On Premise March/April 2021

The Official Publication of the Tavern League of Wisconsin

MARCH/APRIL 2021 TLW.ORG

PETE MADLAND’S

LEGACY

ALSO INSIDE: COVID-19 vs. TLW: One Year Later TLW Member of the Year

MAJOR SUPPORTER of

State and Local Tavern Leagues

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 Give-away 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 Tavern League Locals • Contributions to SafeRide Program, Golf and Others • Active Participation and Attendance

WISCONSIN AMUSEMENT & MUSIC OPERATORS PO Box 259506 Madison, WI 53725 www.WAMO.net

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Hosts of the World’s Largest Dart Tournament & the Nation’s Largest Pool Tournament.

The Official Publication of the Tavern League of Wisconsin MARCH/APRIL 2021 VOLUME 39, NO. 2

FEATURES ONE YEAR LATER . . . . . . . . . 8 The TLW continues to fight for the rights of its members in the face of COVID-19.

MEMBERS FIRST. . . . . . . . . . . 12 Pete Madland’s dedication will have a longterm impact on the Tavern League.

A COMMUNITY LEADER. . . . 18 TLW Member of the Year Jennifer Collison is a leader who has generously given to better her community.

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LEAGUE SPOTLIGHTS LEAGUE PROFILE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Portage County

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT. . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Carbo’s Junction Bar

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT. . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 The Power of $5

LEAGUE LEADER SPOTLIGHT . . . . . . 31 Jim Billings

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DEPARTMENTS President’s Perspective. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Corporate Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 ABL Dispatch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Legislative Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Accounting on Tap. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Corporate Spotlight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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New Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Affiliate Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Industry Trends. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Advertiser Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE OUR TLW FAMILY

I

was really looking forward to seeing my TLW family at the Spring Conference & Trade Show, especially after having to cancel everything last year. Alas, it is not to be.

Last fall we looked ahead, cautiously optimistic about the conference. Everyone is ready to get back to normal. For many of our members, the TLW conferences and conventions are the only vacations they take.

We had until March 1, 2021, to make our final commitment to the Holiday Inn & Convention Center in Stevens Point regarding our contract for the Spring Conference. After much conversation between our executive director, vendors and board, we had to make the very difficult decision to cancel the 2021 Spring Conference & Trade Show.

Before we made this decision, we contacted our vendors for the trade show and only 25% of those companies were willing to commit. Many were not comfortable sending their people until the COVID-19 numbers are reduced or the vaccine is more widely available.

Plus, the safety of our members is most important and we would feel terrible if any of our members were to fall ill after attending a TLW function.

We are going to continue to concentrate our efforts on passing legislation to improve the lives of our 5,000 members.

Furthermore, bars and restaurants have been used as a scapegoat and targeted as coronavirus spreaders, and we spent the better part of last year working on dispelling that unfounded allegation. Our members are doing a great job of keeping their customers safe and comfortable. We are almost over the finish line, and I would hate to see our association stumble and do harm. Instead, we are going to continue to concentrate our efforts on passing legislation to improve the lives of our 5,000 members. We do not want to destroy our goodwill with the public or legislators.

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I know that you’re all disappointed. It was not an easy decision for our board to make, but I believe we made the right choice for you — our members. We still plan on holding the Fall Convention & Trade Show in Appleton when we can once again gather our TLW family.

Pete has always had the TLW’s best interest at heart and truly bleeds TLW red.

Speaking of family, you’ve all heard that Pete Madland, our executive director, is stepping into a new role. He has expressed a desire to spend more time at home with his lovely wife, LuAnn, and travel. I don’t know if all of our members realize it, but for the last 20 years, Pete has come to Madison every Monday, and not returned home until Thursday or Friday. He’s not leaving us, but plans to assume a new role that our committee is crafting to suit both him and the TLW’s needs. Pete still intends to advise and travel around the state to help our local league leaders work on issues affecting them.

Pete has always had the TLW’s best interest at heart and truly bleeds TLW red. I will forever be grateful for his guidance and sharing his knowledge while working my way up through this organization. He has made it fun and exciting, and instilled in me his love for this organization and its members who have truly become friends and family. I am most grateful, however, for the enduring friendship that we have developed, way beyond that of executive director and board member.

Pete is a true and close friend whom I can always count on to be there when I need someone to talk to or some fatherly advice.

So never fear, members, he’s not leaving us, just scaling back to enjoy his life, which we all hope is long and happy. All the best to Pete and LuAnn. The TLW family can never thank you enough for all you have done, but we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Salute,

Chris Marsicano TLW President

www.tlw.org

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Pete Madland, Executive Director, Tavern League of Wisconsin

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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 Wisconsin Amusement Wisconsin Amusement & TLW office at (608) 270-8591 forMusic more information regarding the benefits Music Operators, Inc. of the different categories. Remember to “support those who support us.”

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re andgroups thank these groups for their and encourage the list to Any participate. business in joining these for their support, andsupport, encourage others not onothers the listnot to on participate. businessAny interested in interested joining should call should call office (608-270-8591) for our listsofthe of categories. the differentRemember categories.“Support Remember “Support those who 70-8591) for our brochure thatbrochure lists the that benefits thebenefits different those who support us.” support us.” www.tlw.org

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One Year Later …

The TLW continues to fight for the rights of its members in the face of COVID-19.

By Amanda West

N

o one expected that Tavern League members would still be fighting for their livelihoods one year later.

“We’ve been working hard this last year to make things better for TLW members,” says Tavern League President Chris Marsicano. “We’ve been trying to do what we can to help them survive, whether that’s legal, legislative or administrative.”

March 17 marks one year from when life turned upside down for Tavern League members — the day when bars, taverns and restaurants were quickly shuttered because of the rising threat of the coronavirus. And over the last year, the Tavern League worked on numerous fronts and at multiple levels to fight for the rights of members to usher in some financial relief.

As the state, nation and world continue to claw back from the depths of the pandemic with steps toward “normal,” here’s a look back at the victories the TLW was able to secure in the last 12 months, as well as a look to what’s ahead.

“The rulemaking process is important because it provides the opportunity for stakeholder input,” says Bemis. “The approach the governor took deprived groups like the Tavern League of any ability to participate.” By avoiding that process, the Tavern League, as a representative of one of the prime groups affected by the order, couldn’t stand up for the needs of its members.

In a 4-3 decision on May 13, 2020, the Wisconsin Supreme Court sided with the Legislature (and the Tavern League), and ruled the Safer at Home order invalid and unenforceable as it failed to follow the emergency rulemaking process.

“Tavern League is always trying to do the right thing from the perspective of public health and safety, but there is a balance that has to occur with business, jobs, employers and the economy,” says Bemis. “Had [public health officials] come up with other proposals that would have been reasonable so we could continue to operate, and not deprive owners and employees of income, while protecting public safety, it would have been different.”

ACTION IN THE COURTS During the first few weeks of Wisconsin’s Safer at Home order, originally in effect from March 25 to April 24, 2020, the league worked through its options with the assistance of legal counsel from Godfrey & Kahn S.C. On April 29, 2020, the Tavern League filed an amicus brief with the Wisconsin Supreme Court in support of the state Legislature in the case of the Wisconsin Legislature v. Palm. The lawsuit, explains Zachary Bemis, an administrative and regulatory attorney with Godfrey & Kahn, challenged the governor’s authority to issue the Safer at Home order without following the administrative rules process.

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Scott Stenger, the Tavern League’s lobbyist, lauds the decision as crucial for members. “This was a significant win for us and our members. Had we not prevailed, I’m convinced we would be closed today. I think we would have stayed closed and some states have done that,” he warns.

Marsicano concurs: “I strongly believe that, if we hadn’t jumped on board with [the lawsuit], bars would have stayed shut down statewide. Wisconsin is much luckier than our neighbors, like Minnesota, Michigan and Illinois, where they’re just starting to open up.” www.tlw.org

Unfortunately, however, the Tavern League had to return to court last fall to challenge Emergency Order #3.

Issued by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services on October 6, 2020, the order put new restrictions on public gatherings, limiting businesses to 25% of their total occupancy limit.

Where there was no local occupancy limit, the maximum capacity was 10, including employees and customers.

Many of Wisconsin’s rural areas lack maximum occupancy limits, which would have capped capacity at 10, regardless of the size of the establishment, and closed businesses.

“We are not saying no to restrictions, but state or local governments have to act within their prescribed authority. You have to act within your limit of powers and those powers are limited for the reason that we live in a representative democracy.”

— Zachary Bemis, Godfrey & Kahn S.C. The TLW filed a lawsuit in Sawyer County, along with the Sawyer County Tavern League, to challenge the order as unenforceable because of its failure to adhere to the rulemaking process and because it exceeded the Department of Health Services’ authority.

“What was so shocking, and led to Tavern League vs. Palm, was that it was essentially a mirror image of the Supreme Court decision from the spring,” says Bemis. “It was a total

www.tlw.org

déjà vu moment and the state essentially did the same exact thing the Supreme Court said they couldn’t do in the spring.”

SMALL WINS ADD UP

After winning in appellate court, the lawsuit remains pending in the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

“We have demonstrated from Day 1 that we are going to be the voice for our members, and work like hell on big things and little things to get through this unprecedented interruption in business,” says Stenger.

LOCAL ACTION Bemis and the TLW also tackled issues that cropped up in individual counties throughout the summer and fall.

“We had a handful of counties that would pipe up, and try to do things to close bars and restaurants that was outside of their authority,” says Bemis.

For instance, in September, Ashland County proposed a closure order.

Within 48 hours, the Tavern League had the order rescinded.

In early December, a similar issue emerged in the city of Hudson, when officials tried to impose closing hour restrictions on bars and restaurants, inconsistent with the uniform closing hours established in state statutes.

The events of the last year highlight the importance of being a member of an association like the Tavern League.

And even the little things can make a big difference.

With businesses closing at 5 p.m. on March 17, 2020, for instance, there were coolers stocked full of product for the St. Patrick’s Day holiday. The TLW immediately started a dialog with wholesalers that agreed to buy back some product.

“Otherwise,” says Stenger, “we’d be on the hook for all of the product, product that couldn’t be sold because of the shutdown. That’s a little change, a little win, but significant.”

“Those are the sort of quick actions the Tavern League was able to take to stand up for its members to allow them to continue to operate,” says Bemis.

“We are not saying no to restrictions, but state or local governments have to act within their prescribed authority.

You have to act within your limit of powers and those powers are limited for the reason that we live in a representative democracy.”

Moreover, less than two weeks after the closure, the Tavern League introduced Communities Helping Empower Employers to Remain Successful, or C.H.E.E.R.S., a charitable fund to benefit members. All proceeds of the fund were paid out equally to members across the state that were in good standing as of February 29, 2020. C.H.E.E.R.S. was created on the premise that industry partners, businesses that were weathering the shutdown far better than Tavern League members, would bolster the fund. All told, the fund raised $226,000 and each member received $55.

Stenger and Bemis admit that it’s challenging to make headway in Dane and Milwaukee counties, but both are heartened to see Milwaukee County’s recent efforts to loosen restrictions, allowing bars and restaurants to operate with higher capacity limits. “Some of what you saw Milwaukee do has roots in what was proposed by the Tavern League early on,” says Stenger.

