On Premise May/June 2024

Proud

Supporter of Wisconsin Farmers.

Legislative Day 2024 marked the 39th year the TLW gathered to learn about legislative

GOLF OUTING

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 are 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

Another convention in the books and what an event it was! Walworth County deserves kudos as the whole league stepped up to the plate, making it as easy as possible to get around not only at the resort, but also the Lake Geneva area.

On Monday night, attendees were welcomed with a great party that included a magician and a terrific one-man band. From what I hear, the food was amazing. I’ll have to take everyone’s word for it as I, once again, forgot to eat!

With a total attendance of over 950 people, we again broke our previous record. This wonderful, ever-increasing number has proven to be challenging at times, as we book these events four to five years out. With that being said, however, the space we were utilizing had me concerned, but we made it work and I truly believe we had one of the most unforgettable conventions in my memory.

On Tuesday, the general session opened with a full room. Rick Grandinnetti, our keynote speaker, captivated the crowd as he gave a great presentation on customer and employee treatment. Beside some audiovisual issues that became a running joke during the course of an hour, I heard nothing but raving reviews from many in attendance.

Several of our nonprofit partners made an appearance again this year, and had an opportunity to express their appreciation for the TLW and all of our members’ generosity.

Both Door and Walworth County Tavern Leagues presented VetsRoll with checks totaling $21,000 to help send veterans on an emotional and memorable trip out to Washington, D.C. Many checks were additionally donated to some of our other nonprofit groups.

Our trade show was once again sold out this year. Vendors and suppliers from around the state filled the floor with a wide selection of products and services, ranging from food to supplies, ovens to bar stools and everything in between. Many of our vendors have been with us for years and are also affiliate members of our association.

If you were not in attendance, I encourage you to check out the list of corporate and affiliate members on our website, and shop with those who support us.

Tuesday night was capped off with a special treat — Bella Cain rocking the roof off Grand Geneva Resort & Spa! Living so far north, I didn’t understand what the buzz was about surrounding this group, but I sure found out first hand. Drinks were flowing and the dance floor was packed until the very last song. The crowd matched the same level of energy as the band, making for one heck of an evening. Besides the great music, our live auction once again proved to be a show in itself.

The GOAT (Greatest of All Time), Pete Madland, returned to call bids and help raise over $46,000 in contributions for our conduit fund and political action committee (PAC). Thank you again to all those who won as well as those counties that donated the items.

If I was a betting man, I would have taken the under on the crowd size for Wednesday’s general session, but to the contrary, the room was once again full. I should have known better as I was in the presence of some of the best professionals in the state! Scott Stenger led off the day recapping our year’s accomplishments in Madison, as well as shedding light on the upcoming elections in November. New maps in the state are really shaking things up, and we have a lot to keep an eye on as races in both the Assembly and Senate begin to launch.

We introduced Mark Jefferson, our new executive director, to the stage to relay his vision for the months to come. Mark joined the TLW in March, hitting the ground running, with his first day on the job at our annual Legislative Day. There is a lot to learn when anyone first starts a position anywhere, but in true TLW fashion, he was welcomed with two major state events in the first 30 days. The board and myself look forward to working with Mark in the months to come as we begin to discuss our overall strategic plan and annual budget.

I would like to once again thank our staff for the amazing job they have done in the past year. With a full season of events under their belt now, they have a true understanding of how we operate. As we continue to plan future events, I look forward to continue building on our successes during, while continuing to offer you, the members, the best service.

Cheers, Keith Kern TLW President

CORPORATE MEMBERS

Support Those Who Support our Association

SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT OUR ASSOCIATION

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.”

groups for their support, and encourage others not on the list to participate. Any business interested

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.”

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

DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

NEVER A MORE IMPORTANT TIME TO GET INVOLVED

In just the few months since taking on my current role at the TLW, a lot has happened — not only within our organization, but in the landscape that surrounds it as well. And more change is coming, which makes this a very important time for each of us to get involved.

The Tavern League is working closely with local leagues after the legislature passed the most sweeping changes to the state alcohol laws in many years. Starting May 1, new members can qualify for a six-month trial period before officially joining as a permanent paid member. This trial includes access to our SafeRide program, which has been giving over 800 rides home each week to help keep our roads safe. It’s an opportunity to grow our membership at a pivotal time for the industry and get the next generation of our industry’s leaders involved.

As folks have heard us say before, the TLW has an important role in protecting those who serve in an industry that provides 160,000 jobs in the state, with over $3 billion spent on wages, $2.5 billion in taxes and over $15 million donated to charities in Wisconsin. And, increasingly, the Tavern League has been needed as a voice of reason when government at all levels looks to add regulations without adequate consideration given to the consequences.

Lately, we’ve been seeing increased problems with arbitrary decisions made at the municipal level that hurt the industry and the Tavern League is working to protect the rights of those affected. Among the many provisions fought for and won by the TLW in the overhaul of alcohol regulations is a provision allowing those applying for an operator’s license to choose between applying at a municipal or state level as of January 1, 2025.

With over 1,850 municipalities in the state, we’ve seen differing interpretations of the law and, worse, what appears to some to be officials trying to impose their own personal biases toward deciding whether to approve a license. Allowing applicants to choose to apply at the state level for an operator’s permit can instigate a more uniform application of the law, while also allowing applicants to work at multiple establishments in different municipalities with a single permit.

Legislators hear from us and we need to be active this campaign season to ensure we’re heard during the legislative session that follows.

More and more, the Tavern League is working with local municipalities to come up with reasonable measures to combat concerns related to public safety, rampant fake IDs that make enforcement more difficult and overly broad interpretations of the law. Some of these interpretations have shut hard-working employees out of the industry, often because of unrelated run-ins with the law that happened decades ago when they were in their youth.

In the future, we can expect increasing pressure at both the state and federal levels to lower the blood alcohol concentration from 0.08 to 0.05. Once again, the TLW will work aggressively to be a voice of reason in the face of efforts to implement these unreasonable limits that are being pushed without regard to effectiveness or unintended consequences.

Finally, as our active members, readers of this publication and our newsletters, know well, this election season is likely to bring about significant changes, especially at the state legislative level. The TLW has been a force at the state Capitol because of our effective lobbying efforts and the strength of our organization in legislative districts. Legislators hear from us and we need to be active this campaign season to ensure we’re heard during the legislative session that follows.

Changes to the state alcohol laws are being implemented. Governments at all levels are eyeing up still more restrictions on retail establishments. A pivotal election season is ahead. Put it all together, and there’s never been a more important time to bring in new members to the Tavern League and get folks involved.

We’re most effective when we work together, so please help spread the word to those who haven’t yet been a member that it’s time to join us. Everyone’s participation is going to be vital to preserve our state’s tavern industry.

Sincerely,

Mark Jefferson TLW Executive Director

2024 TLW Spring Conference & Trade Show Summary

Spring Conference Wal-worth the Effort

The TLW Spring Conference and Trade Show ran April 8 to 11 at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, drawing nearly 1,000 attendees. The trade show floor sold out. The Live Auction raised $46,250 and the Silent Auction raised $2,500.

