reclassify workers and make significant changes to management positions resulting in a reduction in career growth and advancement.”
(D-RI). This new on-the-record support brings more momentum to the bill.
ABL continues to actively lobby for the CCCA. On December 6,
On December 5, 2023, ABL joined industry trade associations from all three tiers to celebrate the creation of the Congressional 21st Amendment Caucus at the U.S. Capitol. Chaired by Reps. Stephanie Bice (R-OK) and Susie Lee (D-NV), the caucus already has over 40 members. Its focus will be on the importance of maintaining effective, state-based alcohol regulation for American consumers and the marketplace.
The caucus will educate Congress members and their staff on the importance of these regulations, as well as the role of licensed alcohol businesses in collecting taxes, supporting public health priorities, and creating and maintaining a competitive, safe and efficient market. Rep. Glenn Grothman is the only Wisconsin member to join so far. TLW
The Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on the Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA) on April 9, 2024. Committee chairman and CCCA sponsor Dick Durbin (D-IL) has invited the CEOs of Visa and Mastercard to testify. This hearing should satisfy those members of Congress calling the bill to proceed through “regular order,” and offer an opportunity for public questions and conversation about the legislation with banking and credit card industry executives.
In addition, two new cosponsors have been added to the CCCA: Sens. Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Jack Reed
On December 6, 2023, Gov. Tony Evers signed legislation to update Wisconsin’s alcohol laws, including the creation of a new Division of Alcohol within the Department of Revenue (DOR). It represents the most comprehensive update of the state’s alcohol laws since Prohibition. Every tier of the industry supported the bill.
The TLW succeeded in helping to include several provisions in the package to benefit our members and supported the following provisions of the bill:
• The creation of the Division of Alcohol at the DOR and attaching enforcement functions to the division.
• The requirement for wedding barns to have a liquor license. Wedding barns and event venues must now obtain a proper alcohol license in order to operate and are required to have a liquor license to hold events. That provision of the bill has a delayed effective date of 24 months. Wedding barns and event venues will also be required to purchase all alcohol through a licensed wholesaler and no longer allow people to bring in their own.
• The lowering of the penalty for the purchase of beer from a Class A establishment. The bill decreases the penalty from a felony to a civil forfeiture not to exceed $100 for a tavern to purchase 15 cases of beer a month from a liquor store without going through a wholesaler. A similar provision currently exists in state law for the purchase of up to 12 liters of booze a month.
• The creation of a statewide operator’s permit. The DOR will create an operator’s license that will be permitted for use statewide and can be acquired through its website. Local governments can still issue operator’s licenses, but this change will provide more flexibility to employers and bartenders to quickly obtain a statewide license.
• The permission of underage persons at axe-throwing facilities with a liquor license. The bill allows a retail license to be issued for an axe-throwing facility that allows underage people to be on the premises.
• Updated brewery closing hours. The bill requires all breweries to have the same closing times as Class B licensed establishments.
• An increase in the TLW SafeRide program surcharge from $50 to $75. The bill will increase the operating while impaired (OWI) surcharge for the program by 33%. In addition, it will expand the use of SafeRide to all license holders in Wisconsin for a six-month period. The TLW will coordinate with non-members to use our SafeRide program and solicit them to join the TLW to have permanent use of SafeRide, as well as all TLW programs. This change represents a great opportunity for recruitment.
• The requirement to provide SafeRide information to every liquor or beer license applicant. The new law requires municipalities to provide information about free six-month participation in the TLW SafeRide program every time a license is issued. This change will introduce the TLW and our SafeRide program to every license applicant in Wisconsin, presenting the opportunity to increase membership in both.
• The permission for customers to take an unfinished bottle of wine home. The bill permits an opened, unfinished bottle of wine to be removed from a restaurant if, among other requirements, it is recapped with the original cap, rather than recorked.
• The establishment of closing hours for the Republican National Convention. The bill creates a closing exception for the 2024 political convention in Milwaukee for Class “B,” “Class B” and “Class C” licensed retailers, and for producers’ full-service retail outlets and production premises located in Kenosha, Racine, Walworth, Rock, Milwaukee, Waukesha, Jefferson, Dane, Ozaukee, Washington, Dodge, Columbia, Sheboygan or Fond du Lac counties.