“As far as our effort with C.H.E.E.R.S., the intent was honorable, the results less than we expected,” says TLW Executive Director Pete Madland. “We hoped for more industry participation and we greatly appreciate those who did support the fund.

While $55 wasn’t a life-changer, it was the right thing to do.” Badger Liquor provided the largest contribution at $100,000; all donors are listed at tlw.org/cheers.

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In April 2020, the TLW also took swift action to address license fees, which are due July 1 annually.

Marsicano sent letters to all of the municipal clerks in Wisconsin, asking them to waive or reduce fees. The state league also provided information to local leagues to advocate on their behalf with local communities.

“We were pleased to see a vast majority [of municipalities] agree to lower or waive fees,” says Stenger. “It was not the biggest issue we dealt with, but it made a big difference for our members.”

The Tavern League addressed payments to wholesalers as well. By statute, explains Stenger, owners have 30 days to pay for beer and liquor; if they don’t, they can lose their liquor license when it comes due. The TLW worked with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and Secretary Peter Barca to waive that requirement if an establishment couldn’t pay their wholesaler bills due to the pandemic.

“Even if a municipality wanted to reissue a license, the statute says they ‘shall not,’ so waiving it locally wasn’t an option. This was an important change at the state level,” Stenger points out.

WHAT’S AHEAD? The Tavern League continues to advocate for its members on a variety of fronts.

In mid-February, thanks in part to the TLW, Gov. Tony Evers signed a bill that allowed loans administered through the federal government’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to be tax-deductible under Wisconsin’s tax code.

Before the bill was signed, PPP loans were only deductible under federal law.

“We became aware of this early on through Chris [Marsicano], whose accountant told him about it,” says Stenger.

“We contacted legislators and, soon after, a number of groups joined forces to get the bill moving and passed.”

Without the bill, he adds, small businesses in Wisconsin would have lost more than $450 million in state tax deductions.

Furthermore, the Cocktails to Go bill, which would allow bars and restaurants to sell premixed cocktails for carryout, has bipartisan support and is expected to pass both houses in March. “Thirty-three states have it and there’s not any opposition to it in those states,” says Stenger. “It’s great for Old Fashioneds, Bloody Marys and margaritas, and provides an economic shot in the arm. We appreciate when customers come for to-go orders, but the profit margin on food is not great — it is on booze. It’s another small change that means a lot.”

There was also language in the governor’s budget, which was introduced in February, that would provide for an expanded grant program for small businesses. “There is no dispute that our industry is among the hardest hit

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UNEMPLOYMENT RESOURCES UNEMPLOYMENT INFORMATION FOR CLAIMANTS: dwd.wisconsin.gov/uiben UNEMPLOYMENT INFORMATION FOR EMPLOYERS: dwd.wisconsin.gov/uitax CORONAVIRUS AID, RELIEF AND ECONOMIC SECURITY (CARES) ACT (A.K.A. FEDERAL STIMULUS BILL) AND THE CONTINUED ASSISTANCE ACT OF 2020 In late December, the Continued Assistance Act of 2020 (formerly known as the Emergency Coronavirus Relief Act) was signed. Learn more about the benefits available, including pandemic employment assistance for those not otherwise eligible for unemployment insurance, at dwd.wisconsin.gov/uiben/caresact.

and I think we need to earmark that grant program for this industry, specifically to hospitality, to get back on our feet,” Stenger suggests.

“We continue to look for ways to do what we can to ease the financial burden COVID-19 has brought to our members,” says Marsicano of Tavern League’s ongoing work.

“We have always looked out for our members. This is why you belong to an association like the Tavern League. It’s times like these. No one will look out for the small guy like us. We are one big family and we do the best we can.”

Madland adds, “We can’t help everyone and not every story will have a happy ending, but the work we’ve done in the last year shows we will fight like hell to do whatever we can.” TLW www.tlw.org

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MEMBERS FIRST Pete Madland’s dedication will have a long-term impact on the Tavern League.

By Maura Keller

E

very once in a while, a person comes along that truly exemplifies what it means to be a leader. You know the ones. They delight in each and every leadership opportunity they have, and they empower their constituents to reach beyond their goals. Pete Madland, who has served the TLW in various capacities for more than 30 years, is one such person. His knowledge, approach and dedication inspire people — both then and now.

small mom-and-pops or large hotels and convention centers. He continually offers guidance on a wealth of issues and helps member leagues determine how they can be a part of the big picture, encouraging members within the leagues to step up and be a leader for that league.

Pete was originally elected to the state board of directors in 1989, and served both Barron and Pierce counties as president. Then he was elected state president in 1995 and served until 2001, when he took on the role of field representative for the Tavern League until 2005. At that time, Pete became the TLW’s executive director, a role he has held for over 15 years. For more than 31 years, Pete has had a tremendous impact on the TLW and its members.

“Pete’s main impact, in my opinion, has been his ability to create agreement among 5,000 members over issues that should have decimated the TLW,” Ward says. “Pete is no pushover and is able to stand his ground. The Wisconsin tavern industry has recognized Pete as a voice of stability and honesty, and his willingness to use the strength of member voices. He impacts public opinion with a common-sense approach, and an ability to instill confidence and trust in the members and their customer base.”

Sharon Ward, secretary of the Milwaukee County Tavern League, has worn many hats within the TLW as well. As such, she has had many opportunities to see first-hand Pete at work. Ward stresses that Pete is a force within the Wisconsin tavern industry. Throughout his tenure, his contributions have been many and diverse. Ward says that Pete brings a sense of belonging to members — whether they are

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“Pete’s impacts to the tavern industry have surpassed what was expected when he was brought on as executive director,” Ward acknowledges. “Offering Pete this position was an opportunity for the TLW to move into the realm of large associations and direct the path the tavern industry follows going forward.” The TLW board of directors chose Pete after a thorough review of the six years he served as TLW president and his experience as a leader in a local league.

John Bodnovich, executive director at American Beverage Licensees (ABL), says that one of Pete’s most important qualities is his belief in asking tough, direct questions. It doesn’t matter if it’s the CEO of a global liquor company, a member of Congress or one of his colleagues, Pete always wants to ensure he can make decisions or counsel TLW www.tlw.org

leaders on taking the best path forward for the association and its members, according to Bodnovich.

“I know Pete’s background is as a tavern owner, but he’s a natural association executive who understands that member service is the lifeblood of any successful association, and getting answers to hard questions is an important part of that,” Bodnovich says.

The attention Pete pays to TLW members, as well as the utmost care he bestows on them, is what makes him stand out among his peers with other associations. In fact, whenever Bodnovich is with him, he is always taking and responding to calls, and working hard on behalf of his members.

Robert “Bubba” Sprenger, a former TLW president, says one great example of Pete’s ability to get things done is when TLW members were being hit with large fee increases in music licensing. He testified in Washington, D.C. before the House Judiciary Committee.

“I can’t tell you the number of times he has called me and started off the conversation with ‘I just got off the phone with a tavern owner — in some small town in Wisconsin — who has a question …’ Fellow executives from other state retail alcohol associations have a deep respect for the TLW’s operation and organization, and a lot of that is thanks to Pete,” Bodnovich says.

“Pete testified and challenged Sen. Sonny Bono (of Sonny & Cher), a committee member, regarding copyright fees being paid to songwriters and composers,” Sprenger says.

“Pete used his common-sense approach to [clarify] what was really happening. The fact that Pete was able to wear many different hats, while maintaining the ‘members come first’ TLW motto and when dealing with organizations like the American Beverage Institute (ABI), ABL and many others, is going to have a lasting impact on the tavern industry.

Corporate America does not think like TLW members, and Pete was very effective in relaying our message and our ideals. Pete is held in high esteem by national organizations as well as by TLW members.”

TLW Executive Director Pete Madland takes the podium at the 84th Annual Fall Convention & Trade Show in Green Bay in 2019.

While Bodnovich has plenty of anecdotes to share, the trait that transcends them all is Pete’s passion for the people who are in the local bar and tavern business.

“Maybe it’s because he walked in those shoes himself, but Pete truly cares about TLW members,” Bodnovich says. “It might be the couple who’s been running a supper club for 40 years or a young tavern owner who is trying to make his mark, or any number of other characters who make our industry so fun and relatable. Pete wants them to succeed and that personal care for his members exemplifies what he is all about.”

“I know Pete’s background is as a tavern owner, but he’s a natural association executive who understands that member service is the lifeblood of any successful association and getting answers to hard questions is an important part of that.”

— John Bodnovich, American Beverage Licensees www.tlw.org

CLOSE CONNECTIONS Rob Swearingen, past president of the TLW, believes Pete has been instrumental in elevating the name recognition and presence of the TLW, not only on the state level, but on the national level as well.

“His leadership skills were evident early on, especially when he was elected as TLW president,” Swearingen says.

“Whether Pete was working on behalf of the TLW in Madison or Washington, D.C., his passion for the association was always clear.”

Associates agree that membership has always been one of Pete’s top priorities. He’s never taken member dues for granted. As Swearingen explains, anytime Pete would spend money, he would always equate it to how many memberships it would take to cover the cost.

“He was conscious and frugal with TLW assets,” Swearingen says. “He was the best membership salesperson we ever had. Anytime he identified a local league with membership sliding, he was always quick to offer his services, and as TLW presidents, we got invited to plenty of local league events. Pete used to joke with me about how many different ways a chicken dinner could be prepared … pretty sure it was in the hundreds!”

And while Pete has illustrated what it truly means to be a leader — helping to elevate the TLW throughout the nation — above all, he is a friend to many. “I know that I am MARCH/APRIL 2021

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“Maybe it’s because he walked in those shoes himself, but Pete truly cares about TLW members. It might be the couple who’s been running a supper club for 40 years or a young tavern owner who is trying to make his mark, or any number of other characters who make our industry so fun and relatable. Pete wants them to succeed and that personal care for his members exemplifies what he is all about.”

— John Bodnovich, American Beverage Licensees

not alone when I say that he is a friend. Many consider the TLW a family and Pete has been responsible for keeping those ties,” according to Swearingen. “Over the years, Pete and I have maintained a great relationship. Although we don’t get a chance to see each other as often anymore, I know I can call Pete anytime I need a little help, advice or just a good laugh.

I’m pretty sure that will continue for years to come. I wish him all my best in his retirement.”

Swearingen is confident that Pete’s presence on the ABL and ABI boards, as well as his participation on many alcohol committees, will continue to resonate throughout the industry. “Pete has been the best representative of the TLW that the

association could have had for many years. To Pete, I tip my hat and say thanks. You, my friend, have paid your dues to the TLW and to the industry,” Swearingen concludes.

Ward adds that Pete has set the bar very high for the next executive director of the TLW. “Pete has been an educator to members who may have aspirations to move into leadership.

His contacts throughout the industry are well-known, and I hope that the next executive director will have the ability to look back on Pete’s history and use the knowledge he left to continue moving the TLW forward,” Ward says. “He has been a great teacher for many, while still holding them to higher expectations than we thought we could achieve.” TLW

VetsRoll extends a heartfelt THANK YOU to the Tavern League of WI Members and Your Customers Your belief and support of our program has allowed us to provide CLOSURE*GRATITUDE*RESPECT to more than 2,000 American heroes, since 2010!!