Monday, April 8

The conference launched with a TLW Board of Directors meeting, while other members took the national certified food safety class and exam. In the evening, the Walworth County Tavern League hosted a welcome party at Hawk’s View Golf Club in Lake Geneva with live music and magic.

Tuesday, April 9

Cathy Vales, TLW senior vice president and owner of Mike & Cathy’s Good Old Days in Montello, began the general session with a welcome, introducing Kris Zappa, TLW state secretary and owner of Bourbon’s Bar in Cumberland, Todd Giraud, TLW state treasurer and owner of Rite Spot Bar & Grill in Sparta, Keith Kohler, Southern District vice president and owner of The Keg & Patio Bar & Grill in Wisconsin Dells, and Keith Kern, owner of Jimmy’s Saloon in Superior.

“Thank you to Walworth County. This is probably my 20th convention,” Kern started. “They welcomed us with not only the red carpet, but also the eclipse. I don’t how they did it, but we’re all here to support a great association. Thanks for making the trip. It’s been a wild year with a lot of changes. We’re not broke, we’re doing very well, but I think there’s a misconception between our operating costs and war chest.

“The board voted on due increases; it’s been almost 50 years since we raised them. It’ll help us give more back to our members. While change isn’t always easy, we’re at that pivotal point and the board has worked very diligently to move in a direction that’s best for our association,” said Kern before continuing, “Now it’s my honor to introduce, for the first time, our new executive director, Mark Jefferson.”

“It’s an honor to be here with this great organization,” said Jefferson. “I’m here to introduce Tyler August, a Republican who was elected in 2010. He is one of the most effective legislators in the Capitol.”

“We’re so happy to have you here and we know some of you made a long trip. Keith Kern came all the way from Canada and we love our neighbors to the North,” joked August. “It’s amazing the things we got done with a split government. If you told me that we would finally strike a deal on the alcohol bill, I would’ve said it wasn’t going to work, but we cut a good deal. It wouldn’t have happened without the TLW. Republicans are working on maintaining our majority, but the lines are shifting, so it’s imperative that you have a relationship with your state representatives. Take a look at who’s running in your district.”

Kern introduced Zappa to the stage. She summarized the minutes from the Board of Directors meeting the day prior:

• There are new legislative maps. We need four seats for Republican control. The TLW needs to know who is running for the primary in August to establish a strategy.

• Executive director Jefferson is up to speed and met with state staff on several occasions.

• The TLW is focused on soliciting new corporate sponsors.

• Food safety course dates are confirmed through August. Spanish courses are planned to debut in Milwaukee.

• The TLW is updating SafeRide coordinators on the website.

• Fox Hollow Golf Course in La Crosse will be the location for the annual TLW golf outing on September 9.

Giraud issued his treasurer’s update next: “The headquarters in Madison was sold and we decided to split the proceeds from the sale over four high-yield certificates of deposit in money market accounts. I know we have a lot of political fights coming up and SafeRide expansion, so you want to save some of that money, just as you would in your own business.”

Kern welcomed the keynote speaker, Dr. Rick Grandinetti, who was back by popular demand after a practical and

2024 TLW Spring Conference & Trade Show Summary

entertaining presentation on League Leaders Day. “The dues haven’t been increased in 20 years?! That’s not normal. In other associations, they get changed every five minutes,” joked Grandinetti.

“You could own a hole in the wall, but your people make the difference. The culture of your business is important. You can’t build a house on a broken foundation. Who knows what an internal customer is? Your employees. Hire slow, fire fast, but you should always be recruiting,” he continued.

“What if your establishment opened today? Would you operate differently? Sometimes we forget we have to go after customers every day. If you had to fight for your business and start every day new, what would you do to improve? People spend money where they’re welcome and wanted. Do more than you’re asked to do and watch how everything around you changes.”

Kern thanked the TLW’s past presidents, announced the TLW’s Special Club Members and gave out some awards. Then he mentioned, “The TLW donates a lot locally and in the state, so we thought we’d welcome the Gilbert Brown Foundation to talk about our partnership.”

NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT:

The following nominations were announced for the TLW elections in the spring of 2024.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Southern District VP Keith Koehler

Southern Zone VP Jennifer Collison

Eastern District VP Don Mjelde

Central District VP Bob Carpenter

Central Zone VP Paul Salzwedel

Northern District VP Nancy Lorbetske

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

1st District Two Years Dave Hills

1st District One Year Wendy Coey

2nd District Two Years Eric Christenson

3rd District Two Years Doug Clausen

3rd District One Year Cait Hirsch

4th District Two Years Mark Puetz

5th District Two Years Sharon Kingston

5th District One Year Jim Billings

6th District Two Years Judy Vandenhouten

6th District One Year Ben Brunette

7th District Two Years Diane Schwartz

7th District One Year Mike Celt

8th District Two Years Russ Fisher

8th District One Year Chuck Anderson

9th District Two Years Lori Helm

“I’m Green Bay Packer Hall of Famer, Superbowl Champion and Number 1 ass-kicker, Gilbert Brown,” laughed Brown. “My foundation benefits many children’s fundraisers. I put in time that I can’t get back, just like you and I appreciate you.”

Kevin Thompson, president and cofounder of Hogs for Heroes, asked, “I gotta follow Gilbert Brown? I never played for the Packers. I’m not 6’2”. But thank you from Hogs for Heroes. We raise money by partnering with phenomenal folks like you to buy Harley Davidsons to get veterans back in the community. We work exclusively in Wisconsin — 100% of every dollar we raise goes straight to the bikes.”

“You know what we do and you certainly helped us; $10.5 million in 2023 from all of you is outstanding,” acknowledged Audra Thompson, vice president and cofounder of Hogs for Heroes. “You got to get the word out. You have saved lives. Now these veterans ride with purpose and gratitude.”

“I get to do really cool stuff as president, but one of the coolest things I’ve done is attend one of the Hogs for Heroes ceremonies. It’s a truly humbling experience,” said Kern before turning over the podium to Barb Bigalke, the executive director and founder of the Center for Suicide Awareness

“It’s such an honor to be here with the TLW,” she said. “If you don’t know about our services, we are based in Wisconsin, and bring help, hope and suicide prevention resources to communities nationwide. Our new bar coasters say Bartenders = Therapists. You do not need the diploma to know that listening is so important. But we also need to know how to recognize suicide warning signs. We have to start talking about the people who are struggling and having a hard time. Ask the questions. They can save a life. It takes a community to care.”

Brandon Savage and Mark Lisowski from the Hunger Relief Federation of Wisconsin also took time to address TLW members: “We work with more than 100 food pantries across 60 counties. Everything is 100% free of charge to supply food across the state to those most in need. We’d like to thank the TLW for being a great partner. ”

2024 TLW Spring Conference & Trade Show Summary

“Last up is Mark Finnegan, the president and cofounder of VetsRoll. When he leaves, there’s usually not a dry eye in the place,” announced Kern, “please welcome him.”