During the convention period, closing hours are between 4 and 6 a.m. However, a municipality may designate a retailer or producer as ineligible or disqualified for the extended closing hours, and may, by ordinance, opt out of the extended closing hours during the convention. TLW
To see details and register online, please visit tlw.org/food-safety-courses. Have questions? Call the TLW Food Safety Hotline at (608) 296-9226.
The Shawano County Tavern League is in the process of rebuilding, says president Amanda Gauthier, who owns Gauthier’s Ye Ole Saloon, with her husband in Tigerton.
“We have a lot of younger members on our board and a lot of younger bar owners,” says Gauthier. “We’re looking for new ideas to bring [our league] back to where it was 15 years ago. That way, we can start giving back and doing more.”
The Shawano County Tavern League currently has about 45 members. Gauthier notes it’s a mix of establishments, including some bowling alleys, campgrounds, supper clubs, bars, restaurants and small mom-and-pops. Shawano is a rural county known for all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and utility terrain vehicle (UTV) riding, camping, deer hunting and snowmobiling.
“We’re looking for new ideas to bring [our league] back to where it was 15 years ago. That way, we can start giving back and doing more.”
— Amanda Gauthier, Gauthier’s Ye Ole Saloon
To help build back the league’s membership, board members keep membership information on hand as they travel around the county and visit non-member establishments. “We try to talk to bartenders and owners to see if they have any questions, tell them they can call us anytime and encourage them to join us,” says Gauthier.
She adds that each board member has member bars in the county assigned to them: “If something happens, we’re their point of contact.”
In addition to rebuilding its membership, the Shawano County Tavern League leadership is working to bolster its SafeRide program. The league operates its SafeRide as a good Samaritan program, providing vouchers to bars to reimburse drivers. The county does not provide many rides, but hopes that will change once a new taxi service in the city of Shawano opens.
Gauthier adds that the city didn’t previously have a taxi service open in the evenings or ride-sharing services available in the county. “Our county is mostly rural and most of our bars are not in a city. That’s why we’re so excited to work with the new taxi service and start offering more SafeRides in Shawano,” she says.
The Shawano County Tavern League is also starting to plan its summer golf outing, although the date is still being confirmed. The outing will help support the league and its charitable giving, including its support of Ball of the Badges, an annual event that honors and recognizes first responders, corrections officers and dispatchers in the county who help keep the community safe. Proceeds from the event support Safe Haven, a domestic abuse support center in Shawano County. “It is one of the big things we donate to,” says Gauthier.
The Shawano County Tavern League also supports Coats for Kids and, shortly, will be starting a drive to help the Shawano County Humane Society by collecting food, toys, blankets and other items to support shelter animals.
A 20-year veteran of the tavern industry, Gauthier became president of the Shawano County Tavern League in August 2022, less than six months after purchasing her bar and attending her first meeting. “Being a member of the Tavern League provides you with knowledge from the state office, our district board members and other board members,” she says. “There is a lot of useful knowledge regarding laws, how to run your business a little better, how to interact with customers a little better and more.”
Being a member also helps build camaraderie with other members. “A big piece is the friendships that you make,” observes Gauthier, sharing that a bar owner in Tomahawk whom she connected with brought a UTV ride of more than 150 riders to her bar. “That was just by networking.”
Gauthier additionally notes that the tavern and restaurant industries are crucial to Shawano County, and being a member of the Tavern League “supports not only the industry, but also one another.” TLW
As a family-owned and operated company since 1935, Badger Liquor is Wisconsin’s largest wine and spirits distributor — and one of the few remaining family-owned distributors in the industry.
“Our owners, Gary and Lacey Sadoff, have a loyal dedication to the alcohol beverage industry. They take pride in providing great customer service, and having a great line of products and time of delivery. Badger Liquor is the largest and most effective alcoholic beverage sales network in the state,” says Dan Werner, executive vice president of sales.
Badger Liquor has long supported the Tavern League and Werner believes that the support started around the time the league was formed in 1935. “We can’t pinpoint an exact date, but Badger Liquor has had some sort of partnership with the Tavern League for many, many years,” he confirms.
Badger Liquor has been a strong TLW supporter because it shares the organization’s goals: “Both of us have the same vision: to support the hard-working people who run the licensed beverage retail establishments across Wisconsin,” he says. “We are proud to have a strong long-term relationship with the Tavern League. We value the business and the personal relationships we’ve built through our partnership, and we look forward to that for many years to come.”