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www.tlw.org

ABL Dispatch — The Latest Industry News from Washington

BY JOHN BODNOVICH, ABL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

I want to take a moment to thank the members of the TLW who help form American Beverage Licensees (ABL). Your support makes possible the work we do on behalf of our members and, without it, there would be a sizable void for those beverage licensees whose voices need to be heard.

We all know that 2020 was a challenging year, particularly for our on-premise members, and the bar and tavern community. Despite the challenges, though, these licensees have persevered with great sacrifice, ingenuity and organization to continue to stay in business, provide jobs to their staff, and serve their communities in a safe and responsible manner. While it may be necessary to be physically distant, the need to be socially connected remains just as important as ever as we deal with the implications and outcomes of COVID-19. You have commendably filled that need for many of your friends and neighbors who otherwise would be alone.

While it may be necessary to be physically distant, the need to be socially connected remains just as important as ever as we deal with the implications and outcomes of COVID-19.

Already into 2021, there are no guarantees that life is suddenly going to improve for those facing COVID-19 or for those whose businesses have been derailed thanks to the virus. But I am hopeful that, in the coming months, we’re going to begin to see some improvements for those most susceptible or at risk to the virus, relief for those businesses that have been operating in a limited manner, and maybe www.tlw.org

most importantly, a return of confidence to your customers to feel more comfortable visiting their favorite local bars and taverns.

Please know that ABL is going to continue to work on your behalf to share your stories, provide counsel and seek relief to the best of our abilities. We remain stronger when we are all together and prepared for the challenges that we anticipate or, like in 2020, enduring the ones we didn’t see coming.

SAVE THE DATE ABL plans to hold its Annual Meeting from October 17-18, 2021, at the Hilton New Orleans/St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans, La. More details to follow …

$15 AN HOUR MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE ABL has voiced its opposition to plans to increase the federal minimum wage and eliminate the minimum cash wage (tip credit). The association has pointed out that more than doubling the current federal minimum wage for non-tipped employees would have a drastically negative effect on hospitality businesses, which have been hardest hit during the pandemic and can least afford another increased cost.

Phasing out the minimum cash wage for tipped employees, which is currently utilized in some form in 43 states, would also have a devastating impact on bars and restaurants.

The industry’s narrow margins have been wiped out by the coronavirus pandemic. If these family-owned and operated businesses can’t afford to open their doors, they can’t pay employees any wages — minimum or otherwise.

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The industry’s narrow margins have been wiped out by the coronavirus pandemic.

If these family-owned and operated businesses can’t afford to open their doors, they can’t pay employees any wages — minimum or otherwise.

While such a significant minimum wage increase would lead to tough choices for small beverage business owners in any year, an increase of this size this year would undoubtedly result in staff reductions and higher menu prices for customers. Unfortunately, it is unlikely even those business changes would be enough to offset increased labor costs at a time when many of these local businesses are limited to just 25-50% capacity and face reduced hours of service.

The Raise the Wage Act of 2021 is similar to a bill that passed in the House in 2019 and would phase in the increase, from $7.25 to $9.50 this year to $15 by 2025.

Perhaps most critical to on-premise hospitality businesses, the proposed bill would raise the tipped minimum wage and youth minimum wage by phasing both out by 2027.

After 2025, the minimum hourly rate would be indexed to national median wage growth using Labor Department calculations. The federal minimum wage was last raised on July 24, 2009, when it rose from $6.55 to $7.25 per hour, the last step of a three-step increase approved by Congress in 2007. Before 2007, the minimum wage was set at $5.15 per hour for 10 years.

ABL is going to continue to point out that raising the minimum wage on business owners who are struggling to keep their doors open during the pandemic would have a negative impact on these businesses, employees and customers should they be forced to cut staff and/or raise prices. This sentiment is supported by the recent, nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office score, which found that the legislation would reduce employment by 1.4 million workers in 2025, increase the budget deficit by $54 billion from 2021 to 2031, and lead to higher prices for goods and services.

Members of the beverage alcohol industry are familiar with state-by-state alcohol laws that best fit the culture and economics of each state. One size does not fit all for alcohol laws and the same is true of state minimum wage laws. When it comes to the cost of living and goods, the real diversity amongst states is not insignificant. Imposing a massive, one-size-fits-all increase of a federal minimum wage does not take into account the very real differences for employers in New York City and Oshkosh.

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At a time when most everyone is rooting for their favorite bars and restaurants to survive the pandemic, Congress should be working to identify programs and policies to help hospitality businesses stay alive so they can provide jobs that lead to an economic recovery. Congress should not pass legislation that would inhibit local beverage businesses from hiring more workers.

HELP PASS THE RESTAURANTS ACT U.S. Sens. Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), and Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced the Real Economic Support that Acknowledges Unique Restaurant Assistance Needed to Survive (RESTAURANTS) Act of 2021.

The bipartisan, bicameral legislation would establish a $120 billion fund to support independent bars, restaurants and other hospitality businesses as they deal with the longterm structural challenges facing the industry because of COVID-19. Owners could apply for grants of up to $10 million to cover eligible expenses retroactively to February 15, 2020, and ending eight months after the legislation is signed into law. Grants could be used to support payroll, benefits, mortgage, rent, utilities, building maintenance and construction of outdoor facilities, supplies (including protective equipment and cleaning materials), food, operational expenses, paid sick leave, debt obligations to suppliers and any other essential expenses.

ABL is calling for the swift passage of this legislation to aid a beleaguered industry that has been scraping and clawing to survive during the pandemic. It is joined by much of the rest of the alcohol and restaurant associations. TLW members are encouraged to contact the TLW or ABL office to learn how to directly advocate for this bill to be passed to get much needed relief to their businesses.

DECEMBER 2020 FUNDING RELIEF LEGISLATION ADDS PPP In December, Congress passed a more than $2 trillion package to provide approximately $900 billion in COVID-19 relief and $1.4 trillion to fund the federal government until September 30, 2021. The COVID-19 relief package included $284 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that provides forgivable loans to small businesses.

Other aid to small businesses included: • $15 billion for live venues, movie theaters and cultural institutions, which was called for in the Save our Stages (SOS) Act. • Greater PPP eligibility for more nonprofits.

• The ability for businesses to deduct expenses on their www.tlw.org

taxes for costs that were paid for by the federal government through the PPP. • 100% expensing of business meals for the next two years. (That tax break was reduced to 50% in 1993.)

• Expansion of the employee retention credit to help employers keep workers on the payroll during the pandemic.

administration began. Some of those actions have a direct effect on ABL members, including: • Dietary guidelines. On December 29, 2020, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued new dietary guidelines that keep current allowances on alcohol consumption unchanged (up to two drinks a day for men and up to one drink a day for women).

• Standards of fill. On December 29, 2020, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) added seven new standards of fill for wine and distilled spirits. The new container sizes are 355, 250 or 200 mL for wine, and 1.8 L, 900 mL, 720 mL or 700 mL for spirits.

$1.9 TRILLION RELIEF PACKAGE Congress quickly moved the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan through the House and Senate using the budget reconciliation process, which means a bill can pass the Senate with a simple majority, by March 14, which is when pandemic unemployment insurance ran out. Two items of note during the recent Senate and House markups: • The Senate voted in support of a budget amendment to establish a dedicated $25 billion restaurant relief fund as part of the package and the House kept those funds in when writing its bill.

• The House included language in the bill to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2025, but ultimately, that provision was left out.

At a time when most everyone is rooting for their favorite bars and restaurants to survive the pandemic, Congress should be working to identify programs and policies to help hospitality businesses stay alive so they can provide jobs that lead to an economic recovery.

EXECUTIVE BRANCH ROUNDUP There was a flurry of activity by departments and agencies before the Trump administration ended and the Biden www.tlw.org

• Music licensing and consent decrees. On January 15, 2021, the Department of Justice announced that it would be making no changes to the consent decrees that govern radio’s relationship with the American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers (ASCAP) and Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI).

THE SAVE THE BEER ECONOMY COALITION As the fights over excise and other beer taxes move from Congress to the states, ABL is partnering with organizations in the hospitality, retail, agriculture and manufacturing sectors to form the Save the Beer Economy coalition.

The coalition “seeks to rally support to these industries and the consumers they serve by educating lawmakers at the state and federal levels on the negative impacts these tax increases would have on workers, consumers and businesses.”

Excise tax increases may be on the agenda in nearly two dozen states in 2021, so it is essential to speak out on the issue as soon as possible. ABL and its members have a long history of opposing tax increases on alcohol of all kinds by federal, state or local governments. The Save the Beer Economy website (savethebeereconomy.com) contains an advocacy tool that allows individuals to contact their elected officials via email or social media to tell their local lawmakers to oppose beer tax increases. 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.

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Leader

A COMMUNITY TLW Member of the Year Jennifer Collison is a leader who has generously given to better her community.

By Tasha Downing

J

ennifer Collison, owner of Local Folks Restaurant & Pub, loves her Burlington community and it shows. From the sea of familiar faces that have frequented her place since 1999 to the TLW members who sing her praises, Collison’s dedication to helping everyone throughout her community — which she refers to as family — is evident.

“If you stop by Local Folks, everybody will treat you like family, regardless if you’re from around here or not,” she says.

“The community takes care of each other. When we were shut down and just doing curbside [pickup], everybody came out and supported us to keep us going.” Collison insists this inclusive outreach has been consistent over the years, whether the area has been hit by a tornado, a flood or, most recently, a global pandemic. And she knows how to pay the kindness forward.

Members from the TLW’s First District welcome home a VetsRoll group from their trip to Washington, D.C.

ment, supports Westosha Head Start and VetsRoll, and adopts kids every year for Christmas,” says Peterson. “She donates gift certificates, and has also held fundraisers for ALS [amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a.k.a. Lou Gehrig’s Disease] and a blanket drive for Tiny Hooves Sanctuary for abandoned farm animals.”

Currently serving as president of the Kenosha County Tavern League and treasurer of the Kenosha City Tavern League, as well as first district director, Collison initially became a member of the TLW soon after opening Local Folks. She was then

Jennifer Collison presents a check from the Kenosha County Tavern League to the Kenosha County drone unit in June 2020.

Collison only takes one weekend off from working at her busy bar and restaurant each year. For the past 10 years, she has spent that weekend walking 60 miles to support the Susan G. Komen Foundation for breast cancer awareness.

Renee Peterson of Siemers Cruise In Bar & Grill in Walworth is not only the Walworth County Tavern League secretary, treasurer and SafeRide coordinator, but she is also a first district director alongside Collison. In fact, Peterson is the TLW member who nominated Collison for the Member of the Year award. She explains that, along with having raised nearly $1 million for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Collison’s community support is endless.

“She gives free meals when needed, donates a lot to the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department and Kenosha Fire Depart-

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“It’s great to know everybody else is in the same boat you are, with the same problems and struggles. It’s nice to know there are people out there who understand what’s going on. So I stay active and help out.”

— Jennifer Collison, Local Folks Restaurant & Pub able to become more active once her children were school-aged.

“After attending my first meeting about 14 years ago, I was hooked,” she says. “It’s great to know everybody else is in the same boat you are, with the same problems and struggles. It’s nice to know there are people out there who understand what’s going on. So I stay active and help out.” www.tlw.org

Collison credits the TLW with supporting its members through legislative action that makes a huge difference, especially over the last year as TLW members continue to struggle to deal with COVID-19 and keep their businesses afloat. She says the work the association does to help food and beverage businesses, like lobbying for a bill to allow customers to purchase cocktails to go and pushing for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness, is crucial to its members’ recovery process.