“We’re now in our 15th year of celebrating veterans. The youngest World War II vets will by 96 years old in August. Time is not waiting for anyone,” said Finnegan.

“That speaks to the mission we do, which is providing gratitude, respect and closure for our vets. We’re in Beloit, and if you want to see patriotism on another level, come down for one of our homecoming ceremonies. We’ll be departing with 400 people on 11 charter buses with an escort to Dayton, Ohio. Then we head to Washington, D.C. and Alexandria, Virginia … We do a final mail call when we present letters from the veterans’ families and friends. It’s exciting and it happens because of the TLW. God willing, we’ll keep on doing it.”

At noon, the silent auction, bean bag toss and trade show began. Soon thereafter, TLW members also had the opportunity to attend the “Department of Revenue (DOR) Updates” seminar where attendees learned about new changes to the organization, including the addition of the Division of Alcohol Beverages and its role in enforcement since Chapter 125 was amended in December 2023. The next seminar, “What You Should Expect if the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) Comes Knocking,” discussed the common issues that the organization finds in the industry and what your biggest risks are.

Later, Bella Cain, one of the hottest Top 40 country groups in the Midwest, performed for the Tuesday Night Party when former executive director Pete Madland wasn’t taking control of the TLW Live Auction at Grand Geneva Resort.

Wednesday, April 10

“Last night was one hell of a party. A big thank you to Walworth County, it’s been a great week,” praised Kern. “I want to thank Pete, our auctioneer last night, and all of the counties for donating to our auctions.”

Kern called Renee Peterson, our “fearless leader from, and president of, Walworth County,” for a check presentation. She handed a $10,000 to VetsRoll. Then the Door County Tavern League presented VetsRoll with another $11,000. “VetsRoll has been blessed. God bless the Tavern League. Thanks for supporting our veterans and our cause,” remarked Finnegan.

For a legislative update, Kern introduced Scott Stenger, TLW lobbyist, saying, “It’s been a challenging couple of years and I know we’ve made some strides. Thank you for everything.”

“We have a lot to do between now and November. We have new legislative maps and many of you may have new

legislators. With these new maps, 11 people in the Senate and 10 in the Assembly won’t be getting our support. We have to elect our friends and defeat those against us,” warned Stenger before turning his attention to Chapter 125. “We’re regulated! We want people who know the law to regulate us. This group will act as an advocate for license holders, so we support that.”

About SafeRide, Stenger commented, “The state is paying 80 cents on every dollar for the SafeRide program, including for our new commercial. That’s not just an ad for SafeRide. It’s an ad for the Tavern League. SafeRide is one thing we have that has universal support. It’s good press for us.

“I say this every year, but this election is going to be the biggest challenge we’ve had since I started working with the TLW. No other group has this kind of grassroots ability. We can affect elections,” he concluded. “Thank you for your support.”

“Let’s move on to the President’s Award,” transitioned Kern. “There can be a lot of stories told. About 50 years of them. This individual was raised in a supper club, at Mr. G’s Supper Club, which his parents owned in in Jacksonport. He has worn many hats in the TLW over the years. And, after many years away from the Door County Tavern League president’s position, he shook dice, lost the round and won the president’s seat again. From the mid-70s to today, he’s donated his time. Bob Wagner is the Tavern League.”

“It was fun. It was work. It was challenging. Tavern League is in my blood,” Wagner acknowledged, “thank you very much!”

“Congratulations, Bob, and thanks for everything you’ve done for the TLW,” said Kern. “Next, I’d like to welcome our amazing managing director, Tina Conley from Wisconsin Association Management (WAM). They’ve done a tremendous job for our association.”

“I’m glad to see so many smiling faces. I started my day with a balanced breakfast of coffee and Ibuprofen,” quipped Conley. “I want to thank my board of directors, my support team, my mentors. They have taught us a lot in a short amount of time.

2024 TLW Spring Conference & Trade Show Summary

If you call, they will come. If you ask, they will be there. Thank you for all your help.”

Kern announced, “It’s again my honor to introduce our newest team member, our executive director, Mark Jefferson.”

“The last 30 days have been a real whirlwind,” observed Jefferson. “As many of you, I come from rural Wisconsin. I grew up on a farm. The ag industry wasn’t great in the ‘80s, so

I went to La Crosse and ended up in politics, being a little right of center. In fact, Tommy Thompson called me up to say good luck with the TLW. It’s an important association. Leadership throughout the state understand the importance of the TLW. $3 billion in wages. $2.5 million in taxes. This organization doesn’t need to apologize for defending itself. You should be proud of the work you do.”

The trade show and SafeRide meeting ensued after the general session. District caucuses met for a few hours and the President’s Reception followed.

Thursday, April 11

Thursday’s general session began with the Parade of Candidates for the Spring 2024 Election followed by the nominating committee report. After the report, the new board was announced and sworn in.

The general session concluded with a number of drawings and a video wrap-up of the conference. At noon, TLW members began to appear at Papa’s Blue Spruce Resort in Lake Geneva for the Walworth County Tavern League President’s Reception, concluding the 2024 Spring Conference & Trade Show. TLW

SOCIETY INSURANCE

3 TIPS: HOW TO FIND NEW

CUSTOMERS FOR YOUR BAR ADVERTISEMENT

1. Prioritize Alternate Audience Locations

Simply opening up an additional location may not always be feasible, but there are opportunities to target prospects in select geographic areas. If you have the means, consider participating in or hosting local events where you can highlight new or favorite drinks.

2. Position Your Business for More Reviews

New prospects are going to Google “food or drinks near me,” and reviews can help your local ranking capability. Google is much more likely to display restaurants and bars with positive reviews. Make sure you’re managing and improving your reputation.

3. Incentivize Sharing

Make sure to explore all capabilities for incentivizing your customers to share their experience via social media and email marketing.

Society Is Here to Protect Your Business

To find out more, get in touch with your local Society agent at societyinsurance.com .

This information is provided as a convenience for informational purposes only and 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.

Long-standing industry expertise means that nobody understands the unique challenges of protecting your hospitality business better than Society Insurance. Offering tried-and-true specialized programs, we are proud to provide comprehensive coverage for restaurants and bars.

ENew Efficiencies Revolutionizing the Bar Industry

fficiency and a focus on bar staff are a few key factors driving new trends for equipment in the bar industry. As tavern owners and managers continue to struggle with staffing issues, new equipment is being specifically designed to streamline operations, make bar duties faster and easier, highlight bartenders’ mixology skills or make staff more comfortable.

“The foundations of the bar are still the same,” according to Tony Benedict, owner of Benedict Sales & Service , a company that provides draft beer and line systems, food service equipment, refrigeration, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

“Bar owners are still looking for essentially the same equipment. They are just looking for ways that they can be more efficient from both a labor and energy standpoint. There certainly have been technological advancements to improve these things.”

Automation in a bar, for example, can help reduce manpower and increase efficiency in everything from your inventory to your menu to your ordering and payment systems, agrees Mark LaVick of Metropolitan Food Service Equipment .