Badger Liquor covers about 75% of the state of Wisconsin itself and the whole state with its partner company, Frank Liquor Company , which covers roughly the bottom southwest corner of the state, from Madison to La Crosse. “That gives us a statewide footprint,” says Werner. “There’s a great partnership with the Franks and the Sadoffs. They align with us, offering every brand we have at the same price.”
As the state’s largest distributor, Badger Liquor has a pulse on the trends in the industry and, more importantly, helps
“We have seen the tequila shift across the whole industry and the tequila category is incredibly hot. It’s one of the fastest-growing spirits we have right now — it’s overtaken rum and knocking on vodka’s door.”— Dan Werner, Badger Liquor
on-premise members bring them into their establishments. Werner notes that the bourbon category remains very strong, with tequila coming in on its heels. During the pandemic, higher-end bourbons and tequilas were taking hold and, now, the whole tequila category has risen.
Werner also notes that, particularly in the southern part of the state, drinkers are starting to move from favoring cognac to tequila. “We have seen the tequila shift across the whole industry and the tequila category is incredibly hot,” he confirms. “It’s one of the fastest-growing spirits we have right now — it’s overtaken rum and knocking on vodka’s door.”
In addition to getting on the bourbon and tequila train, Tavern League members would be wise to jump on the ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail wagon as well. “RTD beverages are growing at a rapid pace,” says Werner. “From a national standpoint, suppliers are throwing everything at it and whatever is going into that category is drawing attention.”
Badger Liquor’s RTD leader is Carbliss , a Wisconsin-based brand. “We started offering that in November of 2018, and the whole category has just jumped on its back, and is growing by leaps and bounds,” says Werner.
With that growth comes the opportunity for profit. Werner observes that, even three or four years ago, it was challenging to get consumers to pay $6 or $7 for an RTD cocktail. Now, they’re clamoring for it. “Now it’s more prevalent and, if you’re not in it, you’re missing out,” he says.
If you want to capitalize on these trends, Badger Liquor’s robust staff is ready to help. “We are a company that truly cares about customer service. We have the most feet on the street. We’ll always be there for you and we truly believe in face-to-face interaction,” according to Werner.
Additionally, the company’s portfolio is unmatched. Werner emphasizes, “We have something for everyone at any price point — nonalcoholic, RTD, and national and Wisconsinowned products for both wine and spirits.” TLW
850 Morris St., Fond du Lac, WI 54935 (920) 923.8160 | badgerliquor.com
As of February 20, 2024
DISTRICT 1
Kenosha City
Our Kenosha
Tap “K-Tap”
Sara Lucci
Kenosha
Kenosha County
Aces Sports Bar and Grill
Kanwal Singh
Lake Geneva
Clay’s Tap
Shirley Willie
Kenosha
Trevor Creek
Tavern
Kayla Purtee
Trevor
Whiskey Bizzness
Donna Green
Camp Lake
Racine City
Chatroom
Restaurant
Jenni Wilson
Racine
Sebastian’s
Corey Sebastian
Caledonia
Tulip Tavern
Tracey Shepard
Racine
Racine County
Crazy Train
Saloon
Troy McReynolds
Waterford
South Central
Ludlow Mansion
Events
Gregory Fedders
Monroe
Walworth County
American Legion
Post 450
David Weiler
Darien
Bonnie & Betty’s
Josh Bourdo
Burlington
Mashtun Brewing
Kristen Kettle
Lake Geneva
Station 20
Pub and Grill
Howard Knight
Elkhorn
DISTRICT 2
Columbia County
43 North
Bar and Grill
Jaclyn Kelley
Lodi
Lake Wisconsin Country Club
Steve Schlauer
Prairie du Sac
Whispering Pines
Event Center
Scott Adams
Poynette
Dodge County
The Dam Tavern
Vicki Schultz
Beaver Dam
Horicon Hills Golf Club
James Merkel
Horicon
Jefferson County
Gasthaus
Bar & Grill
Tiffany Rhodes
Watertown
Hering’s Towne Inn
Hannah Dempsey
Jefferson
Hubbleton’s
Speakeasy
Pub and Grill
Candy Gram
Watertown
McGrath Event
Hall and Catering
Corey McGrath
Johnson Creek
Madison/ Dane County 7 Iron Social
Colin Smith
Madison
Comedy on State
Eve Paras
Madison
The Deerfield
Grille
Bret Clostermery
Deerfield
Halverson’s Everything
Nice Inc.