Collison’s advice to current and potential TLW members is to support the league by keeping up to date on current government policies and agendas that can potentially affect business.

“Get involved and pay attention to what’s going on legislatively,” she says. “Stay in contact with representatives in your local area.”

Collison was surprised when she found out that she was the TLW Member of the Year. “It really means a lot,” she says. “I had no idea that people cared and thought that much of me,” a characteristic response from Collison, a community leader who generously gives to better not only her business, but her community as a whole as well. TLW Local Folks Restaurant & Pub

The Kenosha County Tavern League stops to attend a meeting in Langlade County during a summer trip to Potawatomi Carter Casino.

39601 60th St., Burlington, WI 53105 (262) 539-3200 facebook.com/localjen

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LEGISLATIVE NOTES MOVING FORWARD

BY SCOTT STENGER, STENGER GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

I

t has been a year since the COVID-19 pandemic crippled the world. The hospitality industry has been among the hardest hit. Sadly, thousands of small, independently owned restaurants, taverns and supper clubs have gone out of business since March 2020. As of December 2020, over 17% of restaurants in the United States have permanently closed and the unemployment rate in the hospitality industry has reached 40%.

PPP TAX FIX The hospitality industry is a critical economic component to Wisconsin’s economy. Small, independently owned restaurants, taverns and supper clubs employ thousands, and contribute to the local and state tax base. The Wisconsin hospitality industry alone provides over 120,000 jobs and has an economic impact of over $5 billion. In addition, these small businesses are major charitable contributors in their local communities. TLW members, for example, donate more than $13 million annually to local, state and national charities.

As difficult as the last year has been for small businesses, it looked like it was going to get even worse. A technical glitch in state law would have prohibited any Wisconsin businesses that accepted Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans from taking business deductions on expenses paid for by the loans.

This technicality could’ve resulted in a tremendous increase in tax liability for small businesses struggling to survive.

As the legislative session began, Sens. Roger Roth (R-Appleton) and Rob Stafsholt (R-New Richmond) worked quickly to change state law to rescue small businesses from the unintended tax. Gov. Tony Evers signed Assembly Bill 2, which eliminated the PPP loan tax, saving Wisconsin small businesses nearly $480 million. The TLW worked closely with legislators and a coalition of Wisconsin businesses to fix this unintended tax on small businesses receiving PPP loans.

Congress created forgivable PPP loans for small businesses to help them cope with the business interruption the COVID-19 pandemic caused. Increased tax liability was not the intent and it was later corrected when Congress approved the second round of PPP loans in December. However, without the state change contained in Assembly Bill 2, any business that

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As of December 2020, over 17% of restaurants in the United States have permanently closed and the unemployment rate in the hospitality industry has reached 40%. accepted a PPP loan would have tax liability for expenses paid using PPP funds.

DRINKS TO GO State Rep. David Steffen (R-Green Bay) and Sen. Mary Felzkowski (R-Irma) introduced legislation to permit restaurants, taverns and supper clubs to provide drinks to go — a small change that would help many small businesses survive. A version of drinks to go is currently permitted in 33 states, plus the District of Columbia.

According to a National Restaurant Association survey conducted in November 2020, 76% of the 500 Wisconsin residents age 21 and older who were surveyed would favor a proposal to allow for cocktails to go, permitting customers to purchase cocktails or mixed drinks (made with distilled spirits) with their takeout orders from restaurants. This is in addition to beer and wine, which is currently allowed for takeout only.

Among this same group, 29% said the option of including alcoholic beverages with their order would make them more likely to choose one restaurant over another similar restaurant.

The proposal simply amends current law to allow a “Class B” licensed retailer to sell a cocktail or wine by the glass for consumption off premise if the restaurant or bar seals the container with a tamper-evident seal before the cocktail is removed from the premises. This change could greatly benefit small, independent restaurant, tavern and supper club owners, and provide them with one more tool to stay afloat through the pandemic. TLW www.tlw.org

ACCOUNTING ON TAP THE EMPLOYEE RETENTION CREDIT

BY DAN BERGS, CPA

O

n December 27, 2020, an additional stimulus package was signed into law and part of it will affect payroll tax credits. The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) modifications are significant for businesses that have had declines in revenue or have been shut down due to lockdown orders. Every restaurant and bar that has been closed down for indoor seating or limited for socially distanced seating is likely going to qualify for this credit. Furthermore, for many restaurants, the credit could be tens of thousands of dollars.

The ERC is a refundable tax credit for quarterly payroll taxes equal to 50% of the qualified wages an eligible employer pays to employees. If an employer qualifies, the wages paid that could be used for the 2020 credit are from March 12 to December 31, 2020. Companies that took out Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans could not participate in this program originally, so it was not as popular. However, the new stimulus bill allows companies that took out PPP loans to utilize this credit as well.

Companies can correct their 2020 reporting with these newly implemented changes by reporting their qualified wages and health insurance costs on the fourth quarter Form 941 filing instead of amending previous quarters. Since many restaurants and bars have already filed the Q4 Form 941, they can amend the Q4 filing in order to take advantage of the ERC. Companies should analyze if they then qualify for significant tax credits.

Let us dig into some comparisons between the original and modified ERC. ORIGINAL RULES

NEW RULES

How do I qualify for the credit?

1. Business operations must be either fully or partially suspended by a COVID-19 governmental authority shutdown for any quarter in 2020 OR 2. For any quarter in 2020, gross receipts are less than 50% of gross receipts for the same quarter in 2019. Companies can continue to claim the credit until gross receipts in the prior year quarter are more than 80% of what they were in 2019.

1. Business operations must be either fully or partially suspended by a COVID-19 governmental authority shutdown for any quarter in 2021 OR 2. For any quarter in 2021 prior to July 1, gross receipts are less than 80% of gross receipts for the same quarter in 2019.

Is there a limitation based upon number of employees?

No credit is available for employees performing services (only for paying employees to not work) at employers with greater than 100 employees. Employers with 100 employees or less are eligible for the credit even if employees are working.

The employee threshold is now raised to 500 employees from 100 in 2021. Companies with 500 or fewer employees are eligible for the credit even if employees are working.

When is the credit available?

It’s available for qualified wages paid after March 12, 2020, and before January 1, 2021.

It’s available for qualified wages paid after March 12, 2020, and before July 1, 2021.

What is the amount of the credit?

The credit is 50% of the qualified wages paid to the employee plus the cost of health benefits provided to the employee.

Starting on January 1, 2021, the credit is 70% of qualified wages, plus the cost of health benefits provided to the employee.

Is there a maximum amount for the credit?

The credit is capped at $5,000 per employee in 2020.

The credit is capped at $7,000 per employee per quarter (Q1 + Q2). The total credit could be $14,000 per employee.

What if my business took out a PPP loan?

A company that received a PPP loan was ineligible for the ERC.

A company taking a PPP loan can also claim the ERC, but the claimed wages for the credit cannot be wages paid from a PPP loan that has been forgiven. This change is retroactive for wages paid after March 12, 2020.

These credits should not be ignored as they could result in significant cash flow for your business. Reach out to your advisors or feel free to contact me to help with credit computations. TLW Dan Bergs, CPA, is a supervisor in the tax and business services department with Wegner CPAs LLP. The firm has offices in Madison, Baraboo, Waukesha and Janesville. This article is not intended to give complete tax advice, but a general review of subject matter. For more information, please contact Bergs at (608) 442-1986 or dan.bergs@wegnercpas.com. www.tlw.org

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LEAGUE PROFILE PORTAGE COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE were able to fill it,” says Wanta. The outing supports the SafeRide Program and typically raises about $10,000. This funding is particular helpful as the Portage County Tavern League offers free rides for anyone, members and nonmembers, each New Year’s Eve, starting at 10 p.m.

“Whether someone is at a hotel party, going from their house to a bar or back, or a babysitter who needs a safe ride home, those rides are free,” describes Wanta. While total rides were down this year, between 200 and 250 people took advantage of the offer.

Left to right in the front row are Jody Kluck, Kim Krayecki and Jayne Marchal hanging out at a TLW Fall Convention. Pictured in the back row, from left to right, are: Matt Disher, Christine Almanza, Tony Almanza, Jim Billings, Laura Wheeler and Erin Wanta.

T

he Portage County Tavern League isn’t letting the pandemic keep it from doing good for its members and their communities. “We know the good work we do for the community and we are keeping that going,” says Erin Wanta, general manager of Shooter’s Supper Club in Plover and president of the Portage County Tavern League.

Located in central Wisconsin, the Portage County Tavern League has 106 members, including three members who have dual memberships with neighboring Wood County. Plover and Stevens Point are the county’s largest municipalities, but Wanta proudly says, “We have members in every village and town in the area. We have the county well-covered.”

The Portage County Tavern League has been busy with fundraising and charitable giving the past few months. Around Christmas, the league donated $10,000 to local groups, including The Salvation Army, Operation Bootstrap and more. “We had money and, with COVID-19, there’s a lot of need,” explains Wanta.

The Portage County Tavern League meets the first Monday of the month (unless it’s a holiday). In addition, each quarter, the league meets with local law enforcement, including the Portage County Sheriff’s Office, and the Stevens Point and Plover police departments.

“It’s something we do on top of our regular meetings,” says Wanta. “It’s a good chance to stay in touch with what’s going on and to have a good rapport with our local law enforcement.”

One thing that Wanta appreciates about the Tavern League is that you don’t have to own an establishment to be part of the organization. She has worked at Shooter’s since 1998, and when her boss, Gene Shulfer, was president, she’d help with newsletters and other county league tasks. She’s now been on the board in some capacity for more than 15 years. She also serves as the District 5 secretary.

“You don’t have to be an owner — you can be an employee and be treated the same way as everyone else,” she says. “Here you’re part of a community that wants to make sure everyone can stay in business.” TLW

In February, the Portage County Tavern League also held its annual bowling tournament. Proceeds from the tournament benefit the league, but $1,000, plus matching funds, are donated to a local charity or cause each year. This year’s cause was a local scholarship fund named to honor a member who recently passed away.

On April 5, the league plans to host its annual spring fundraiser, too. A $50 ticket gets attendees food and drinks for six hours, plus the option to enter a variety of raffles. This fundraiser supports the league and generally brings in $17,000 to $18,000.

While it’s a few months away yet, the league’s summer golf outing is always popular as well. “Even with COVID-19 last year, we

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Pictured left to right at the Portage County Tavern League annual bowling tournament are: Mary Tepp, Dale Jastromski, Darryl Jastromski, Erin Wanta and Jim Billings. www.tlw.org

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT CARBO’S JUNCTION BAR

S

teve “Carbo” Carr is all about supporting the local community. Carr owns Carbo’s Junction Bar in Amherst Junction with his wife, Cindy. In addition to running their cozy establishment, the Carrs are deeply involved in their community.

“We like to give back,” he says. “We host gun raffles for a few different organizations — the local Ducks Unlimited, some snowmobile clubs and more.”

Carr is particularly supportive of conservation groups, and organizations and events that get people outdoors. In fact, he once had a float in the fair parade that gave away fishing poles to kids. “When you hand kids a fishing pole instead of a candy bar, the look on their faces is pretty special,” he recalls.