“As in every industry, automation is the trend in bartending and food service. Although I believe that bartenders will never be replaced by robots, the sophistication is on the horizon,” he observes. “All in all, incorporating technology will increase profitability, efficiency, and hopefully enhance the customer experience and satisfaction.”

Innovative Equipment for Efficiency

Digitally controlled, automated and programmable equipment is helping to reduce the amount of staff

required in the bar and kitchen without negatively impacting the consistency of the product delivered to the customer, says Benedict.

“Some bars have even integrated certain pieces of cooking equipment to allow faster and easier food service at the bar without having to use staff in the kitchen and without adding more staff at the bar,” Richard Sternard, a partner with the equipment representative firm Mirkovich & Associates , adds.

One specific piece of cooking equipment that is helping bars become more efficient is the multi-cook oven, he says. Multi-cook ovens have up to four ovens in one unit, each with its own temperature, fan speed and cook time control. They are also ventless, so bar owners can save on the costly expense of ventilation systems to ensure their customers don’t complain about smelling like fried foods every time they visit.

Pass-through stations that enable wait staff to fill nonalcoholic drinks while the bartender focuses on making and delivering alcoholic beverages are also helping make things more efficient behind the bar, according to Sternard.

Bulk carbon dioxide tanks are another example of equipment that can help a bar or tavern become more operationally efficient, says Tyler Hamann, a territory manager at American Welding & Gas . He recommends bars switch to bulk tanks, which can hold about 300 pounds of carbon dioxide vs. standard 20-pound tanks.

“The biggest perk of a bulk tank is the convenience,” he mentions. “You have to switch carbon dioxide cylinders out with a new cylinder every time they run out. By the

time somebody notices the beer or soda is flat, multiple drinks have been poured, and you potentially have an upset customer and wasted product. With bulk tanks, you never have to switch cylinders, and your beer and soda is always supplied with carbon dioxide.”

Craft and Nonalcoholic Cocktails Trending

When it comes to what’s trending with customers, craft cocktails and mocktails are gaining in popularity. This includes smoked cocktails. “Adding a cocktail smoking kit is a relatively inexpensive way to increase cocktail margins,” suggests Benedict. “Using a cocktail smoker can not only create unique flavor profiles for a drink, but it also can also add to the showmanship of a bartender and to the overall customer experience.”

Adding a few nonalcoholic mocktails to the menu can also increase a bar’s profit margin. “There are more and more young people who want to go out, but don’t want to drink,” Sternard says. Offering mocktails “makes people who aren’t drinking alcohol feel more included without having a plain-looking water or soda.”

Improving the Bartender Experience

New technological advances can additionally help make a bartender’s job easier and more enjoyable, with less manual prepping needed and temperate conditions in the kitchen. Increasing overall job satisfaction may help bar owners keep dependable employees. “The days of just knowing it is going to be hot in a kitchen and you’ll just have to deal with it are going by the wayside. Kitchens are being air-conditioned more than ever before,” Benedict says.

“Owners have been investing in equipment that increases staff comfort and experience. It can be hard to find and retain employees, so if an owner can do something that increases employee job satisfaction, they have been doing it,” he concludes. TLW

ABL DISPATCH — THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS FROM WASHINGTON

BY JOHN BODNOVICH, ABL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Registration is now open for the 2024 American Beverage Licensees (ABL) A nnual Meeting at the San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk in San Antonio from July 27 to 29. In addition to ABL events, attendees are invited to the Texas Package Stores Association (TPSA) Trade Show and other events taking place as part of the 77th Annual TPSA Convention & Trade Show.

The ABL Annual Meeting will continue to focus on trends in alcohol policy and regulation, as well as developments in the alcohol marketplace. Top practitioners from the beverage alcohol industry will share their expertise and views on key issues for licensed beverage retailers. As with past meetings, the goal of the conference is for attendees to bring home new insights and material to their states to help them be stronger advocates for themselves and their businesses. ABL’s room block is limited and scheduled to close on July 5. Reservations are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

From the Capitol

ABL completed a successful board of directors meeting in Washington, D.C. in March. In addition to conducting association business, board members met with representatives from national trade associations and beverage alcohol companies, as well as members of Congress and their staff. Among the issues ABL members advocated for were passage of the Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA), support for the Creating Hospitality Economic Enhancement for Restaurants and Servers (CHEERS) Act, and participation in the 21st Amendment Caucus.

With the 2024 presidential election season in full swing earlier than ever, a GOP leadership race in the Senate and a narrow majority in the House, one could say all is not legislatively well in Washington. We previously noted that just 34 bills were enacted into law in 2023 — the fewest in a first year of a Congress since 1951 — and it does not appear the 118th Congress will go much beyond that in its second year. After passing government funding bills for fiscal year 2024, supplemental spending bills remain under discussion, as does work on appropriations bills for fiscal year 2025, starting on October 1, 2024.

With both chambers of Congress up for grabs in the coming election, and the Republicans soon to have just a one-seat majority in the House, votes are at a premium for both parties. Sens. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Roger Marshall (R-KS) have been promised a vote on the CCCA before the end of Congress, but it is hard to predict what a lame-duck session might hold after the elections. To use a gambling parlance, it’s probably a safe bet to take the under on what Congress can pass the rest of the year. Nonetheless, ABL continues its work to represent licensees before members of Congress and congressional staff.

New CHEERS Bill to Help Bars and Taverns

Reps. Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Steve Horsford (D-NV) introduced the bipartisan CHEERS Act in March. The bill would empower restaurants, retailers and entertainment venues of all sizes by expanding the Section 179D deduction for investments in energy-efficient systems on commercial premises to apply to all new keg and tap properties.

Essentially, this legislation incentivizes the use of draft lines and keg equipment; would provide an additional benefit for the remodeling of draft property, and for lost or stolen kegs; and expands Section 179D to incentivize energyefficient draft containers and installation property, providing immediate tax relief to struggling on-premise businesses. As many ABL and TLW members can attest, the pandemic catalyzed a shift toward consumers purchasing beverage alcohol in single-use containers like cans and bottles, and the use of kegs dropped precipitously. Even now, draft beer volume share is significantly diminished, down 26% since 2019. Still, kegs offer a sustainable option, eliminating the need for disposable containers and promoting reuse.

Draft beer sales provide a distinctively on-premise opportunity to attract and welcome consumers to local bars and taverns. We appreciate Reps. LaHood and Horsford introducing the CHEERS Act, which recognizes the

“Draft beer sales provide a distinctively on-premise opportunity to attract and welcome consumers to local bars and taverns.”

importance of our nation’s bars and taverns, and helps as they continue to navigate the current economic environment.

CCCA Update

The CCCA has two new cosponsors — Sens. Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Jack Reed (D-RI) — bringing the total to six, three Democrats and three Republicans. This new on-therecord support brings more momentum to the bill.

