ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Following Tuesday’s shut down of bars and restaurants in the state, businesses of all sorts are feeling the impact as the COVID-19 crisis plays out.
Right now Tom Sieber, the owner of School House in Ashwaubenon, tells FOX 11 there’s more uncertainty than clarity.
“Today, tomorrow, we don’t know when that will change if we get shut down or we can stay open.”
Wisconsin businesses all over the spectrum are feeling the effects of COVID-19, including the bars and restaurants that were forced to close this week.
Stadium View in Ashwaubenon is just one local establishment offering carry out and delivery services. Even delivering cases and kegs of beer.
Stadium View owner Amanda Watson tells FOX 11 the more business they get, the easier it is to help staff keep their jobs.
“We’ve been having a lot of people come in and say ‘the liquor stores are packed, can I get a case of beer?’ Absolutely. Not a problem. We’ve got to do what we’ve got to do to make sure our staff stays employed.”
Outside of restaurants and bars, some businesses haven’t seen a drop-off in sales yet, including Extreme Audio in Ashwaubenon.
“Some guys came in yesterday and bought stereo equipment for their cars and said, ‘hey, I’m laid off. I might as well do something’. Yeah, keep them busy,” said Corey Olmsted, the store manager at Extreme Audio.
But what lies ahead for local and family-owned shops is uncertain.
“So far business has been alright, but we’re really looking towards the future to find out what tomorrow, next week, next month, next year might bring,” said Stieber.
“It’s uncharted territory,” said Olmsted.
In some ways, these businesses depend on each other and government to stay afloat. School House relies on customers who work in the hospitality industry like restaurants and bars.
While Stadium View is recommending its employees file for unemployment as the pandemic continues.