The Carrs have owned Carbo’s Junction Bar since 1992. He previously leased the bar with another partner, so when they split ways, the couple purchased it outright. “It’s been good to us,” says Carr. “We’ve been blessed with good friends, good help and staff, and great clientele.”

“We serve good drinks and good food, and we treat people right. We have good clientele who are faithful to us and we appreciate that.”

— Steve Carr, Carbo’s Junction Bar Carr explains that, out of school, he started working construction, but 10 years into it, things got slow and he started to tend bar at a couple of places. “I liked it and then this became available,” he says. “It’s all history from there.”

Carbo’s Junction Bar opens every day (except Tuesdays) at 11 a.m. As a bar and restaurant, it serves food from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day but Sundays. On Packer Sundays, the bar normally has a potluck, so everyone brings a dish to pass.

“Those are the days the cook — that’s normally me — takes off,” jokes Carr.

While Carbo’s is a small operation, it offers a variety of food, including sandwiches, wings, chicken strips and more. The item that seems to draw the biggest crowd, however, is the Carbo Burger, which one Yelp reviewer called “the best bar burger ever,” says Carr.

The Carrs primarily helm the bar themselves, but they also have two quality employees who help out. What makes Carbo’s www.tlw.org

stand out, says Carr, is how clients are treated: “I believe that, if you treat them well, they will come. We serve good drinks and good food, and we treat people right. We have good clientele who are faithful to us and we appreciate that.”

Carr has been an active member of the Tavern League for 28 years and on the board for 14 years. “I believe in the Tavern League,” he says of his longtime commitment to the association.

“It has done a lot of fighting for us with the smoking ban, gambling machines and more. Being a member just makes good sense.”

In fact, he’s proud of his membership. “I’ve had the red Tavern League sign in front of the bar for 28 years. People stop when they see that sign and that makes me glad to be a member,” he says.

He adds that the Portage County Tavern League is a strong one: “We have a good Tavern League … one of the strongest in the state.” TLW CARBO’S JUNCTION BAR 3986 Second St., Amherst Junction, WI 54407 (715) 824-3367 MARCH/APRIL 2021

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CHARITY SPOTLIGHT THE POWER OF $5

N

icole Stroik knows that even small gifts can mean a lot.

Six years ago, Stroik started asking friends and family, through her personal Facebook page, to donate just $5 twice a year to help her support local organizations. In January 2020, she decided to take the giving to a larger audience and created a separate Facebook group for her effort — The Power of $5.

“I have always liked helping people. And I thought $5 was such an easy amount to give — it’s a cup of coffee or a slice of pizza,” says Stroik. “A lot of people want to help, but they don’t know how to give, or they don’t have a lot of money or time. The Power of $5 makes it very easy to give and help others.”

Stroik chooses at least one organization or recipient each month, and then solicits donations via the Facebook group. In 2020, more than $17,000 was donated to various organizations, most of them in Portage County and all in central Wisconsin. Stroik takes suggestions for organizations and individuals to support each month. She also uses the group to bring awareness to organizations that are a “little more outside the box,” as well as local families or individuals in need.

For instance, in early February, Stroik focused on helping secure items on the local family crisis center’s wish list. People could either donate the items or money, with Stroik organizing the effort. For the second half of February, she chose to concentrate the group’s charity on supporting a local woman who recently learned that she has stage 4 colon cancer and just a few months to live.

“What we raise will help with bills so she and her husband can focus on being together in her last months,” explains Stroik.

$5. Stroik, who also has a full-time job, reports that, through the third week in February, the group had already donated $10,000.

And in January, she filed paperwork to make The Power of $5 an official nonprofit. She’s just waiting for the process, which has been slowed because of the pandemic, to be finalized.

While Stroik is the face of The Power of $5, “the community is the reason this is possible. I get the credit because I organize it, but if it were not for the community backing me, it would be nothing,” she says.

The Portage County Tavern League, which provided The Power of $5 with a donation in December 2020, is part of that community. “It was so huge when the Tavern League gave that donation to us in December,” says Stroik. “It was the worst year the TLW ever had … my husband is a bar owner [Joe’s Bar in Stevens Point], so I know how terrible 2020 was. That they made a donation after all that says so much about this community, our local businesses and the Tavern League. It was so amazing.”

Whether it’s through The Power of $5 or elsewhere, Stroik encourages everyone to find something they can support.

“I think if you are able to donate, you should … it could be you needing help the next day. And this group shows that, when you put small gifts together, it can change someone’s world. When we dropped off donations, the family crisis center said it would last them for months because of how much we were able to give.

It’s just $5, but when you put it all together, it’s huge.” TLW THE POWER OF $5

The new year is proving to be an exciting one for The Power of

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facebook.com/groups/3912791848738951

www.tlw.org

CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT CAPITAL BREWERY

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n 1984, Ed Janus had recently returned home to Madison from an inspiring trip to Germany and the first inklings of a craft beer revolution started brewing in the United States. A few years earlier, Janus had founded (and was general manager of) the wildly popular Madison Muskies baseball team. His entrepreneurial instincts told him a German beer brewery was exactly what the area needed next.

Janus incorporated Capital Brewery in 1984, leasing a large warehouse in the former Mazomanie Egg factory on the outskirts of Middleton. Along with the spacious warehouse, the factory featured a large outdoor area perfect for a beer garden and hard water flowing from deep aquifers, ideal for brewing lagers. To top off his authentic German brauhaus, Janus invested in copper brew kettles from the Krekeler Brewery in Hoxter, Germany.

“The brew kettles will actually be celebrating their 65th birthday this year,” says Scott Wiener, president of Capital Brewery. Wiener says he developed a taste for European dark beers while frequenting the student union at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and jumped at the chance to buy shares in Capital Brewery’s initial stock offering in 1985.

Today, Capital Brewery continues to innovate and is led by brewmaster Ashley Kinart-Short, a University of WisconsinMadison graduate who holds an international diploma in brewing technology from the Siebel Institute and Doemens Academy in Germany. Wiener says the brewery leads not only in award-winning beers (the brewery has collected a whopping 240 medals), but in the implementation of sustainability throughout its business as well, which makes sense from both a financial and ethical standpoint.

“We have been giving our spent grain to farmers for their

“Our Tavern League is one of the strongest in the nation, and the bar and restaurant owners are the crucial last link in the chain from our brewery through our distributors to the consumer. Having a strong distribution network is crucial for our economic future — especially now.”

— Scott Wiener, Capital Brewery www.tlw.org

cattle feed for a long time,” says Wiener. “And two years ago, we started selling some to Clasen’s European Bakery — just four blocks away. They make breads, rolls and pretzels with the spent grain. It is lower in carbohydrates, higher in fiber — and tastes great!”

Capital Brewery also added solar electric panels in 2014 to further reduce its carbon footprint. “In a few more years, we will be making money from sunlight,” Wiener says.

Lovingly referred to as “Middleton’s Backyard,” Capital Brewery prioritizes giving back to the community whenever possible. The company has over 200 members in its Capital Brewery Bike Club, a bicycle-loving group that rides Tuesdays and Thursdays from May through October, and supports many local and regional causes. The company participates in and is the exclusive brewery for The Ride, an annual bike ride benefiting the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center.

Capital Brewery has also brewed and rebranded a number of beers for fundraising, and as longtime members of the TLW, often partners with the league to host charitable events. “We recently brewed Hogs for Heroes ale in conjunction with the Hogs for Heroes nonprofit group and the Tavern League, and look forward to future collaborations,” confirms Wiener.

Like everywhere else, COVID-19 restrictions have forced Capital Brewery to cancel on-site events, but thanks to efforts by the TLW, the brewery has beer to-go options and is open with limited seating, including an outdoor beer patio. Packaged beer is available to go Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m., and the brewery holds monthly virtual beer and cheese tastings, pairing their beers with fabulous Wisconsin cheeses.

“Our Tavern League is one of the strongest in the nation, and the bar and restaurant owners are the crucial last link in the chain from our brewery through our distributors to the consumer,” says Wiener. “Having a strong distribution network is crucial for our economic future — especially now.” TLW CAPITAL BREWERY

7734 Terrace Ave., Middleton, WI 53562 (608) 836-7100 | capbrew@capitalbrewery.com capitalbrewery.com | facebook.com/CapBrew MARCH/APRIL 2021

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FEATURED AFFILIATES THE HOUSE OF INSURANCE

BERG COMPANY

Milwaukee native Mike Cross set out to create a better insurance agency over 25 years ago. Today, his company, The House of Insurance, goes above and beyond to help clients and community businesses thrive.

Business owners are always looking to stretch every dollar, but today, each penny can be the difference between survival and a shuttered establishment. In 1938, the pioneer of liquor control technology, Madison native B. L. Berg, designed the first rotating display case. This technology eventually led to his creation of the first liquor dispensing system in 1973. Today, Berg Company has over 50 years of experience maximizing profits for bars and restaurants.

Marty Lindquist, a commercial account executive, joined the agency early on in 1993 and says the company prides itself on delivering prompt service to clients. “We don’t ignore phone calls and usually can take care of whatever is needed with only one conversation,” he explains. “We have the knowledge from many years of experience to be able to handle most inquiries quickly.

Our customers deserve the best we have to offer or we don’t deserve to have them.”

Lindquist says being a member of the TLW makes sense for the agency as The House of Insurance insures a good number of taverns and restaurants. “We have good insurance markets for taverns, and we can usually do a better job on price, coverage and service for anyone that we get an opportunity to quote,” reveals Lindquist. “Taverns and restaurants are a preferred risk in my mind because they often are family-owned and operated by people who take great pride in what they do and how they do it.”

The House of Insurance supports Mukwonago, Greenfield and other southeastern Wisconsin communities not only by providing exceptional service, but also charitable action. The insurance agency backs local food banks and other nonprofit services like Seniors on the Go, which provides inexpensive rides to elderly or disabled people in Waukesha County.

The company additionally supports the TLW. “We attended Waukesha County and Marquette County Tavern League golf outings in the past, and look forward to attending more of these events across the state,” says Lindquist. “We had hole sponsorships and donated prizes.” He says the agency looks forward to having a booth at future trade shows, too.

Lindquist praises the TLW for staying involved from the beginning of the pandemic, keeping members informed and offering opportunities to take action. “During the pandemic lockdown, I was getting emails almost daily from the TLW with useful information concerning closures, lobbying, stimulus offerings and just great information about what was going on,” he says. “I usually get notices from the TLW before I get them from my own insurance companies. Hats off to the TLW for its dedication to its members when there was a big need. Thank you for that.”

THE HOUSE OF INSURANCE 7431 W. Cold Spring Rd., Greenfield, WI 53220 (414) 327-3800 | thehouseofinsurance.com

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“You don’t need to know how to mix even a standard cocktail, just push a button on the gun and the perfect proportions come out every time,” says Mike Keating, general manager of Berg Company. “A mixologist can rest assured knowing any server in the place will be able to pour to the millimeter his own custom cocktail.”

Keating believes that he can save a customer roughly $32 per liter of liquor based on estimates of spillage and liquor loss per pour, and as a result, Berg’s liquor control systems typically pay for themselves in six to 12 months. The Berg website even features a free Liquor Loss Calculator so you can crunch the numbers yourself, or you can sign up for the company’s “10 E-Tips to Prevent Theft, Giveaways and Overpouring” to gain valuable insight into increasing your profits immediately.

