We Are Open & Here To Help You!
To all of our Service Specialists friends and customers...
We are here for you.
We have been placed into the "exempt" category (a necessary business) and we remain committed to serving our communities in order to support our customers that sell food and beverage products.
Per the Governor Issuing Safer at Home Order (Exempt are...)
With this, we have asked our team to be EXTREMELY cautious with regard to the current health crisis. Our entire staff has been instructed to take any necessary precautions to keep themselves, our business partners, friends and the general public safe from the spread of the virus (utilizing gloves, masks, etc.). If you see them taking extra precautions, they have been instructed by our office to do so based on their individual comfort level. We feel that it is best to error on the side of caution.
If you need any assistance in this time of crisis, please contact us at 608-255-6667.
Thank you,
The Service Specialists Team
WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!
We are here for you.
We have been placed into the "exempt" category (a necessary business) and we remain committed to serving our communities in order to support our customers that sell food and beverage products.
Per the Governor Issuing Safer at Home Order (Exempt are...)
- Workers (Companies) supporting retail that sells food and beverage products;
With this, we have asked our team to be EXTREMELY cautious with regard to the current health crisis. Our entire staff has been instructed to take any necessary precautions to keep themselves, our business partners, friends and the general public safe from the spread of the virus (utilizing gloves, masks, etc.). If you see them taking extra precautions, they have been instructed by our office to do so based on their individual comfort level. We feel that it is best to error on the side of caution.
If you need any assistance in this time of crisis, please contact us at 608-255-6667.
Thank you,
The Service Specialists Team
WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!
Covid 19 (Corona Virus) Update(s)
ON MARCH 27th (AM), from the Wisconsin Restaurant Association (WRA), Supplier Companies on the COVID-19 Crisis
As the whole nation deals with this pandemic, restaurateurs and their suppliers are among the most vulnerable. We at the Wisconsin Restaurant Association want you to know that we care about you and the state of your business. It is more important than ever for our food service community to band together to come up with unique solutions to the challenges that we all are facing right now.
As each state enacts their own health crisis plan, here in Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has issued a Safer at Home Order. He has ordered all Wisconsinites to stay at home and has closed all non-essential businesses through April 24th. Fortunately, restaurants have been declared as essential businesses. This means that they can continue to operate with delivery, take-out, curbside, and drive-through during this emergency order.
As advocates for the food service and hospitality industry in Wisconsin, we want to communicate relevant information as it pertains to your customers here in our great state. When restaurants are struggling, we know you are too. One way that you can help is by sharing our resources with your food service contacts in Wisconsin. These resources can help them stay on top of the constant changes, learn about relief options and discover some new business modifications that can keep some revenue coming in for them.
ON MARCH 20th (AM), from the Wisconsin Restaurant Association (WRA), with the ongoing and increased uncertainty over the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), WRA will send daily updates to members with the latest information, resources and ideas to help our members make it through these challenging times. FYI from WRA...
TAKEOUT:
There has been some conflicting information about what is allowed regarding takeout according to the Governor's order that closed restaurant dining rooms.
We recently received clarification from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) on this.
Online and phone orders can be picked up and paid for in person, provided there is social distancing of 6 feet between customers.
Orders can be made onsite, limiting the total number of customers inside the establishment at one time to fewer than 10, if social distancing can be maintained during order, payment and pickup.
No food, alcohol or other beverages of any kind can be consumed on the premises.
TAKE-OUT TIPS FROM WRA:
1. Put X or tape on the floor where customers are to stand 6 feet apart
2. No chairs for seating – no beverages of any kind consumed while waiting – canned and bottled beverages or fountain beverages dispensed by employees can be handed to the customer while customer is waiting for the order but again not consumed on your premises.
3. Have folks wait outside - still 6 feet apart
4. Have folks wait in their cars until their order is ready
5. Make more use of your online ordering / drive up services
6. Offer a discount or coupon for their next order
ALCOHOL DELIVERY
As of right now, you are not allowed to sell alcohol with delivery. BUT, with take out or curbside it depends. With takeout, yes, as long as you have a class B liquor license you can sell unopened bottles of wine and beer. If your municipality allows, you can also sell unopened bottles of spirits to customers. Most municipalities do allow the sale of spirits by the bottle by restaurants.
If you do not currently have a license to sell beer, wine and spirits, you cannot sell them to your customers.
