16 minute read
Remembering Two Lost Leaders: Robert “Bubba” Sprenger and Erin Farrar
By Maura Keller
On August 15, 2022, the TLW lost a true leader. Robert “Bob,” aka Bubba, Sprenger passed away at the age of 74 at his home in Marion. Over the last four decades, Sprenger played a significant role in helping grow the TLW into the trade association it is today.
“He served as state president of the TLW for five years — from 1990 to 1995,” says Pete Madland, TLW outreach director. “He was a quiet leader and very straightforward. He was never wishy-washy on issues. I think he brought leadership to another level in our association because he was such an active leader.”
A lifelong resident of Wisconsin, Sprenger was born in the town of Dupont in Waupaca County on May 4, 1948. After trying his hand at a myriad of jobs, including serving in the Army National Guard, selling dictograph machines and owning a flooring company, Sprenger decided to purchase Slim’s Bar, renaming it Bubba’s, in Marion in 1977. This purchase catapulted Sprenger into Wisconsin’s tavern industry, where he remained for the next 40 years. “Bubba raised the bar as far as the role of president goes. If he saw problems, he would make the decisions needed to solve those problems rather than leave them to others. As a result of this level of activism, I think we expect more from our presidents.” — Pete Madland, TLW
Sprenger’s interest in the TLW was profound, beginning in 1984 with his lifelong membership to the Waupaca County Tavern League. Over the years, he held numerous positions in regional, state and national offices, including: president of the Waupaca County Tavern League; fifth district director, central zone vice president, senior vice president, president and past president of the TLW; and first president of American Beverage Licensees.
“Bubba raised the bar as far as the role of president goes. If he saw problems, he would make the decisions needed to solve those problems rather than leave them to others,” Madland says. “As a result of this level of activism, I think we expect more from our presidents.” TLW
The TLW is shocked and saddened to report that our friend and leader Erin Farrar passed away on October 9. Farrar, age 50, was the owner of Around the Corner Pub in Mercer and served as TLW secretary since 2016.
Farrar’s personality and smile were contagious. She surrounded herself with many friends wherever she was. Her love for travel took her around the world and she enjoyed making those memories with her father. She is survived by her parents, Lynda and Dennis; brother, Erik (Billie) Farrar; sister, Elin Tempel; nephew, Casey Farrar; nieces, Morgan Farrar, Sydney and Sophie Tempel; and many close friends.
The family would like to thank all those who cared for Farrar and touched her life. She will be missed, but never forgotten. TLW
LEGISLATIVE NOTES
PREPARING FOR THE NEW LEGISLATURE
BY SCOTT STENGER, STENGER GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
The inevitable arrival of winter and shorter days means only one thing — the Wisconsin Legislature will be convening for another session shortly! A new Legislature will take the oath of office in early January. Among the important issues awaiting the new Legislature is passage of the biennial state budget. Wisconsin’s fiscal year ends on June 30, and a new two-year spending plan must pass before the end of the fiscal year to keep state and local governments funded.
Estimates by the Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau are that state lawmakers will have a roughly $5 billion budget surplus as they consider the two-year spending proposal for 2023-25. A surplus that large will attract attention from special interest groups and every corner of state government for ways to spend the revenue.
The 2021-23 state budget was almost $40 billion. According to the Wisconsin Department of Administration, most of the money was spent on: K-12 education, 34%; other, 22%; medical assistance, 18%; corrections, 7%; property tax credits, 7%; the University of Wisconsin System, 6%; and general aid to local governments, 5%. In preparation for the new session, here are some useful sites to keep you up to speed on what your elected officials are doing in Madison and what the new state budget will look like: • Wisconsin State Legislature, legis.wisconsin.gov • Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau, legis.wisconsin.gov/LFB • Chapter 125 covering alcohol enforcement statutes,
docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/125
• WisPolitics, wispolitics.com • The Wheeler Report, thewheelerreport.com
The TLW Facebook (facebook.com/TavernLeagueofWisconsin) and Twitter (twitter.com/tavernleaguewi) pages are other great resources for Tavern League members. If you have not yet done so, please follow the TLW on Twitter and like us on Facebook. If you have any questions on TLW issues or state government, please visit tlw.org or email info@tlw.org.