After announcing a planned hearing on the CCCA by the Senate Judiciary Committee on April 9, committee chair and bill sponsor Sen. Durbin postponed it since the CEOs of Visa, Mastercard, United Airlines and American Airlines refused to testify. ABL and aligned parties continue to push for a vote on the legislation before the end of the year. ABL encourages its members to continue to share their support for the legislation with their U.S. Senators and their staff. Every email and phone call counts.

In related news, on March 5, Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO) introduced the Secure Payments Act of 2024, which would delay the Federal Reserve’s “Debit Card Interchange Fees and Routing” proposed rule that would lower debit card interchange fees from around 21 to 14 cents per transaction. This legislation has garnered support from a group of Republicans on the House Financial Services Committee who are pushing to delay — and defeat — the proposal to lower debit card fees. Lowering those fees and bringing them more in line with the rest of the world would save retailers and their customers millions of dollars.

Consumer Confusion with Drink Labels

Traditionally, beverage licensees are not involved in the development of labels and packaging, nor the information displayed on packaging, but they are responsible for educating their customers. On March 29, ABL submitted comments to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) on the labeling of wine, distilled spirits and malt beverages with per-serving alcohol and nutritional information, major food allergens and/or ingredients.

Previously, ABL cautioned the federal government against using incomplete or agenda-driven information to make rules on nutritional information, and major food allergen and ingredient labeling for beverage alcohol. ABL expressed concern about possible customer confusion and unintended consequences for on-premise establishments serving mixed drinks prepared in different ways.

For this comment period, ABL urged the TTB to avoid confusion by seeking information that is sound and doesn’t overwhelm consumers; refrain from applying different labeling standards on producers based on size; weigh the costs vs. benefits to consumers of additional labeling; and look to successful voluntary disclosure programs already in place in the industry as potential models. TLW

ABL is the voice of America’s beer, wine and spirits retailers in Washington, D.C. ABL represents the TLW and its many members, as well as thousands of other on- and off-premise retailers of beverage alcohol across the United States.

NATIONAL CERTIFIED FOOD SAFETY MANAGER LICENSE TRAINING CALENDAR

Small Operator Permit

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.

Date

Monday, May 20

Wednesday, May 22

Wednesday, May 29

Monday, June 3

Monday, June 3

Tuesday, June 4

Wednesday, June 5

Wednesday, June 12

Tuesday, June 18

Wednesday, June 19

Monday, June 24

Tuesday, June 25

Wednesday, June 26

Monday, July 8

Appleton Club 38 Bar and Grill, 3220 W. College Ave.

Kenosha Brat Stop/Parkway Chateau, 12304 75th St.

Janesville

Elks Lodge No. 254, 2100 N. Washington St.

Wisconsin Dells Holiday Wholesale, 225 Pioneer Dr.

Hudson/New Richmond Ready Randy’s Sports Bar & Grill, 1492 131st St.

Eau Claire

Elks Lodge No. 402, 3411 Stein Blvd.

Milwaukee Dugout 54, 5328 W. Bluemound Rd.

Madison Doubledays, 4586 Baxter Rd.

Oshkosh

Kenosha

Fox River Brewing Company, 1621 Congress Ave.

Brat Stop/Parkway Chateau, 12304 75th St.

La Crosse Eagles Club No. 1254, 630 Sixth St. S

Two Rivers/Mishicot Good Times Restaurant & Banquet Hall, 16607 County Rd. B

Waukesha

Appleton

Sunset Bowl Entertainment Center, 333 W. Sunset Dr.

Club 38 Bar and Grill, 3220 W. College Ave.

LEGISLATIVE NOTES

TIMELINE OF NEW CHAPTER 125 PROVISIONS TO GO INTO EFFECT

BY SCOTT STENGER, STENGER GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Thefollowing Chapter 125 updates are scheduled to go into effect soon, or have already gone into effect, for Wisconsin tavern owners and staff.

December 8, 2023

The modifications included the:

• Creation of the Division of Alcohol Beverages.

• Extension of closing hours during the Republican National Convention. The bill creates a closing hour exception, during the 2024 national political convention in Milwaukee, for Class “B,” “Class B” and “Class C” licensed retailers, and for producers’ full-service retail outlets and production premises in Kenosha, Racine, Walworth, Rock, Milwaukee, Waukesha, Jefferson, Dane, Ozaukee, Washington, Dodge, Columbia, Sheboygan or Fond du Lac counties. During the convention, closing hours are between 4 and 6 a.m., but a municipality may designate a retailer or producer as ineligible or disqualified for the extended closing hour, and may, by ordinance, opt out of the extended closing hour during the convention.

May 1, 2024

The modifications that took effect in May of this year included:

• The reduced penalty for retailer-to-retailer beer purchases. The bill lowers the 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 exists for up to 12 liters of booze a month.

• Uniform closing hours for retailers and producers. The bill requires all breweries to have the same closing times as Class B licensed establishments.

• Increased SafeRide funding. The bill will increase the operating while impaired surcharge for the TLW SafeRide program by 33% and expand the use of the SafeRide program to all license holders in Wisconsin for free for six months. The TLW will coordinate use of the SafeRide program with non-members, and solicit them to join for permanent use of SafeRide as well as all TLW programs.

• SafeRide program notification upon license issuance. The new law requires municipalities to provide information about free participation in the TLW SafeRide program (for six months only) every time a liquor/beer license is issued. This change will present the opportunity to increase membership in the TLW, as well as our SafeRide program.

• The county-wide transfer of Class B licenses. The Department of Revenue 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 licenses, but this change provides more flexibility to employers and bartenders.

• The permission to recap wine bottles. The bill allows an opened, unfinished bottle of wine to be removed from the restaurant if, among other requirements, it is recapped with the original cap rather than recorked.

• Axe-throwing facility licensing clarification. The bill permits a retail license to be issued for axe-throwing facilities and the allowance of underage people to be on the premises.

• The expansion of brewery, winery and distillery retail sales, and full-service taproom sales.

• The creation of a contract production statutory framework.

• The allowance of incidental and indirect interests when considering cross-tier restrictions.

• The extension of the small winery cooperative wholesaler permit to include distilled spirits.

• The categorization of hard seltzers as fermented malt beverages.

• Doubling of brewpub production and self-distribution caps.

• The removal of the cap on the number of production permits for intoxicating liquor.

• The establishment of wine-only bars and removal of certain Class C wine license restrictions.

• An increased number of manufacturer’s permits per legal entity.

• Standardized hours of operation for nonretail activity.

• The allowance of producers to bring alcohol beverages to licensed retailers to provide free samples.

• The permission of brewpubs to satisfy permit requirements through the sale of beer from another brewpub.

• The expansion of the availability of winery permits to manufacturers and rectifiers.

• The allowance of cocktail premixing by Class B license holders.

• The clarification of the taxation of alcohol sales between producers.

• The permission of wineries to sell wine to other producers.

January 1, 2025

Only one provision becomes effective on January 1, 2025, and it is the imposition of common carrier and fulfillment house requirements.