“A mixologist can rest assured knowing any server in the place will be able to pour to the millimeter his own custom cocktail.”

— Mike Keating, Berg Company Located in Monona, Berg Company often reaches out to Madison Area Technical College (MATC) to work with students in various programs and even hires students directly from MATC, according to Keating. Being a member of the TLW also allows Berg Company to stay in contact with the community and his clients to get feedback and find out what the market needs. The company provides free on-site demonstrations to local businesses and the larger Madison community, or folks can schedule an appointment to visit the company. Keating says he looks forward to participating in future tavern league meetings and events so that he can connect with those who can most benefit from Berg’s line of products.

“With the marketplace the way it is right now, we see all these bars and restaurants hurting, some of them shutting down,” says Keating.

“It’s important to us to help them maximize their profits and minimize their expenses. We want to help people keep their doors open.”

BERG COMPANY

2160 Industrial Dr., Monona, WI 53713 (608) 221-4281 | bergliquorcontrols.com www.tlw.org

SALES & INCOME TAX ADVISORY NETWORK Last October, sales tax specialist Holly Hoffman took an opportunity to buy out her partners at Sales & Income Tax Advisory Network, making her the sole owner. Today, Hoffman believes she made the right decision. “I love being independent,” says the CEO. “I can better understand what 4.875" my clients are going through.”

During her eight years as an auditor, speaker and technical tax law specialist at the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR), Hoffman worked to implement laws regarding sales and excise taxes, and earned a customer service award for her passion for educating Wisconsin taxpayers. But while she found her work at the DOR to be challenging and rewarding, Hoffman says she wanted to find a way to help people directly.

“People need to understand what they should do and how to navigate their interactions with the DOR,” explains Hoffman.

“My business idea was to take my skills and experience, and put it to work for small businesses, many of which are not adequately experienced or trained in sales and use taxes, and not in a position to hire expensive accountants and attorneys.”

Contact us for all of your insurance needs!

Business Insurance, Personal Insurance & Employee Benefits 888 State Hwy. 153, Mosinee WI 54455

715.693.2100

We provide a variety of different product and service offerings. Contact Ansay & Associates for more information.

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Risk Management & Claims Advocate

Port Washington • Green Bay • Manitowoc • Mosinee • Appleton • Madison • Burlington • Jefferson • Cedarburg • Brookfield • Oshkosh • Stevens Point • Eau Claire • Menomonie • Augusta • Chippewa Falls • Bloomer • Chetek • New Richmond • River Falls

Her goal was to create a network of empowered taxpayers.

Hoffman supports her Amherst community by participating in local groups like the Tomorrow River Business Association and the Portage County Business Council. She also offers interested businesses, like taverns and contractors, free sales and use tax training. “I spent 20 years of my life working in restaurants and bars, and my father-in-law is a proud tavern owner. (Shout-out to Skip’s Friendly Village in Afton!)” says Hoffman. “I understand the realities of running a business and I can marry that to sales tax compliance.”

Hoffman says being involved in the TLW is incredible because of its dedication to the needs and success of its members. The TLW understands the power of helping small businesses and supporting communities by providing resources to members.

Conversely, Hoffman’s adaptability and willingness to help out businesses are an asset to TLW members. “My clients do not get a cookie-cutter solution forced on them. They get answers and options that fit into their business,” she says. “I have done training for local tavern leagues and, if any local league wants me to come in and talk about sales tax, I will do that at no charge. Education is the key.”

SALES & INCOME TAX ADVISORY NETWORK

205 Wilson St., Amherst, WI 54406 (715) 498-4164 | salesandincometax.com www.tlw.org

4603 DOMAIN DR., MENOMONIE, WI 54751 PH: (715) 235-2151 • (800) 472-2006

• Tobacco/Cigarettes

• Chemicals

• Nuts/Snacks

• Paper Products

• Beverages

• Deli/Institutional

• Glassware

• Beverages on the gun

• Liquor

Supplying Tavern League of Wisconsin Members from Superior to La Crosse & from Hudson to Wausau MARCH/APRIL 2021

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NEW MEMBERS NEW TLW MEMBERS AS OF MARCH 1, 2021 STATE ONLY Hurley Pub Lori Wiita-Estabrook Hurley, WI DISTRICT 1 Kenosha City BBQ’d Productions Sports Bar & Grill Kenosha, WI Kenosha County Bristol 45 Diner Glen Nelson Bristol, WI

Blue Rock Lounge Mark Thomas Racine, WI C&C’s Mosquito Inn Chad Londre Racine, WI TBG’s Chad Londre Racine, WI Racine County Lady Luck Jamie Robinson Caledonia, WI Lake Tichigan’s Hilltop Pub & Restaurant Ryan Urban Waterford, WI Rock County 59er Driving Range & Diner Joe Meier Milton, WI Bazinga Classic Pub & Grille Brian Hughes Janesville, WI

The Kosh Bar & Grill JJ Martin Milton, WI Walworth County Badger Bob’s LLC Robert Johnson Milton, WI Chris’s Steel Horse Saloon Christine Domaille Genoa City, WI Duesterbeck’s Brewing Company Ben and Adam Johnson Elkhorn, WI Freedom Hall Mike Jonas Elkhorn, WI

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DISTRICT 2 Columbia County Coopers Becky and Larry Ring Poynette, WI The Whiskey Barrel Zach Ziegler Portage, WI Dodge County Angel’s Bar Angelika Schwantes Beaver Dam, WI Lake Street Inn Andrew Buchanan Hustisford, WI Mugshotz Sports Bar & Grill Debbie Schneiter Randolph, WI Madison/Dane County DeForest Family Restaurant Dzemail Amiti DeForest, WI Shakers Saloon Steve Meyer Madison, WI Skal LLC Brian Ladow Mount Horeb, WI Waukesha County American Legion Post 375 Richard Bauer Mukwonago, WI Billy-Ho’s Pub & Eatery Bill Markopoulos Pewaukee, WI

Bootleggers Bar Evelyn Propp Janesville, WI

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Lil’ Debbie’s Coyote Grill Deborah Mischka Whitewater, WI Zenda Tap Bar & Grill Jose Hernandez Zenda, WI

Burlington Conservation Club Mike Stancill Burlington, WI Racine City Sixth Street Theatre Over Our Head Players Racine, WI

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Kip & Deb’s Orrin Bangert Sharon, WI

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New Era Jim Hunn Waukesha, WI The Phoenix KNP Enterprises Inc. Hartland, WI Whiskey Waters LLC Ami Shockley Oconomowoc, WI DISTRICT 3 Crawford County M and M Bar Michael and Melinda Ehde Prairie du Chien, WI Rolling Grounds Bar & Grill LLC Brento Fogo and Jessie Dobson Soldiers Grove, WI

MARCH/APRIL 2021

Dells/Delton Area Sandstone Pub & Grill Olivia Johnson Wisconsin Dells, WI Grant/Iowa County Bluejays LLC Craig Krantz Bloomington, WI Chop’s Supper Club Jeffrey Moor Hazel Green, WI Midway Bar & Grill Nicole Faull Mineral Point, WI Midway Lanes Bar & Grill Kevin Gallagher Mineral Point, WI Juneau County Dells Raceway Park Gerald Auby Waterloo, WI Pacifico Mexican Bar & Grill Jose Oswaldo Guzman Viroqua, WI La Crosse City/County Whiskey River Bar & Grill Tiffany Johnson West Salem, WI Monroe County Millhouse Bar & Grill Jamie Milheiser Wilton, WI Silent Outdoors Tim Siekert Sparta, WI DISTRICT 4 Calumet County The Outpost Pub & Provisions Chris Fiedler Kaukauna, WI Fond du Lac City/ County Charlie’s Banquet Hall & Pub Daniel and Ashley Ernst Fond du Lac, WI Mikey G’s Brew & BBQ Michael Gilles Malone, WI Manitowoc County Brix Brandon Bartow Manitowoc, WI Déja Vu Roger Burt Manitowoc, WI Oshkosh/ Winnebago County Chester V’s David Vienda Oshkosh, WI Corner Bar & Grill Anthony Mirek Oshkosh, WI Electric Lounge Tiffany McCrory Oshkosh, WI

Ozaukee County Homeplate Asylum Scott Gierach Mequon, WI Sheboygan County Bourbon Street Pub & Grill Penny Hintz Sheboygan, WI Lakehouse Bar & Grill Michael Dimig Plymouth, WI Nine-O-Two LLC Wendy Vera Sheboygan, WI Pacifico Mexican Bar & Grill Jose Oswaldo Guzman Plymouth, WI Pacifico Mexican Bar & Grill Jose Oswaldo Guzman Sheboygan, WI Vreeke’s Penny Hintz Sheboygan, WI Washington County 2fer’s Gametime Retreat LLC Timothy Immel Eden, WI Buzdums Pub & Grill Jewelia Cook Germantown, WI Hartford Conservation & Gun Club Scott McFarren Hartford, WI Jerry’s Old Town Chaz Hastings Germantown, WI Pleasant Valley Pub Rick Buser Cedarburg, WI DISTRICT 5 Adams County Romano’s Pizza & Pub Joseph Romano Nekoosa, WI Shady Akers BBQ Mark Aker Arkdale, WI Green Lake Area Chub’s Pub Paul Salzwedel Kingston, WI The Roost Shawn LaMont Fairwater, WI

Langlade County Swartzendruber’s Supper Club Lyndon Swartzendruber Antigo, WI Marathon County Home Bar & Grill Ashley Sternweis Wausau, WI

Outer Limits Food, Sports & Spirits Laura Michalik Spencer, WI Two’s Company Restaurant & Lounge Craig Ziemanski Mosinee, WI Marquette County 2 Dog Night LLC Alys Wild Princeton, WI The Ox Bar & Grill Anthony Fasano Friendship, WI Portage County Angel’s Bar & Grill Ted Conley Nekoosa, WI Backcountry Brewing Company Gabe Hopkins Plover, WI Shawano County Liquid Billy’s William Kurtz Shawano, WI Waupaca County Jeanne Rose Sports Bar - New London William Bohn New London, WI Log Cabin Bar Lynn Buntrock New London, WI Wood County Monkey’s Cheryl Vechinski Wisconsin Rapids, WI Nagoya Japanese Sushi & Steakhouse Yang “Summer” Liu Marshfield, WI TriCity Golf Course Todd and Terra Duellman Wisconsin Rapids, WI DISTRICT 6

Brown County Bark & Brew Tara Brunette Green Bay, WI Bay Beer Belly’s Kristy Stanelle De Pere, WI Black Saddle Tavern & Oasis Max Barnowsky Green Bay, WI Bulldog’s Tony Batcher Green Bay, WI Cassie’s Coop Cassandra Collins Denmark, WI D2 Sports Pub - Hobart Michael Lenarduzzi Hobart, WI

www.tlw.org

NEW MEMBERS Duel Sports Bar & Grill Mike Cain Green Bay, WI

Lanes of Lena Ray McGuire Lena, WI

Main Street Bourbon Room Chris Boncher Green Bay, WI

South Chase Saloon Jade Ruechel Pulaski, WI Outagamie County The 10th Frame Chad Van Daalwyk Appleton, WI

Noble Roots Brewing Company Alexander Falish Green Bay, WI Parker John’s BBQ & Pizza Viand Hospitality LLC Howards Grove, WI Sgambati’s New York Pizza Melissa Niffenegger De Pere, WI Sliced on Main Michael O’Connell Green Bay, WI Stubborn Brothers Brewery Aaron Gilling Shawano, WI White Dog LLC Tony Wiltgen Green Bay, WI Door County Johnny G’s Fishing Hole Sturgeon Bay, WI Florence County Audra’s Corp.