In the meantime, buckle up for another legislative session and make plans to attend our annual Legislative Day event. Look for more information on Legislative Day on the TLW’s social media and website as we get closer to spring, which can’t get here soon enough! TLW
NATIONAL CERTIFIED FOOD SAFETY MANAGER LICENSE TRAINING
Small Operator Permit
Date Location Site and Address
Wednesday, November 16 Madison Doubledays, 4586 Baxter Rd. Monday, November 28 Green Bay Stadium View, 1963 Holmgren Way Wednesday, November 30 Kenosha Brat Stop/Parkway Chateau, 12304 75th St. Monday, December 5 Hudson Best Western Plus Hudson, 1200 Gateway Blvd. Monday, December 5 Wisconsin Dells Holiday Wholesale, 225 Pioneer Dr. Tuesday, December 6 Chippewa Falls Avalon Hotel, 1009 W. Park Ave. Wednesday, December 7 Janesville Janesville Elks Lodge, 2100 N. Washington St. Monday, December 12 Ashland Pine Creek Pit Stop, 68690 Pine Creek Rd. Wednesday, December 14 Milwaukee Dugout 54, 5328 W. Bluemound Rd. Wednesday, December 14 Dodgeville Dodger Bowl Lanes, 314 King St. Monday, December 19 Rhinelander Cabaret Cove, 1540 Pueblo Dr. Tuesday, December 20 Antigo North Star Lanes, 400 Prosser Pl. Tuesday, December 20 Plover Springville Sports Grill, 2811 Plover Springs Dr. Wednesday, December 21 Madison Doubledays, 4586 Baxter Rd.
* The pink-colored courses offer both in-person and online exam options. Results are available immediately for the online option. Your own personal device (smart phone, tablet, laptop) is required to use the online option. A paper exam is also offered. •• The gray-colored courses only offer an online exam. Your own personal device (smart phone, tablet, laptop) is required for this course. If you do not bring your own device for the exam, a very limited number may be available on loan from the proctor. If they are taken, you will be unable to take the exam. Results are available immediately following the exam. *** The white-colored courses offer only paper exams. Register at tlw.org
LEAGUE PROFILE
ADAMS COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE
Since 1976, the Adams County Tavern League has supported local bars, taverns, restaurants and other on-premise establishments in central Wisconsin. “We are mostly mom-and-pops and local establishments,” says Kelly Dorsey, president of the Adams County Tavern League. “We also have golf courses, resorts and some seasonals, including two campgrounds.”
This local league’s membership is currently running at 39 members, but Dorsey, who owns Bay Rest Resort in Arkdale, has some ideas for increasing that number. In fact, the Adams County Tavern League’s newest event, a Fun Run, recently helped attract seven new members.
League leaders originally invented the Fun Run (similar to a poker run) to recoup some funds after the local league’s annual holiday party was canceled due to COVID-19. A local beer distributor contributed to the event by printing Fun Run cards, which were sold for $10 each. The event, which spanned two months between mid-January and St. Patrick’s Day, ended with a party featuring raffles, games and camaraderie.
Every Adams County Tavern League member at the time participated and a few non-members joined the league to participate as well. “It was a good recruiting tool,” confirms Dorsey. Plus, the league raised more $6,000 for its scholarship program, the humane society and the Adams County K-9 Unit through the new event.
The Adams County Tavern League also sponsors an annual golf outing on the third Monday of May each year. Held at one of the county’s three active golf courses, the event’s proceeds support, in part, the county’s Snack Pack Program, which provides snacks to schoolchildren.
“We are a very poor county, and the Snack Pack Program helps ensure kids have food at night and over the weekend when they don’t have access to free breakfasts or free lunches at school,” says Dorsey. “We just gave $2,000 to the Snack Pack Program and are committed to doing that every year.”
With a focus on keeping funds local, the Adams County Tavern League additionally supports its local food pantry and Angel Tree Christmas gift-giving program for disadvantaged children. Dorsey estimates that, while the league itself does about $10,000 in charitable giving each year, individual members help bring that total to between $80,000 and $100,000 annually. “We are committed to raising and donating money because we know the need here is great,” she says.