January 1, 2026

The last provision to go into effect is creating public place and event venue regulations that require wedding barns and event venues to obtain the proper alcohol license to operate and purchase all alcohol through a licensed wholesaler. TLW

We Have a Voice

Th e TLW held another successful Legislative Day on March 5, 2024 in Madison. The event marked the 39th year members gathered to learn about legislative issues facing the tavern industry, and communicate concerns to the Assembly and Senate. Legislative Day offers TLW members the opportunity to participate in a truly grassroots lobbying effort.

As always, the event is important for the association, providing the chance to display both its strength and commitment to the industry. The TLW will announce the 2025 Legislative Day date in late 2024. Watch for it and plan to join! In the meantime, please visit tlw.org/legislative-day for more information. TLW

Photos Courtesy of Holly Leitner

LEAGUE PROFILE

RUSK COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE

The Rusk County Tavern League is in a rebuilding phase. After closing down for about eight years, the league restarted in 2017 and is now up to 30 members, according to Scott Meunier, president of the Rusk County Tavern League and owner of Rose’s Bay Resort in Weyerhaeuser. That’s about 75% of all of the possible members in this small, rural county, where the largest city, Ladysmith, has a population of just 3,200.

“It took some work to restart in 2017,” says Meunier. “We were grateful to have Pete Madland [former Tavern League executive director] come in and help us ignite the fire.”

As the county league rebuilds, it’s slowly adding to its repertoire of activities. The league currently has two major fundraisers a year, including a summer golf tournament in its third year. The event is held at one of the county’s nine-hole golf courses and typically fills up to raise about $10,000 to $12,000 to support local league activities.

The other event is an annual Christmas party, held in January, that rotates among member establishments. Featuring a sit-down dinner and a “white elephant” auction, an auction featuring a collection of used items, this event raises about $4,000 for the league.

“It all goes to our foundation, which we just started doing, and to supplement our SafeRide program,” Meunier says of the event proceeds.

This year, the Rusk County Tavern League is also excited to start a scholarship funded through its foundation. With this new program, the league is providing four scholarships of $1,000 each, available to graduating seniors to further

“It took some work to restart in 2017. We were grateful to have Pete Madland come in and help us ignite the fire.”

— Scott Meunier, Rose’s Bay Resort

their post-high school education at either a technical college or university. The scholarship is open to any student, but is weighted toward those seeking a career in the industry, whether pursuing a career in a hospitality or culinary field, or a supporting career field, such as electric or refrigeration.

As for other philanthropy, the county league is just starting. “We’re now getting into charity work and asking bar owners to come up with recommendations,” notes Meunier. The league is currently considering supporting the county’s K9 program and donating to a new handicap-accessible playground in Ladysmith, for example.

The Rusk County Tavern League meets once a month on Monday afternoons. In addition to covering business and providing members with information, meetings include training from league leadership. For instance, the league has offered tavern owners and bartenders the opportunity to get certified to administer Narcan in case a patron presents the signs of an opioid overdose, and complete Safe Bars training to help stop sexual aggression and other forms of violence. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training will be provided soon.

To continue growing this local league’s membership, leadership and members take a semi-annual bus trip, focusing on a section of the county, and visit member and nonmember bars to discuss the benefits of Tavern League membership.

“We’re picking up two to four members a year. We’ve done really well,” says Meunier.

One benefit of being a Rusk County Tavern League member is taking advantage of the league’s SafeRide program, which began in July 2022. “We are totally rural. There is no Uber, Lyft or taxi, and the program we developed is 100% volunteer and uses good Samaritans.”

The league has provided 171 safe rides since it started. “Being a rural county, it’s hard to convince people they need a safe ride home,” according to Meunier, “but it’s picking up momentum.”

Two other benefits of being a TLW member in Rusk County are communication and the voice it provides.

“A big thing is communication,” acknowledges Meunier, who has been in the industry for 12 years and with the Rusk County Tavern League since it restarted. “The Tavern League does a lot of legislative work for us, which is excellent. And we have a voice now. Without a local chapter, we didn’t get that information from Madison — that information can benefit your bar and restaurant, operation- and profit-wise.” TLW

ANHEUSER-BUSCH

As the nation’s leading brewer for over 165 years, TLW corporate sponsor Anheuser-Busch has carried on a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations. The company owns and operates more than 120 facilities, including breweries, wholesaler distribution centers, agricultural facilities and packaging plants, and has more than 18,000 colleagues across the United States.

Anheuser-Busch is home to some of the industry’s most iconic and well-known brands, including Budweiser, Michelob ULTRA and Busch Light. In fact, Busch Light is the No. 1 beer in Wisconsin, representing nearly one in every five beers sold.

“We are focused on the consumer passion points or occasions where our brands are integral to elevating the moment with consumers,” says Kevin Feehan, vice president of sales for the Great Lakes region, AnheuserBusch. “Through our diversified portfolio of brands and breadth of partnerships, we can connect with consumers in the moments that matter most to them.”

Anheuser-Busch has 11 dedicated independent wholesaler partners in Wisconsin that service over 14,700 accounts, purchase over $42 million in goods and services, and have made nearly $85 million in capital investments in the state. In addition, the sale of Anheuser-Busch beers in Wisconsin generates approximately $3 million annually in state beer excise taxes.

“Anheuser-Busch is an economic driver in the communities across the country where we live, work and operate, including Wisconsin,” Feehan confirms.

GOLD SPONSORS

of U.S. agricultural products, including Wisconsin-grown corn,” says Feehan. “Each year, Anheuser-Busch purchases 2.9 million bushels of corn from Wisconsin farmers, adding over $21 million to the state’s economy.”

SILVER SPONSORS

For generations, Anheuser-Busch has partnered with American farmers to source the ingredients that serve as the foundation of beer: barley, rice, corn and hops. In addition to supporting American agriculture, AnheuserBusch is committed to its communities and a variety of causes, including:

BRONZE SPONSORS

• Responsible drinking. With its wholesaler partners, Anheuser-Busch has invested more than $1 billion in initiatives and community-based programs that support responsible drinking.

• Emergency drinking water. Since 1988, AnheuserBusch and its wholesaler partners have leveraged its unique capabilities by periodically pausing beer production in its Fort Collins, Colorado, and Cartersville, Geogia breweries to can clean, safe drinking water that is ready to distribute to communities and first responders in times of need, alongside partners at the American Red Cross and National Volunteer Fire Council.

Wisconsin Amusement & Music Operators, Inc.

Make sure and 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 (608-270-8591) for our brochure that lists the benefits of the different categories. Remember “Support those who support us.”

2012 January/February On Premise www.tlw.org

To better support American farmers, Anheuser-Busch announced in February that it would become the first adopter of the new U.S. Farmed™ certification and seal. The seal will first appear on Busch Light packaging in May. Created by the American Farmland Trust, U.S. Farmed makes it easier for shoppers to choose locally sourced products that benefit American farmers, including those in Wisconsin.