Audra Martin-Opsahl Florence, WI Forest County Water’s Edge Lodge Roger Hillberg Crandon, WI Kewaunee County The Bucket Jill Pansier Kewaunee, WI Marinette County East Side First Street Bar & Grill Curtis Raygo Marinette, WI Ironworks LLC KC Wilson Marinette, WI Loopy’s in Loomis Ted Klaver Porterfield, WI Marinette Elks Lodge #1313 Susan Krueger Marinette, WI Oconto County The Corner Pocket Bar Amy Klarkowski Manitowoc, WI D2 Sports Pub - Airport Michael Lenarduzzi Green Bay, WI

www.tlw.org

Beaver’s Hut Mark Gerrits Freedom, WI D2 Sports Pub Brendton Mack Appleton, WI Leap In Bobbi Mitchell Freedom, WI The Shop Bar & Grille Chris Mitchell Appleton, WI Short Branch Saloon Lorrie Davis Neenah, WI DISTRICT 7 Barron County Twin Town Tavern Marilee Fleming Almena, WI Chippewa County Cheer’s Bar & Grill Julie Singerhouse Chippewa Falls, WI MCB Bar & Grill Charmaine and Bill Starck Cadott, WI

Pierce County Shooter’s Pub Daniel Suffield River Falls, WI Sugars Sara Classen Hager City, WI St. Croix County Azul Tequila Bar & Grill Jose Oswaldo Guzman New Richmond, WI Azul Tequila Inc. Jose Oswaldo Guzman Hudson, WI Fiddler’s Green Bar & Grill Richard Salsbury New Richmond, WI Hop & Barrel Brewing Justin Terbeest Hudson, WI Hudson Tap Matthew Hoerning Hudson, WI Skoglund Oil Speedway Steve Skoglund New Richmond, WI Starr’s Bar David Grau Hudson, WI Ziggy’s Paul Barber Hudson, WI Trempealeau/ Buffalo County Dam View Bar Gregory Stevens Alma, WI

Rustic Lanes Bar & Grill Randy Nye and Barb Romanowski Cadott, WI

Ashland/ Bayfield County

Sheeley House Saloon Jessica Jensen Chippewa Falls, WI

Battle Axe Saloon Eric Olson Iron River, WI

Twilite Zone Susan Kiraly Stanley, WI

Buskey Bay Resort Chris Diesing Iron River, WI

Wisconsin Veteran Farm LLC Daniel Osborn Cornell, WI Clark County 401 Bar Randy and Lori Seliskor Loyal, WI Eau Claire City/County Azul Tequila Inc. Jose Oswaldo Guzman Eau Claire, WI

El Charro Mexican Restaurant Carlos Escobedo Hayward, WI

Mike’s Bar & Campground Mike Peuse Augusta, WI Jackson County The New County Line Nathan Delmore DeForest, WI

Robinson Lake Resort & Bar Gregory and Kimberly Dalbec Solon Springs, WI Burnett County Lewis Memorial VFW Jay Brown Frederic, WI

DISTRICT 8

Frosty’s Outpost Brian Fehr Mason, WI Hank’s Landing Henry and Heather Bigott Cable, WI

The Shop Bar & Grill Kari Budge Webster, WI Greater Northwoods The Bar John Bestler Mercer, WI Lincoln County Marlee’s Social House Kiley Berg Wausau, WI Northwoods Veterans Post Gary Hohensee Merrill, WI Tomahawk Speedway Andrew Bartelt Merrill, WI Oneida County Claytons 1881 Room Renee Wisner Three Lakes, WI Lindy’s Hideaway Mike Lange Three Lakes, WI Tavern on the Loop Wilbur Draeger Three Lakes, WI Price County Double D’s Pub & Pizza Debra Meier Butternut, WI The Round Up Bar & Grill Terrance Schneider Park Falls, WI Rusk County Jolly Inn Laurie Copija Hawkins, WI Loony Bin Chris and Dan McGinn Holcome, WI

Vilas County Braywood Bay James Constine Eagle River, WI Erin’s Pub & Grub Erin Gaszak Eagle River, WI Lighthouse Pub Dustin Mueller Conover, WI Marina Bar James Constine Eagle River, WI Mary Kate’s Wine Bar Katie and John Hayes Eagle River, WI O’Brien’s Pub Shannon Rhoades Eagle River, WI Palpotski’s Bushwood Tavern Coy Jelmeland Boulder Junction, WI Washburn County Pappy’s Bar Wendy Rothenbuhler and Pat Kosterman Trego, WI Saw This Gina Mattson Spooner, WI DISTRICT 9 Milwaukee County 2 Bucks Saloon Eric Millard West Milwaukee, WI 5XEN Inc. Chao Thao Milwaukee, WI Bobby’s Bar Robert Meulen Brookfield, WI Famous Cigar LLC John Piette Wauwatosa, WI

Ponda Matt Horton Chetek, WI

Jackson’s Blue Ribbon Pub Dan Zierath Wauwatosa, WI

The Rum Shack Carla Peres Draper, WI Tom’s Way to Go Tom Lasee Hawkins, WI Sawyer County Ray Jay’s Ray Lopez Hayward, WI Revelle’s Resort Linda Revelle Hayward, WI Superior/Douglas County The Backyard on Amnicon Lake Chase and Amanda Nordby Superior, WI

Lakeside Pub & Grill Robert Tate Cudahy, WI Pat’s Niche Pub & Grub Patsy James Milwaukee, WI Spirits Ed Abrams South Milwaukee, WI Texas Jay’s John Urban Waterford, WI Uncle Fester’s Timothy Wergin West Allis, WI Walk-Her-Inn Kristian Plumeri West Allis, WI

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AFFILIATE MEMBERS TLW AFFILIATE MEMBERS AS OF FEBRUARY 28, 2021 21st Century Financial Services 3 Sheeps Brewing Company 3DL Design A-1 Amusement Ackley Novelty Adams County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Allied Games American Entertainment Services American Income Life Insurance Company Amusement Devices Inc. American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) Ansay & Associates B&K Bar Supplies B-M Music & Games Badger Mutual Insurance Company Baird Financial Advisors/ Farley Forster Herbenson Group Banilla Games Baraboo Sysco Food Services BarRags Drinkwear Batzner Pest Control Bay Towel Linen and Uniform Rental Bayland Insurance Benedict Refrigeration Service Berg Company Best Bargains Inc. Bevinco Big Game Sports Cards/ Sterling Graphics Bill’s Distributing Blue Honey Bio-Fuels Bob Schuchardt Insurance Agency Bowling Centers Association of Wisconsin Brakebush Brothers Brass Foundry Brewing Company Brat Stop Products Breakthru Beverage Wisconsin Brew Pub Lotzza Motzza Pizza Bromak Sales Inc. Bullseye Games Captain Ken’s Foods Certified Professional Restoration

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Chambers Travel Community Business Development Corporate Casuals LLC D&D Amusement Games Davis & Kuelthau Delafield Brewhaus Demon Spirits DeVere Company Inc. Edge One El Cortez Hotel & Casino Emil’s Pizza e-tailer Inc./RocketDSD EZ Dock/Pike Dock and Marine Fabiano Brothers Inc. Face Card Promotions/ Ad-Tabs Fein Brothers Five Verdons LLC Flanigan Distributing Flashpoint Designs Flipside Coin Machines Forest Floor Foods Frank Beer Distributors Game Management Corporation General Beer Northeast Inc. Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown Glavinsured Agency Inc. Great Lakes Beverage Great Northern Amusements Gunderson Uniform and Linen Rental Haenco Supplies Heartland Business Systems Holiday Wholesale Inc. The House of Insurance Howe’s Aim to Please Vending HSC Business Brokers IFD Foodservice Distributor Inc. Illinois Casualty Company Indeflex Inkworks The Insurance Center The Insurance Group Jahnke Coin Machine Johnson Brothers Kaufhold’s Kurds Kessenich’s Ltd. KLB Insurance – Illinois Casualty La Crosse Distilling Company La Crosse Loggers Baseball Club

MARCH/APRIL 2021

Lamers Bus Lines LC Branding LCSI Lebby’s Frozen Pizza Lee Beverage of Wisconsin LLC Lincoln Contractors Supply Inc. M & R Amusements & Vending LLC Magic Tap LLC Magnuson Inc. Mass Appeal Inc. MBE CPAs McCain Foods Metropolitan Food Service Equipment Midstate Amusement Games Midwest Amusements Midwest Coin Concepts Midwest Food & Tobacco Group/Tri-Mart Milwaukee Brewers Mitchell Novelty Company Modern Cash Register Systems Modern Specialty Company Motion Technology Inc. Murphy Desmond S.C. National Metalwares Furniture Nei-Turner Media Group Noble Insurance Service Northern Lakes Amusement Northern Oasis Spirits Northwest Coin Machine Northwoods Fire Protection LLC Numbskul Beverage Pabst Brewing Company Paradise Printing Company Park Ridge Distributing Inc. Pearl Street Brewery Pecatonica Beer Company Pehler Brothers Distributing Precision Pours Inc. Premier Draft Solutions PretzelHaus Bakery/ FUNacho Pro3 Solutions LLC Purecart Enterprises LLC Quaker Bakery Brands Racine Amusement Inc. Red’s Novelty Ltd. Reinhart Foodservice LLC Restaurant Technologies Retail Control Solutions

Retriever Merchant Solutions Rhinelander Brewing Company/Minhas Riverside Foods Rum Runner Tropicana Rush Creek Distilling S&S Distributing Inc. Sales & Income Tax Advisory Network Sam’s Amusement Sanimax Saratoga Liquor Company Inc. Schmidt Novelty Scott’s Vending Inc. Sentext Solutions Sketchworks Architecture Sports Impressions Stansfield Vending Star Business Machines Stevens Point Brewery Strategic Marketing Company Superior Beverages LLC Superior Business Systems Superior Vending Taylor Enterprises of Wisconsin Inc. Tiger Amusement Tom Sawyer Amusements Tricky Dick Specialties 2 Universal Presentation Concepts Van Bookkeeping LLC Vern’s Cheese Inc. Viking Log Furniture Vincent, Urban, Walker & Associates Wausau Coin Machines Inc. Wisconsin Hospitality Insured Wine Institute Wisconsin Growing Company Wisconsin Motorcycle Roads Travel Guide Wisconsin Restaurant Association Wisconsin Souvenir Milkcaps Wollersheim Winery & Distillery www.tlw.org

LEAGUE LEADER SPOTLIGHT JIM BILLINGS In the League Leader Spotlight, On Premise introduces a representative of the league that is highlighted in the issue.

Here we profile Portage County Tavern League Vice President Jim Billings.