Local fundraising efforts also support the county’s SafeRide Program, which uses the good Samaritan model and depends on a gracious volunteer named Birdy. Dorsey explains that Birdy has provided safe rides since Adams County started its program in 2005. While she isn’t affiliated with the Tavern League, her daughter used to be a bartender and Birdy continues to provide rides “out of the goodness of her heart.”
Dorsey is a longtime Tavern League member and joined as a “condition” of purchasing her business. “I’ve been a member for almost 27 years and it all started with the person I bought my place from,” Dorsey remembers. “She said, ‘I’ll sell you my place as long as you join the Tavern League.’”
Dorsey has been active in the league since joining, holding various positions within the county league, and her late husband, Tom, served as the Fifth District Director for more than eight years. “I believe in supporting those who support you. Our doors wouldn’t have been open as fast — and before a lot of our surrounding states — if it wasn’t for the Tavern League,” she says, referring to the pandemic. “That’s one reason why it’s important to be a part of this organization.” TLW
CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT
WISCONSIN BEER DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION
The Wisconsin Beer Distributors Association (WBDA) represents 30 independent beer distribution companies whose nearly 4,000 employees sell and deliver over 70 million cases of beer each year to thousands of retail customers throughout Wisconsin. “Beer distributors do more than buy, store, market, merchandise, sell and deliver beer,” says Nels Rude, executive director of the WBDA. “Like TLW members, distributors are small business owners, civic leaders, parents and philanthropists who are active in their communities.”
The WBDA has been a Tavern League corporate sponsor and partner for many years. In addition, according to Rude, individual WBDA members support local leagues through membership dues, advertising, SafeRide Program sponsorship and various charitable efforts.
“The WBDA became a TLW corporate sponsor to help advance our shared goals and efforts to ensure the future viability of bars, pubs, taverns, supper clubs and restaurants,” says Rude. “Our success is dependent upon the success of TLW members — if your members are selling more beer, we’re selling more beer.”
Not only do beer distributors deliver a perishable product, but WBDA members also provide a variety of services that enable Tavern League members to focus on what they do best — serving patrons. For example, beer distributors assist with marketing new brands, estimating retail needs, rotating stock, printing signage, installing tap knobs and neons, and much more.
They also play a critical role in helping customers manage inventory and absorb costs when unforeseen circumstances arise. For example, during the pandemic shutdowns, unlike other vendors, WBDA members picked up nearly $5 million worth of product — an average of $300 per account — at no cost to the retailer, acknowledges Rude. “While cases could be resold in some instances, tens of thousands of returned kegs were a total loss. We also worked with the Tavern League and Wisconsin Department of Revenue at the time to temporarily suspend the credit law,” says Rude.
Furthermore, the WBDA is always looking for new and exciting ways to promote the industry. For instance, as sales data collection and analysis continue to improve, distributors can introduce new brands and varieties of beer that patrons are increasingly seeking out, which helps to make beer more profitable for distributors and retailers alike. In working with the WBDA, Tavern League members not only have an organization that supports them in good and bad times, but also that helps keep the system fair.
“By working together to strengthen the state’s three-tier system of alcohol distribution, we can ensure the fairest competition possible among retailers large and small, among distributors large and small, and among alcohol manufacturers large and small,” explains Rude.
Last year, for example, the WBDA partnered with Discover Wisconsin, a TV program that encourages tourism in the state, on a video series to educate the public on the benefits of the three-tier system, and highlight the invaluable relationship between distributors and on-premise retailers.
According to Rude, “It is imperative that we work together to ensure the on-premise segment can thrive in an increasingly competitive industry that has changed immensely in recent years. We value the Tavern League as a partner and, to advance the shared interests of both organizations, we always strive to increase both communication and collaboration.” TLW
“The Wisconsin Beer Distributors Association became a TLW corporate sponsor to help advance our shared goals and efforts to ensure the future viability of bars, pubs, taverns, supper clubs and restaurants. Our success is dependent upon the success of TLW members — if your members are selling more beer, we’re selling more beer.”
