SHAWANO, WI – With a simple announcement that followed the path set by other states in the midwest, the restaurant and bar industry in Wisconsin was dealt a major blow Wednesday.
“It is almost like starting a new business again.”
Governor Tony Evers mandate to close down bars and restaurants to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is closing some doors and forcing others to make some adjustments to how they do business.
The Governor is allowing carryout and delivery and food establishments are working out plans to make that happen.
Chad Kary runs the Launching Pad in Shawano and says their business is now cooking and delivery.
“We are just kind of waking up to this new reality.”
Bars and restaurants had to close at 5:00 pm Tuesday leaving all owners scrambling to make plans to make money.
At first, the news was hard to take.
“It is butts in seats and we have the opportunity to keep people here longer and losing that was a piece of our businesses but I think a lot of what we do is food,” said Kary.
Most of the bar industry is not so lucky. The Sand BAR & Grill in Shawano explained on Facebook that they need the bar patrons and diners to operate.
“We aren’t able to efficiently offer delivery and aren’t certain about being able to meet the needs of takeout service based on technology and quality. We love you all and hope we will be back up and running as soon as possible,” according to a post on their Facebook page.
Bars that do not have a food menu that they can make a carryout or delivery option have nothing that they can open for.
Along with carry-outs, restaurants are encouraging purchasing gift cards that can be used once full operation returns.
The bar owners are asking patrons to be patient.
“Please stay tuned as we make some tough decisions that will be of the best interest for all of us, the Sand-BAR & Grill posted on their Facebook page.
Kary says he understands the Governor’s move and believes that he understands the impact that it will have on business. He says Governor Evers first directive to have restaurants and bars cap off at 50 people and position their seats to allow for social distancing was hard to follow.
“This is an improvement as weird as that sounds.”
Kary said he and probably many others have to cut back staff. He said that was the most difficult part of the whole process.
“Even during a recession you expect to trim some staff but here, your business is going to cease. We employ a broad range of people from young single people to the retired to those trying to support a family and you want to do all you can to take care of them.”
Kary says they will continue to cook and offer carryout along with delivery. While the process is not all ironed out, Kary said his plan is to put the motion in place right away and that includes delivery, curbside delivery if preferred and whatever is needed to keep contact at a minimum.
“This changes what we order, how much we order and quantities are going to be different and we hope that customers are going to be flexible and realize that we are trying to get through a lot of uncertainties. We are going to be here and going to be cooking. Stuff is here, it’s just rather than sitting at the bar or in our dining room, you are at home enjoying it with family and that is really not all that bad either.
The Governor states that bars and restaurants can be fined if they do not comply with the new regulations.
CHAD KARY EXPLAINS HIS HOPES FOR DELIVERY AND CARRYOUT
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