The certification is for products across the consumer packaged goods industry that derive at least 95% of their agricultural ingredients from farms in the United States. “By shopping U.S. Farmed-certified products, consumers are directly benefitting American farmers and investing in the future of domestic ingredient sourcing, helping to ensure a vibrant and thriving agricultural community in America for generations to come. Anheuser-Busch is a major purchaser

• Military and veterans. For more than 150 years, Anheuser-Busch’s employees and its network of wholesalers have proudly supported the U.S. Armed Forces, military veterans, first responders and their families. Through long-standing partnerships with various organizations, Anheuser-Busch and its wholesale partners continue to champion the needs of veterans, military families and first responders who have sacrificed for their country and our communities.

A longtime sponsor, Anheuser-Busch is proud to support the Tavern League and its mission in ensuring that this industry has a strong voice in the legislative process.

“The bar and restaurant community is the beating heart of our industry and a critical part of the nation’s economy,” says Feehan. “Taverns, neighborhood bars and local restaurants — like those represented by the TLW — are the center of our communities, and bring our products and brands to life.” TLW

ANHEUSER-BUSCH

4230 Redtail Pass, Middleton, WI 53562 (630) 689-6600 | anheuser-busch.com

Anheuser-Busch

NEW MEMBERS

As of May 10, 2024

MULTI-UNIT MEMBERSHIPS

Columbia County

The T Room

Forrest Fitzgerald

Lodi

Dodge County

Charlie Brown’s

Tana Sloan-Barsch

Waupun

Eau Claire

City/County

Fella’s Loaded

Goat Restaurant & Bar

David Burg

Eau Claire

Grant/Iowa County

Reggie’s

Patricia Reynolds

Fennimore

Jefferson County

Tavern on Rock

Arben Useni

Fort Atkinson

Pierce County

Too Mixed Up

Liz Sieben

Amery

Polk County

Mixed Up

Staples Lake

Liz Sieben

Amery

Rippin Lips

Julie Bushweiler

Milltown

The Thirsty Otter

Shannon Jacob Balsam Lake

Racine City

Double Vision

Wendy Coey

Racine

Racine County

Double Vision

Wendy Coey

Racine

Rock County

Franklin Street

Tavern

Ed Quaerna

Janesville

Sauk County

On the Rox

Forrest Fitzgerald

Sauk City

Washington County

Linkside Grill at

Hartford Club

Derek Wilcox

Hartford

SIX-MONTH TRIALS

1844 Table & Mash

Michael Carstedt

Kenosha

Backwoods Resort Bar and Grill

Austin Metcalf

Weyerhaeuser

Double D’s Bar and Grill

Casandra Burns Arkdale

The Flame Bar & Grill

Dawn Snippen

Lac du Flambeau

Green Bay Casuals

Soccer Pub

Joe Phillips Sobieski

Log Tavern Pizza Company

Eric Meyer Lodi

On Tap

Keanen Kopplin

Milwaukee

DISTRICT 1

Kenosha City

Maverick’s Corral

Duke Matic

Kenosha

Kenosha County

George’s Pub and Grill

George Argiropoulos

Twin Lakes

The Tipsy Kiwi

Sarahjane Moistner Kenosha

Racine City

Buca’s Bar & Grill

Ronald Kroes

Racine

The Green Lounge

Brandon Korpalski

Racine

Hansen’s Tap

Thomas Hansen

Racine

Racine County

The Watering

Hole

Chris Sackman

Waterford

Rock County

Lucky’s Saloon

Arben Useni

Janesville

South Central

Backyard

Campground

Nancy Heimann

Gratiot

The Dam Bar and Grille

Scott Ringgenberg

Belleville

The Holler Inn

Jenna Walhord

Browntown

King’s Bar and Grill

Nicole Writz

Monticello

Walworth County

Holly’s Como Inn

Mark Bladel

Lake Geneva

Jonathan’s on

Brick Street

Jonathan Cross Delavan

Lake Geneva

House of Music

Christopher

Buttleman

Lake Geneva

DISTRICT 2

Columbia County

JJ’s Bar and Grill

Jennifer Cvengros

Portage

La Tolteca

Authentic Mexican

Cuisine

Alonso Aranda

Portage

Pardee Sports Club 22

Chuck Achterberg

Pardeeville

The PourHouse

Gretta Haun

Poynette

Dodge County

Woods Liquor

Landing

Holly Woods

Randolph

Jefferson County

99 Sushi

Hui Zhu

Fort Atkinson

Tappers Bar and Grill

Pat Leitner

Johnson Creek

Madison/Dane

County

Barnwood Events

Julie Wood

Madison

East Side Club

Kris Weiss

Monona

MoMo Bar & Grill

Karl Tsering

Madison

Red Rooster

Stephanie Capecchi

Madison

The Riley Tavern

Kate Teasdale

Verona

Waukesha County

Belly Up Bar

Lori Waldman

Menomonee Falls

Muskego Moose

Lodge 1057

Kevin Pope

Muskego

DISTRICT 3

Crawford County

Bob and Sharon’s

Main Street

Bar & Grill

Robert Linzenmeyer Eastman

Pine Tree Inn

Patrick Rose

Prairie du Chien

Dells/Delton

Area

Hofbrewzhaus

Chaz Hastings

Wisconsin Dells

Grant/Iowa

County

The Back 9 Golf and Sports Bar

Nathan Wallenhorst

Platteville

Boaz Fun Daze

Jean Nicks

Richland Center

Brewskees on the Ridge

Sara Brewer

Ridgeway

Cow Tippers Pub and Eatery

Lyndsey Knauer

Mineral Point

Iowa County Fair

General Manager

Mineral Point

Madison Street

Steakhouse and Grill

Kelsi Retallick

Lancaster

Juneau County

Carter’s Pub

Jennifer Carter

New Lisbon

Germantown

Junction Store

Jake Pocevicz

New Lisbon

High Steaks

Bar & Grill

Brittany Ruland

Mauston

La Crosse

City/County

Block House

Roy Malin

Melrose

Top Shots Pool and Darts

Joseph Zenz

La Crosse

Monroe County

Lena’s Cuisine

Yu Fang Zhang

Tomah

Sportsman’s Reloaded

Scott Hook

New Glarus

Sauk County

Driftless Glen

Distillery

Justin Sharpee

Baraboo

The Merrimac

Bay Bar

Kirk Olson

Merrimac

Ring’s Bar

Allen Ring

Plain

The Tee Box

Virtual Golf and Cocktail Lounge

Travis Zeman

Prairie du Sac

DISTRICT 4

Calumet County

Bobbers Bar

Lori Hippert

Hilbert

Tony’s Bar

Thomas Siegel

Menasha

Fond du

Lac County

Auburn Bluffs

Ree Mies

Campbellsport

Green Lake Area

Western House

Melissa Schueler

Princeton

Manitowoc County

Annsanity & Son

Austin Stencil

Maribel

Overtime Sports Bar and Grill

Thomas Ahl

Valders

Ric’s Bar & Grill

Ricardo Guzman

Whitelaw

Tavern 10

Scott Valleskey

Whitelaw

Ozaukee County

Moonlight Tavern

Anders Dowd

Port Washington

Third Coast

Frozen Distillery

John Reichert

Port Washington

Sheboygan County

Fat Cow Pub and Eatery

Theresa Schafer

Sheboygan Falls

Washington County

The Barbecue

Company Restaurant and Catering

Andrew Jepsen

Hartford

Belshire

Brewing Co.