Amy Frane
Stoughton
The Renfro Refreshment Company
Steven Renfro
Madison
Touch of Ukraine LLC
Kateryna Temchenko
Madison
Waukesha County
Tally’s Tap & Eatery
Jessica Tallinger
Waukesha
DISTRICT 3
Crawford County
Dante’s Bar and Grill
Scott Cardinali
Gays Mills
Dells/Delton Area
Tranquility
Farm LLC
Micky Day
Pleasant Prairie
Grant/Iowa County
Margarita Blitz
Josh Kravitz
Cuba City
Shullsburg VFW Post 10533
Johnny Walker
Shullsburg
Thirsty Wrangler
Erin Stangel Fennimore
Wally’s Bar & Grill
Jason Walrack
Darlington
Whitey’s Bar and Grill
Alivia Carins
Benton
Juneau County
Micki’s Bodyshop
Bar & Grill
Michelle Kannenberg
New Lisbon
La Crosse City/ County
Brambleberry
Winery
Chris Hardie
West Salem
Maple Grove
Venues LLC (MGV)
Audra Butterfield
West Salem
River City
Youth Hockey
Molly Griffith
La Crosse
Monroe County
Cork and Barrel
Mitch Koel
Sparta
Sauk County
Trail Break and Kickstand Patio
Bill Good
La Valle
Vintage Brewing CompanySauk Prairie
Rory Nienajadlo
Sauk City
DISTRICT 4
Calumet County
Fraternal Order of Eagles
Connie Koehler
Chilton
Fond du Lac
County
Broski’s
Terrance Rowe
Fond du Lac
Jammer Inn
Shirley Busch
Campbellsport
Green Lake Area
Center House
Carla VanRossum
Ripon
The Old School
Sydney Moriarty
Green Lake
Manitowoc County
Gibby’s Doghouse
Jeff Gibbons
Brillion
Grizzly’s
Daryl Jeske
Manitowoc
K City Pub and Grill
Josh Wasurick
Two Rivers
Larrabee
Sportsmans Club
Paul Tuschl
Mishicot
Manitowoc Elks
Lodge 687
John Dodge
Manitowoc
Oshkosh City/ Winnebago
County
Cocktail Corner & Grill
Del Singh
Oshkosh
Vinland Still & Grill
Hank Klundt
Neenah
Sheboygan County
In the Bag LLC
Andra Humphrey
Plymouth
Washington County
Lucky Shotz LLC
Andrew Rein
West Bend
DISTRICT 5
Adams County
The Bears Den
on the Point
Tracy Aker
Friendship
Langlade County
Langlade County
Tavern League
Brian Meidl
Antigo
Northern Lights
Bar and Grill
Jessica Turner
White Lake
Marathon County
Chico’s
Rachel Otto
Wausau
The Red Retriever
Bar & Grill
Nicholas Meyer
Hatley
This and That
Wisconsin Store
Bernie Wenzel
Stratford
Marquette County
Lakeview Campground and Bar LLC
Carrie Smith
Beloit
Molly’s Buckhorn
Bar and Grill
Timothy Houlihan
Princeton
Portage County
Ellis Inn
Sue Bertz
Custer
Great Northern
Distilling
Brian Cummins
Stevens Point
Little White Inn
Debra Zinda
Stevens Point
Shallow Waters
Matt Carlyle
Stevens Point
Shawano County
Wayne’s Place Bar and Grill
Brooke Juedes
Bonduel
Waupaca County
Whiskey Junction
Food & Drink
Kurt Plamann
Waupaca
Waushara County
The Barracks
Barb Haka
Redgranite
Road Rash
Bar and Grill
Bill Elendt
Pine River
Waushara
Country Club
Quinten Eberhardy
Wautoma
Wood County
Grand Rapids
Eatery
Kyle Davis
Wisconsin Rapids
DISTRICT 6
Brown County
Ahnapee Brewery
Nick Calaway
Suamico
The Alibi
Beto Serrano
Green Bay
Allegedly Bar and Grill
Jevon Jaconi
Green Bay
Jake’s Place
Jacob Vieau
De Pere
Door County
Door County
Sandbox and Gala
Tammy Estes
Sturgeon Bay
G Stop
Himanshu Goel
Oshkosh
Hidden Bridge Pub
Misty Peck
Sturgeon Bay
Sawyer Harbor
Pub and Grill
Brian Rouer
Brussels
Kewaunee County
Reds Rock N’
Shore Pub
Jessica Aldama
Algoma
Oconto County
Brandon & Sammy’s
Brookside Pub
Brandon Vieau
Abrams
Mac Attack
Lisa McFadden
Oconto
Midway Bar and Grill