NEW MEMBERS
As of October 14, 2022
DISTRICT 1
Racine County
Archives Bar and Grill Samantha Bock Burlington Brian’s Boathouse Brian Torgerson Wind Lake
Rock County
Last Nite Bar and Grill Terri Nottestad Edgerton
South Central
Cactus Co. Bar & Grill Sandra Wolf Monroe
Walworth County
River Jack’s Bar & Grill Bruce Lechner Elkhorn
DISTRICT 2
Jefferson County
Rockdale Bar & Grill Cynthia Meyers Cambridge
Waukesha County
Henny’s DugOut Ruth Seelig Lannon Tail Spin Jennifer Halverson Muskego
DISTRICT 3
Dells/Delton Area
Triple Play Sports Bar & Grill Richard Kawalec Wisconsin Dells
Grant/Iowa County
Ope Haus Pub and Grill Taylor Zander Barneveld Tilley’s Tavern Tianne Bollant Highland
Monroe County
Double Barrel Bar Kurt Rutlin Tomah The Villa Pizzeria and Restaurant Seth Peters Sparta
Sauk County
Logan’s Heroes Sharon Schmitt Loganville
DISTRICT 4
Calumet County
Braun’s Deer Run Glen Braun Brillion
Fond du Lac County
Kibb’s Pub Brian Kibler Fond du Lac The Legion Bar Brian Kibler Waupun Leon’s Corner Pub Leon Wiedmeyer Fond du Lac Sidetracked Saloon Leon Wiedmeyer Fond du Lac Twisted Pair Saloon Matt Geib Kewaskum
Oshkosh City/ Winnebago County
Jansen’s Bar and Restaurant Travis Schinke Oshkosh Sidetracked Bar and Grill Kevin Redlin Neenah
Sheboygan County
Al & Al’s Stephan Bruyette Sheboygan Fat Cow Theresa Schafer Sheboygan Falls Globe Lanes Dan Cavanaugh Random Lake J & J Hotspot J. Stein Sheboygan
Washington County
The Barton House Eric Schairer West Bend Rubi Falls Taphouse, dba Brewed Omen William Ohm Hartford DISTRICT 5
Adams County
Aiello’s on Wall Street Tina Aiello Eagle River Buske’s Bighorn Bar and Grill Jason Buske Arkdale Pete’s Garage Bar Peter Haferman Oshkosh
Green Lake Area
Last Chance Grill and Bar Holly Muenchow Markesan Loading Dock Bar Scott McMillan Princeton
Marathon County
Cozy Corner 325 Amanda Hamus Edgar Trails End Lodge Daphne Brummond Wausau
Marquette County
Cuzo’s Thirsty Beaver Pub & Grill Crystal Adams Westfield Rustic Saloon Kristi Sanders Montello
Portage County
The Local Goat Tiffany Gile Amherst
Waupaca County
La Margarita Mexican Juan Carlos Bonilla Waupaca Lakeview Tavern Brenda Zdroik Marion Lowell’s Landing Lowell Haufe Marion On the Rocks Family Kampground Joe Luebke Gresham Whisky Wells Gresham
Waushara County
Miller’s Hillside Pub Daniel Miller Coloma
Wood County
Drop In Again Elizabeth Meddaugh Wisconsin Rapids Gordie’s Pub & Grille Adam Hofer Wisconsin Rapids
DISTRICT 6
Brown County
21 Gun Roadhouse Courtney Mohr Green Bay The Depot Green Bay Shawn Zambarda Green Bay Mr. Frogs James Jackson Appleton R & T’s Pub Renee Duffeck Green Bay That ‘70s Bar Brian Bunkelman Green Bay Whiskey Barrel Saloon Jamie de Groot Green Bay Wrightstown Nauti River Inn Lisa Herzfeldt Wrightstown
Door County
Bley’s Bar Alex Bloeser Egg Harbor
Forest County
Strzyzes’ Pickerel Point Resort Valerie Strzyz Pickerel
Marinette County
Jungle Jim’s Al Welsh Silver Cliff Papa Bear’s Allen Gailbraith Pound
Outagamie County
Tanner’s Grill and Bar West Travis Bast Appleton
DISTRICT 7
Barron County
“ITSABOUTTIME” of Dallas Tracy Kobernick Barron
Clark County
Drink Inn Connie Horn Thorp
Eau Claire City/County
Court n’ House Stephen Wallace Eau Claire Good Times Tavern Zenas Underwood Eau Claire