Keith Pomerenke

Richfield

DISTRICT 5

Adams County

Ponderosa Pines

Pub Eatery and Campground

Sandra Bula

Bancroft

Langlade County

Drifters Outpost

Lisa Kuenzli

Bryant

Marathon County

Weiks’ Pub & Grill

Colleen Handrick

Edgar Marquette County

Western House

Bar and Grill

Brandon Sosinsky

Markesan

Shawano County

The Dam Barn

Donna Wuske

Tigerton

Hopper’s Bar Inc.

Fred Zimmerman

Marion

Waupaca County

Keglers Bowling Center

Rob Ferg

Manawa

Waushara County

The Rusty Nail

Christine Meyer Coloma

Wood County

Hotel Mead Resort & Convention Center

Sean Patel

Wisconsin Rapids

DISTRICT 6

Door County

Cherry Lanes

Arcade Bar

Moira Callan

Green Bay

Forest County

The Night Owl Club

Dawn Volz

Crandon

Marinette County

Caldron Falls Bar

Scott Sawicki

Crivitz

Outagamie County

Appleton Liquor

Heidi Guta

Appleton

Bent Nock

Archery

Heather Bush

Little Chute

Capitol Centre

Sports Bar and Grill

Mike Gonnering

Appleton

DISTRICT 7

Barron County

Cousins

Hide-A-Way

Andy Olsen

Haugen

T&S Sports Bar

Tabatha Etchison

Cameron

Chippewa County

Schuebel’s Frog Hop

Tisha Schuebel

Cadott

Clark County

The Office Bar & Grill

Corissa Koranda Stratford

One More Cast

Jeffrey M. Heart Unity

Perla’s Place Bar and Grill

Perla Albarran Unity

Woodland Tap

Room

Larry Hodnett

Owen

Eau Claire

City/County

The Phoenix Taproom & Kitchen

Brad Hansen

Eau Claire

Jackson County

McSweet’s Irish Pub

JoAnn McSweet

Black River Falls

Off Road Bar and Grill

Gary Kaufman Fairchild

Orange Moose Bar

Judge Rajiv

Black River Falls

Young’s Hideout

Ryan Young Melrose

Polk County

Boondocks

Janell Torgerson

Osceola

The Border Grill and Cantina

Angela Hagert

Siren

Mustang Sally’s

Sally Klergard

Amery

Not Justa Diner

Allison Engelke

St. Croix Falls

St. Croix County

Ziehme’s Weston

Saloon

Wendy Webb

Menomonie

Trempealeau/ Buffalo County

Winghaven

Pizza Farm

Robert Grover

Galesville

DISTRICT 8

Ashland/ Bayfield County

Airport Inn

Tom Witzman

Ashland

Roo’s Bar & Grill

Chantel Rouhoff

Cable

The Thirsty Trout

Nathan Hilton

Mason

Burnett County

McKenzie Landing Bar and Grill

Genevieve

Cashman

Webster

Greater Northwoods

The Upper Block

Kelsey Hagen

Hurley

Lincoln County

Newood Tap

Bobbie Jo

Hoffman

Merrill

NEW AFFILIATE MEMBERS

As of May 10, 2024

Breakthrough Business Advisors

Shanon Boos

W1959 Spring Prairie Rd. Kenosha, WI 53144 (262) 716-4983

info@bba-wi.combba-wi.com bba-wi.com

Point-of-sale systems and payment processing

Ducktabs LLC

Stan Konrath

148 E. Milwaukee St., No. 1100 Jefferson, WI 53549 (920) 605-5090

ducktabs@gmail.com ducktabs.com Legal Wisconsin pulltabs

Fire Protection Specialists

Amber Blomquist

1906 Commercial St. Bangor, WI 54614 (608) 486-1120

media@fpsweb.net fpsweb.net Fire protection

MDJK Credit Card Processing

Michael Dutton

N6653 County Rd. P Black Creek, WI 54106 (920) 915-3662

mwdutton62@outlook.com

Credit card processing

Restaurant Depot

Sandy Roberts

125 W. Becher St. Milwaukee, WI 53207 (917) 821-3356

sroberts@jetrord.com restaurantdepot.com Bar and restaurant equipment

Stars and Stripes

Pub and Grub

Don Moon

Tomahawk

Oneida County

Rhine Valley

Lounge at Quality Inn

Anna Greenman

Hartford

The Willow’s End Resort

Thor Laibly Hazelhurst

Rusk County

Flint’s Gold Mine

Aron Flint

Ingram

Sunny’s Clear Lake Resort

Aimee Mikl

Sand Creek

Sawyer County

Chit Chat Bar and Grill

Ashley Aschenbrenner

Birchwood

Norse Wood

Cabins/ The Cove Pub

Melissa Perry Winter

Somewhere Else Bar & Grill

Christine Lillie

Hayward

Superior/ Douglas County

Choo Choo

Bar and Grill

Brian Hugdahl

Superior

Vilas County

Stoneline Valley Events

Steven Vetter

Phelps

Wild Turkey

Edward Champeny Conover

Washburn County

Route 63 Pub and Pizzeria

Simone Tremblay

Hayward

DISTRICT 9

Milwaukee County

LA Pub and Grill

Anthony Burgarino

West Allis

Little Cancun

Sports

Veronica Cervera

Milwaukee

Mortimer’s Pub

James Baade

Milwaukee

Uptowner

Shawnette Smart

Milwaukee

River City Amusements

Courtney Stuteville

215 N. Main St., Basement Ste. West Bend, WI 53095 (888) 387-1300

cstuteville@rivercityamusements.com rivercityamusements.com Amusment equipment

US Foods

Corey Smith W137N9245 Hwy. 145 Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 (504) 756-9681

corey.smith@usfoods.com usfoods.com Food and food service distribution

PARTNERS IN PROGRESS

TAVERN LEAGUE OF WISCONSIN

• Co-Sponsor of TLW Legislative Day

• Underwriter of TLW Video on Jobs and Employment

• Provider of Coin-Operated Games at TLW Conferences & Shows to Benefit TIPAC

• Sponsor of the TLW Trip Giveaway at TLW Spring Conference & Show

• Donor of Large-Screen TV at TLW Fall Convention & Show

LOCAL 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

BRIGHT FRUIT FL AVORS.

FREE*.

INTRODUCING HAPPY THURSDAY

A NEW LINE OF SPIKED REFRESHERS THAT ARE 4.4% ABV, BUBBLE-FREE, AND TASTE REAL GOOD. PERFECT FOR THOSE CASUAL BUT LIVELY HANGS WHEN YOU AND YOUR CREW CAN MAKE FRIDAY VIBES, ANYTIME. LET LOOSE WITHOUT LOSING CONTROL AND CELEBRATE THE UPSIDE WITH HAPPY THURSDAY. BECAUSE WHY WAIT FOR FRIDAY?