Ken Behnke
Lena
Mountain
Memories
Roger Lambert
Mountain
Patriot Golf Club
Angie Janssen
Abrams
Outagamie County
Fox Valley
Technical College
Jeff Igel
Appleton
DISTRICT 7
Barron County
La Autentica
Tacos y Mas
Ignacio Infante
Rice Lake
Skippy’s
Josh Weirich
Barron
Tree Stand Tavern
Jodene Rose
Gordon Chippewa County
Bloomer House
Michelle Allen
Bloomer
Bresina’s
Hometown
Bar & Grill
Bradley Lauer
Chippewa Falls
Early Birds Pub and Grub
Dennis Helfert
Gilman
Four Corners
Caroline Hepfler
Chippewa Falls
J&T Back 40
Tina Thompson
Cameron
Jake’s Jim Town
Bar & Grill
Jake Anderson
Jim Falls
Lake Hallie Golf
Club LLC
Donn Amundson
Chippewa Falls
Lake Hallie
Sportsman’s Club
Cindy Connett
Chippewa Falls
The Landing
Robert Brown
Chippewa Falls
On the Rocks
Jennifer Murray
Chippewa Falls
Rally House
Sports Bar
Bryce Smetana
Chippewa Falls
The Sand Trap
Pete Peterson
Holcombe
The Silver Wolff
Bar and Grill
Chris Wolff
Cornell
Clark County
Early Birds Pub and Grub
Dennis Helfert
Gilman
Green Lantern Bar and Grill
Nathan Dickerson
Neillsvillle
Harder Estates LLC
Lucas Harder
Greenwood
Eau Claire City/ County
BONDS
Randi Ann
McVinnie
Altoona
Valley Golf & Events LLC
Erin Amundson
Mondovi
Jackson County
Garden Valley
Gatherings
Kristin Pfaff
Alma Center
Hideaway’s
Whiskey Jack’s
Pamela Cullen
Black River Falls
Awesome Snack Stixx
Ron Gasser
3284 S. Industrial Lane Waukesha, WI 53189 (414) 640-6125
awesomesnackstixx23@aol.com awesomesnackstixx.com
Brew City Trimlight
Jacob Jinks
3849 W. Anthony Dr. Franklin, WI 53132 (262) 391-0670
jake@brewcitytrimlight.com brewcitytrimlight.com
McSweet’s
Irish Pub
JoAnn McSweet
Black River Falls
Pierce County
The Honey
Hole Tavern
Billie Jo Huppert
Beldenville
Junior’s Restaurant +
Tap House
Dustin Hanson River Falls
Red Barn Bar
Suzette Retzloss
Spring Valley
Village Discount
Liquor
Elizabeth Huie
Ellsworth
Polk County
Balsam Lake
Brewery & Market
Mike Gondek
Balsam Lake
Rae’s Bar & Grill LLC
Tanya Strantz
Turtle Lake
Skol Haus
Jackie Highstrom
Siren
St. Croix County
Louie’s Bar & Grill
Andrew Huffman
Hudson
Woodville
GarageBar
Jeff Swanson
Woodville
Trempealeau/ Buffalo County
Copper Ridge
Event Center
Cole Sylla
Blair
The Landing
Jeff Mastin
Fountain City
M & M Bar
Tim Mitchell
Strum
Roxie’s Bar and Grill
Chad Halverson
Mondovi
Y-Not Tavern
Joel Sallander
Whitehall
DISTRICT 8
Ashland/ Bayfield County Drop Tine Bar & Grill
Paul Conley
Mellen
Garmisch Resort
Maya Patrykus
Cable
Hagstrom LLC/ Hunter’s General
Store
Krystal Hagstrom
Drummond
Harbor Table
Kirsten McAuliffe
Washburn
KD’s Bear Den
Kathy Rose
Drummond
Pudge’s Tavern
Adam DeMeyer
Poplar
Burnett County
Last Call
Bar & Grill
Tara Amrhein
Siren
McKenzie Landing
Bar and Grill
Genevieve Cashman
Webster
Greater
Northwoods
Iron County
Memorial Building
Rita Franzoi
Hurley
Life Worth Living Inc., DBA Filta
Environmental Kitchen Solutions
Noel Karul
N8998 Townline Rd. East Troy, WI 53120 (262) 510-0104 noel.karul@gofilta.com gofilta.com/places/cooking-oil-disposalmilwaukee-kenosha
Sara’s Computer ShopStaying Connected
Sara Reimann
24056 State Rd. 35/70 P.O. Box 331, Siren, WI 54872 (715) 349-4335
sara@sarascomputershop.com learn-with-sara.com
Lazy Ace Saloon
Jim Koleno
Mercer