Pepin County
Club TEN Janelle Vogel Durand
Pierce County
Final Final Sports Bar Donnie Sabby Ellsworth Tarnation Tavern Fred Barr River Falls
St. Croix County
Woodville GarageBar Lynn DeCorsey Woodville
Trempealeau/Buffalo County
The Corner Pub Mitch Payne Ettrick D-Rocks Derek LaBar Whitehall First & Main Eats & Beats Jim Baron Ettrick Mike’s Bar and Grill David Truax Galesville DISTRICT 8
Ashland/Bayfield County
The Portage Angela Scanavino Cable Sparky’s Bar and Grill Ann Kranz Washburn
Lincoln County
Wurl-Feind-Ingman VFW Post 2687 Katie Cummings Tomahawk
Oneida County
Northwood Golf Club Kyle Christian Rhinelander
Rusk County
Red Rock Campground and Pub Toni Almli Birchwood
Vilas County
Phelps Hillside Resort Lisa Russell Phelps
DISTRICT 9
Milwaukee County
4th Base Carmine Papara Milwaukee A.J. O’Brady’s Irish Pub & Grill Bruce Russell Menomonee Falls Belfast Station Bruce Russell Sussex Just J’s Jason Powelski West Allis Lucky’s Ice House Tom Schweiger Milwaukee McGillycuddy’s Bar & Grill Andrew Deuster Milwaukee Southbound Again Tim Wishman Oak Creek Trailer Park Tavern Jordan Bledsoe Milwaukee Wisconsin On Tap Bruce Russell Menomonee Falls
NEW AFFILIATE MEMBERS
As of October 14, 2022
Breakthru Beverage Group Paul Nowak 500 W. North Shore Dr. Hartland, WI 53029 (414) 364-0408 pnowak@breakthrubev.com breakthrubev.com
Financial Systems Corp. Melissa Ronda 1701 Quincy Ave., Ste. 5 Naperville, IL 60540-3947 (800) 527-3186 melissaronda@ financialsystemscorp.com financialsystemscorp.com Kickass Beef Jerky Chris Auerbach 6265 W. Fifth St. Winona, MN 55987 (507) 474-5646 chris@kickassbeefjerky.com kickassbeefjerky.com
Stacks Family Farms Johnny Wadzinski 1501 St. Andrew St., No. 7 La Crosse, WI 54603 (608) 769-4157 johnny@stacksfamilyfarms.com stacksfamilyfarms.com Toast Inc. Dominic Selfa 401 Park Dr., Ste. 801 Boston, MA 02215 (503) 705-1567 dominic.selfa@toasttab.com pos.toasttab.com
ADVERTISER INDEX
Wisconsin Souvenir Milkcaps PULLTAB PROMOTIONS
Great Profits Employee Incentive Program Used Pulltab Machines Available More Info: 262-336-9624 daytonyoung@wimilkcaps.com www.wimilkcaps.com
Stools, Tables, Outdoor Furniture, Kitchen Equipment, Booths, Glasswashers and Full Line of Bar Supplies. 5 Year Frame Warranty Available
27 Year Affiliate Tavern League Member 7100 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis 414.259.9161
contact@bandkbarsupplies.com www.BandKBarSupplies.com
Anheuser-Busch ................................ 23 anheuser-busch.com
Ansay & Associates ............................. 15 ansay.com
B&K Bar Supplies .............................. 22 bandkbarsupplies.com
Cornerstone Processing Solutions .................... 4 cornerstoneps.net
Johnson Brothers ................................ 7 johnsonbrothers.com
McCain Foods .................................. 9 mccain.com
Modern Cash Register Systems .................... 13 moderncashregister.com
Molson Coors Beverage Company .................. 24 molsoncoors.com
Society Insurance ................................ 7 societyinsurance.com
Wisconsin Amusement and Music Operators (WAMO) ... 2 wamo.net
Wisconsin Souvenir Milkcaps ................... 15, 22 wimilkcaps.com