Q. TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND, INCLUDING YOUR FAMILY, LOCATION AND BUSINESS. I was born and raised in Iowa; I am a Vietnam veteran and attended college at Minnesota State University in Mankato.

Initially, I was involved in the private club industry and spent 25 years working at various clubs in the Midwest. Fast-forward to today, my wife, Debbie, and I own the Final Score Sports Bar & Grill in Stevens Point. We have run it along with my son and great staff for the last 20 years.

Together for nearly 50 years, Debbie and I have two children, three grandchildren and three great grandchildren, with more on the way in the near future. (I’m really starting to feel old!)

Q. WHAT INTERESTED YOU IN BECOMING A TAVERN LEAGUE MEMBER? I have always been involved in the professional organizations that represented my career choices. When we went into business in 2001, we immediately joined the Tavern League as I was aware of its great reputation in representing its members and keeping them informed of all phases of the industry.

Q. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A TAVERN LEAGUE MEMBER AND WHAT OFFICES HAVE YOU HELD? I have been an active TLW member for 20 years and have served in almost all of the positions in our local league. I’m currently serving as vice president of the Portage County Tavern League and director for the Fifth District.

www.tlw.org

Q. IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING TAVERN LEAGUE MEMBERS TODAY? Obviously, the COVID-19 pandemic has overshadowed most other challenges in the last year. But with new administrations and agendas on the political scene, we as an association must be constantly vigilant and aware of any adverse legislation affecting small businesses.

Q. YOU REPRESENT PORTAGE COUNTY. ARE THERE SPECIFIC ISSUES UNIQUE TO THE AREA? Portage County faces the same challenges of many other counties and communities around the state. Our league is very involved in monitoring county, city and local government decision-making bodies. As with state and national agendas, these can be ever-changing.

Q. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING IN A LEADERSHIP POSITION WITH THE TLW? I enjoy the interaction with other members and owners. It is satisfying to discuss problems that you may think are unique to a business and find it can be solved through a simple conversation.

It is also convenient to have other directors and the state office available as a resource.

Q. HOW ELSE ARE YOU INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY? I am a member of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Backcourt Club Committee, which is active with fundraising efforts for the men’s basketball program. I am also a member of the local Elks Lodge and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and have been involved in fundraising efforts for the Never Forgotten Honor Flight that flies veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit memorials. TLW FINAL SCORE

908 Maria Dr., Stevens Point, WI 54481 (715) 343-0533 facebook.com/final.score.14

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INDUSTRY TRENDS routines with 68% of consumers more likely to purchase takeout from a restaurant than before the pandemic, and 53% of consumers who say takeout and delivery is essential to the way they live.

Other key takeaways include: • 64% of delivery customers prefer to order directly from the restaurant and 18% prefer to order through a thirdparty service.

• 72% of adults say it’s important their delivery orders come from a location that they can visit in person — as opposed to a virtual kitchen space.

2021 STATE OF THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY REPORT

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he National Restaurant Association recently released its 2021 State of the Restaurant Industry Report to measure the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the industry. The report also examines off-premises, labor and menu trends based on a survey of 6,000 restaurant operators, and consumer preferences based on a survey of 1,000 adults.

Finally, the report provides a look at the year of transition ahead.

Key findings regarding the impact of the coronavirus on the restaurant industry include: • Restaurant and food service industry sales fell by $240 billion in 2020 from an expected level of $899 billion.

• As of December 1, 2020, more than 110,000 eating and drinking places were closed for business temporarily or for good.

• The eating and drinking place sector finished 2020 nearly 2.5 million jobs below its pre-coronavirus level.

“While we still have a long way to go, we are confident in the resilience of the industry’s workforce, operators, suppliers and diners. The year ahead will be critical as we continue to advocate for much-needed recovery funds to help get our industry back on track. Working together as one, I am confident in our ability to continue safely serving our guests and supporting our communities,” says Tom Bené, president and CEO of the National Restaurant Association.

Approximately 35% of off-premises customers — with millennials leading the category at 53% — are more likely to choose a restaurant if it offers the option of including alcoholic beverages with the to-go order.

DEVASTATING YEAR FOR THE WORKFORCE The impact of the pandemic caused staffing levels to fall across all restaurant and food service segments with restaurant employment below pre-pandemic levels in 47 states and D.C. Key figures on the restaurant workforce include: • 62% of fine dining operators, and 54% of both family and casual dining operators say staffing levels are more than 20% below normal.

• There are nearly 2 million fewer 16- to 34-year-olds in the labor force.

• Restaurants were hit harder than most industries during the pandemic and still have the longest climb back to pre-coronavirus employment levels.

STREAMLINED MENUS WITH COMFORT FOOD AND ALCOHOL TO GO While restaurants continue to streamline operations, their menus prove no exception with 63% of fine dining operators, and half of casual and family dining operators saying they have fewer items on the menu than before the pandemic. Consumers are equally influenced to choose one restaurant over another if the restaurant offers a good selection of comfort foods and/or dishes on the healthier side, but the availability of diet-specific fare, such as vegan or gluten-free, plays a lesser role. The availability of alcohol to go with takeout orders, however, is a major influence in restaurant choice.

ACCELERATED ADOPTION OF OFF-PREMISES State and local mandates forced operators to introduce, streamline or enhance off-premises and contactless capabilities. Takeout and delivery became a part of people’s

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Restaurants are meeting these demands with one in five family and casual dining operators adding comfort items, and seven in 10 full-service operators adding alcohol to go since March www.tlw.org

INDUSTRY TRENDS 2020. (See Page 20 for more information on the status of Drinks to Go legislation in the state.) Consumers are also finding new ways to enjoy their favorite restaurants, such as embracing bundled meals, restaurant subscription services and meal kits.

Key data points on food and beverage trends include: • 38% of on-premises and 33% of off-premises customers say their restaurant choices will be influenced by whether the menus include the comfort foods they crave.

• 38% of on-premises customers say healthy choices would impact their restaurant choice.

• Approximately 35% of off-premises customers — with millennials leading the category at 53% — are more likely to choose a restaurant if it offers the option of including alcoholic beverages with the to-go order.

PENT-UP CONSUMER DEMAND REMAINS HIGH There is no doubt consumers are ready to return to restaurants.

They are an integral part of our social fabric and six in 10 adults say restaurants are an essential part of their lifestyle. In late April 2020, 83% of adults said they were not eating on premises at restaurants as often as they’d like, a big jump from the 45% reported in January 2020.

Additional data validates that pent-up demand includes: • 88% of adults enjoy going to restaurants, and 85% of them say going out to a restaurant with family or friends is a better way to spend their leisure time than cooking (and cleaning) at home.

• Nearly eight in 10 adults say their favorite restaurant foods deliver flavor and taste sensations that can’t be duplicated in the home kitchen.

• A majority of adults across all generations say they are not eating at restaurants as often as they would like.

“We’ve found that, even as the vaccine becomes more available and more social occasions return to restaurants, consumers will continue to desire expanded off-premises options going forward,” says Hudson Riehle, senior vice president of research and knowledge, National Restaurant Association. “With more than half of adults saying that restaurants are an essential part of their lifestyle, we are confident that, with time, the industry is positioned for successful recovery.”

KILKEA’S IRISH TWIST RECIPE

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ilkea Castle, a luxury hotel resort and golf club in County Kildare, Ireland, is offering a tasty cocktail to put a spring in your patrons’ steps. The resort’s resident

www.tlw.org

master mixologist David Pedro curated Kilkea’s Irish Twist using gin from a local Irish distillery.

INGREDIENTS • 1 Ounce of Ballykeefe Gin • ½ Ounce of White Tequila • ½ Ounce of White Rum • 1 Ounce of Blue Curacao • 4 Ounces of Orange Juice • Orange Peel • Orange Slice

COCKTAIL RECIPE Combine all of the ingredients (except for the orange slice and orange peel) with a scoop of ice in a large Boston glass.

Shake the Boston glass for 20 seconds to bring the drink’s foam to the surface, then strain its contents into a chilled whiskey glass with ice. Add the orange peel to the glass, garnish with the orange slice and enjoy!

ENJOY EVERY DROP OF WINE

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here’s an art to preserving wine. While you may have heard it’s important to let wine breathe, oxygen degrades the bottle the longer it’s open. Oxidation can spoil bottles of wine as quickly as 24 hours after opening.

Argon gas is winemakers’ preferred method to prevent oxidation and the ArT Wine Preserver® is a recyclable wine saver that uses pure argon gas to displace oxygen.

ArT Wine Preserver® is on a mission to reduce waste, starting with wine. In the U.S. alone, the company estimates home consumers pour more than $1.27 billion of wine down the drain and restaurants pour out another 18+ million bottles. In 2020, the company saved 24,260 bottles of wine. (ArT Wine Preserver® conducts annual surveys to measure usage and MARCH/APRIL 2021

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INDUSTRY TRENDS

ADVERTISER INDEX Anheuser-Busch . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 anheuser-busch.com Ansay & Associates. . . . . . . . . 27 ansay.com B&K Bar Supplies. . . . . . . . . . . 34 bandkbarsupplies.com

Midwest Food & Tobacco Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 midwestftg.com Molson Coors Beverage Company. . . . . . . . . . 36 molsoncoors.com

BarRags Drinkwear . . . . . . . . . 11 barragsdrinkwear.com

Riverside Foods. . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 riversidefoods.com

Barry Travis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 ibuyoldbeer.com

Society Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . 19 societyinsurance.com

Brakebush Brothers . . . . . . . . . 11 brakebush.com Cornerstone Processing Solutions. . . . . . . . . 31 cornerstoneps.net Emil’s Pizza. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 emilspizzainc.com Mass Appeal Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 massappealinc.com

turns the numbers into metrics to guide its business practices to save every last drop of wine as possible.)

According to ArT Wine Preserver®, its preserver: • Keeps wine fresh for seven to 30 days.

• Preserves up to 40 bottles per can.

• Takes 2 seconds to use.

• Can be recycled when empty.

For more information, please visit artwinepreserver.com.

VetsRoll. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 vetsroll.org Wisconsin Amusement and Music Operators (WAMO). . . . 2 wamo.net Wisconsin Souvenir Milkcaps . . . . . . . 19, 34 wimilkcaps.com

AN ELEVATED FLAVOR PROFILE AND A HIGHER PROOF

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uxco recently added Ezra Brooks 99, a pure, oak barrel-aged Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey elevated to 99 proof, to its Ezra Brooks family of products. Charcoalfiltered for a smooth, mellow finish, the new Ezra Brooks 99 features the same spicy taste, but with an enhanced flavor profile delivered by the higher proof. It’s available nationwide in a 750-mL bottle.

“Our goal was to create a higher-proof bourbon without sacrificing the rich notes Ezra Brooks is known for,” says John Rempe, master distiller at Lux Row Distillers. “The result is a smooth, drinkable bourbon with hints of caramel, vanilla, chocolate and spice.”

A producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products, Luxco opened its first bourbon distillery — Lux Row Distillers — in Bardstown, Kentucky. Lux Row Distillers is home to many of Luxco’s bourbon brands, such as Ezra Brooks, Rebel, Blood Oath, David Nicholson and Daviess County. The company’s brand portfolio also includes Everclear Grain Alcohol, Pearl Vodka, Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream and more. For more information, please visit ezrabrooks.com. TLW

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