Lost & Found
Mackenzie Baker
Montreal
The Squatch Bar and Grill
Lori Grace
Montreal
Lakeland Area
Sheri’s Pub N Grub
Sheri Cebery
Lac du Flambeau
Lincoln County
Nimrods LLC
Desiree Alexander
Merrill
Oneida County
Birchwood Bar and Lodge
Billy Heath
Rhinelander
Pine Isle Lodge
Scott Merck
Hartland
T’s Beachcomber
Food n Drink
Tammy Ahles
Rhinelander
Wally’s South 17
Walter Thiede
Rhinelander
Price County
The 173
Stacey Janacek
Phillips
Birch Island Resort
Daniel Virnig
Phillips
John & Heidi’s
Happy Daze
John Doberstein
Kennan
Sugarbush Bar
Bernie Klismet
Park Falls
Superior/ Douglas County
Havanas
Leah Bolk
Superior
Paul’s Pour House
Paul Banks
Solon Springs
The Gravel
Pit Tavern
Dede Paquette
Solon Springs
Taylor County
Curve Inn
Douglas Dahl
Stanley
El Jovenaso
Rodrigo Rodrigues
Fuentes
Medford
The Tee-Hi Club
Molly Knoll
Medford
DISTRICT 9
Milwaukee County
Bubbles and Bourbon
Michelle Gilbert
Oconomowoc
Havenwoods
Taproom and Beer Garden
Chase Jaffray
Grafton
Odd-E’s Pub
Adi Sarkanjac
West Allis
Porky’s on Squire
Ian Mazonet
Cudahy
Tiny’s: A Neighborhood Sports Tavern
Matthew Markiewicz
Cudahy
Zum Zeppel, DBA Thurman’s 15
Richard Paul
Milwaukee
Schaut Technologies
Ryan Schaut 10579 Country Walk Lane, Unit 21 Sister Bay, WI 54234 (920) 333-2269
info@schauttech.com schauttech.com
The Waters of Minocqua
Brianna L.P. 8116 U.S. Rte. 51 Minocqua, WI 54548 (715) 358-4000 thewatersofminocqua.com
www.tlw.org
Gov. Tony Evers and U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin recently announced that many Wisconsin businesses may be eligible for a federal disaster loan program if they have suffered losses due to this year’s unusually mild winter, which lacked Wisconsin’s typical snowfall in many areas.
With Gov. Evers and Sen. Baldwin advocating for the disaster coverage, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) confirmed that it will consider business loss from recent low snowfalls over the winter months to be related to the drought and eligible for assistance. The lack of snow has impacted travel and recreation businesses that depend on it for activities such as downhill and crosscountry skiing, snowmobiling and more.
Many counties in the state are already covered by a preexisting disaster designation for drought from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This designation allows businesses in counties identified as drought disaster areas to be eligible for emergency loans to offset their business losses in those counties if their business loss is related to the drought.
The National Weather Service reports that snowfall statewide has been 20 to 30 inches below normal this winter. In the Lake Superior snowbelt, generally across Ashland, Iron and Vilas counties, snowfall was 40 to 70 inches below normal.
Impacted businesses in counties with a drought declaration can apply for the U.S. SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), which are designed to help businesses get through emergency situations that have impacted their economic well-being. Businesses can borrow up to $2 million to cover actual losses. Businesses pay no interest on the loan for the first year and a maximum rate of 4% for the rest of the loan period.
Businesses can submit applications and find additional disaster assistance information at lending.sba.gov, or
contact the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation at eidlinquiries@wedc.org. Businesses must apply by the application deadline for their county as listed below (the latest available deadlines for counties at print time):
• April 8: Bayfield and Douglas
• April 15: Sheboygan
• April 29: Burnett, Kenosha and Racine
• May 6: Barron, Brown, Calumet, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Outagamie, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Rusk, St. Croix, Sawyer, Trempealeau, Washburn, Waupaca and Winnebago
• May 13: Ashland, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Menominee, Oconto, Shawano and Taylor
• May 29: Forest, Iron, Oneida, Price and Vilas
• July 31: Adams, Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Grant, Green, Green Lake, Iowa, Jackson, Jefferson, Juneau, La Crosse, Lafayette, Marquette, Monroe, Portage, Richland, Rock, Sauk, Vernon, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha, Waushara and Wood
The TLW recently hired Mark Jefferson as its new executive director. With Mark coming on board, Pete Madland, our current outreach director and former executive director, will be able to enjoy the retirement that he announced nearly five years ago. He has agreed to stay on to smooth the shift to a new leadership structure.
TLW President Keith Kern writes, “Pete has been an invaluable asset to the Tavern League for nearly 25 years, and we cannot thank him enough for his tireless support, leadership and advocacy. As he moves on to enjoy his well-deserved retirement, we will all miss his unwavering dedication and love for the TLW. I want to personally thank Pete for everything he has done for the Tavern League and I look forward to enjoying a beer with him on a golf course this summer! Please join me in thanking Pete for his years of dedication — we wouldn’t be where we are today without him.”
Restaurants sales are forecast to exceed $1.1 trillion in sales this year, marking a new milestone for the industry that will employ over 15.7 million people in the U.S. by the end of 2024. This is all according to the National
Restaurant Association 2024 State of the Restaurant Industry Report. Other key findings include:
• Restaurant operators are cautiously optimistic about 2024, with 33% predicting their sales will increase and 45% predicting their sales will hold steady from 2023.
• 52% of consumers — including 67% of millennials and 63% of Gen Z adults — say ordering takeout from a restaurant is an essential part of their lifestyle.
• 45% of restaurant operators report needing more employees to meet customer demand and a majority (70%) have job openings that are hard to fill.
• Operators are less optimistic about profitability, with 27% of operators expecting to be more profitable this year. Average food costs have increased more than 20% and average wages more than 30% from 2019.
• Restaurant sales are local and consumers are upbeat about their communities, with 55% describing their local economy as excellent or good.
Consumers agree on the value of a deal or discount, with seven in 10 adults saying they often look for a daily special or discount. Customers (85%) are more flexible about when they dine if it comes with a deal and 84% say they’d take advantage of deals for dining at off-peak times. Further, 75% of adults would opt for smaller portions for a lower price — a trend that can help restaurants curb food waste and improve profits. To fuel customer retention, the data suggests focusing on loyalty and rewards programs.
The food service industry is projected to add 200,000 jobs in 2024, bringing total industry employment to 15.7 million. Between 2024 and 2032, the industry is projected to add 150,000 jobs per year on average, with staffing levels reaching 16.9 million by 2032. Despite this expansion, 45% of operators say their restaurant doesn’t have enough employees to support existing demand.
If consumers notice menu changes more frequently, it’s often the result of food costs. In the past year, operators report needing to find new suppliers, removing items from their menus, adjusting portion sizes or substituting lower cost items all in response to prices.
Food availability impacted menu composition as well, with 77% of operators saying they experienced supply delays or shortages of key food or beverage items in 2023. These changes present a challenge for operators, especially with 86% of adults saying they like ample choice. TLW
As a bar or restaurant owner, you know that your night isn’t over when the last customer leaves. To expedite the process of wrapping up for the night, restaurant and bar owners can turn to a closing checklist that outlines tasks to be completed by front-of-house staff, back-of-house staff and management.
Items on a closing checklist might include, but are not limited to:
Tasks for Front-of-House Staff
• Make sure all servers have closed their tables properly and have cashed out for the night.
• Take out the trash and secure the garbage or dumpster area.
• Polish all glassware and roll the silverware for the next day.
Tasks for Back-of-House Staff
• Clean and sanitize food preparation areas and work surfaces.
• Take inventory and report low-stock items.
• Update food labels.
• Reconcile or balance the cash registers.
• Properly secure all cash in a drop safe.
• Take notes on the night’s operations.
• Set the building alarms and lock the doors.
Some of the main benefits of a thorough and consistent closing checklist include:
• Enhanced restaurant safety.
• Energy savings.
• Improved organization.
• Smoother business operations.
• Reduced business risk.
To learn more about how Society Insurance can help your business, contact your local agent today.
This information is provided as a convenience and is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal or professional advice. It is provided to assist you in recognizing potential unsafe work problems or conditions, and not to establish compliance with any law, rule or regulation.