For curbside it is best to check with your local municipality for the ability to take alcohol from your building to your parking lot. The ability to accommodate curbside alcohol orders will depend on how your premise is defined on your liquor license. If your parking lot is included in the premise on your liquor license, then you can bring out the beer, wine and spirits to them – again if your municipality allows.
In many areas, local law enforcement is keeping an eye on this issue, so be sure you are following the law and make sure you are checking ID’s for all customers.
BUSINESS INTERRUPTION INSURANCE
Our (WRA) understanding is that most business insurance covers losses only due to a physical location issue (damaged building, fire, tornado, etc.) and pandemics are not covered in these policies. However, all policies are different so you should contact your broker directly about your specific coverage.
ON MARCH 18th (PM), The order from Governor Evers is currently in effect. There is currently no expiration to the order. The Governor’s order allows restaurants to stay open for the sale of food for pick up or delivery service. For food that is prepared for pick up by the customer – no seating is permitted and no food may be consumed at the restaurant. Restaurants shall preserve social distancing of 6 feet between customers during pick up.
Restaurants with a Class “B”/ “Class B” license in a municipality permitting sales for off-premises consumption may engage in alcohol beverage sales for off-premises consumption. Licensees must comply with local ordinances and can sell beer/wine/liquor for consumption off the premise. They may not engage in on-premises consumption sales, because alcohol beverages generally fall within the definition of food. Taverns/Bars that are not “restaurants” are ordered close, effectively suspending their ability to sell alcohol beverages.
Emergency Order #5
Governor Evers’ order Emergency Order #5, prohibiting mass gathering of 10 people or more. Effective 5:00 pm March 17th, all public and private mass gatherings are prohibited, pursuant to Wis. Stat. s. 252.02(3). This statute grants the DHS the power to “close schools and forbid public gatherings in schools, churches, and other places to control outbreaks and epidemics”. The order applies to all public and private venues.
“Mass Gatherings”
The most recent order prohibits gatherings of 10 people or more. It defines “mass gathering” as “any planned or spontaneous, public or private event or convening that will bring together or is likely to bring together 10 or more people in a single room or single confined or enclosed space at the same time.”
“Gatherings of less than 10 people”
The Act further orders “all gatherings that bring together or are likely to bring together less than 10 people in a single room or confined or enclosed space at the same time must: (a) Preserve social distancing of 6 feet between people, and (b) Follow all other public health recommendations issued by the Wisconsin DHS and CDC.
Taverns and Restaurants
EO 5 further specifically orders all bars and restaurants to close effective 5:00 PM on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. While an exception is created for restaurants, no similar exception is created for bars. The restaurant exception permits restaurants to “remain open for take-out or delivery service. No seating may be provided, and food may not be consumed at the restaurant.”
The order does not specifically order sales of alcohol beverage cease. Thus, a restaurant with a Class “B” in a municipality that permits sales for off-premises consumption may still engage in alcohol beverage sales.
ON MARCH 18th (AM), PER THE NIH, a recent preliminary study by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that SARS-CoV-2 can survive as droplets in the air after an infected person coughs for up to three hours. Were the droplets to be circulated in an unfiltered air conditioning system, they would only survive for a couple of hours.
SARS-CoV-2 can survive for up to 24 hours on cardboard, according to NIH study. The virus can persist for up to three days on stainless steel and plastic. This covers everything from flatware to door handles to kitchens to bathrooms in a bar, restaurant or nightclub. The study found that copper appears to kill SARS-CoV-2 in around four hours.
ON MARCH 17th (PM), Governor Evers issued an executive order closing all bars and restaurants to in house patrons. Carry out and delivery food is permitted as well as alcohol sales for consumption off the premise as long as the sale occurs on the premise. We were initially told by the Governor’s office the closing would take effect at 5 pm tomorrow (Wednesday, March 18th) At the press conference today, the Governor indicated the closing is to take effect at 5 pm today (Tuesday, March 17th).
ON MARCH 17th (AM), Governor Evers, similar to the previously issued CDC recommendation, announced that the State Department of Health Services has established a statewide moratorium on mass gatherings to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Bars and restaurants can stay open but must follow the requirements below. The order starts March 17th and there is currently no end date to the order. Bars and restaurants must comply with this DHS order.
The order requires the following:
ON MARCH 16th (12 NOON), Gov. Tony Evers announced via Twitter today that he has directed the state Department of Health Services to ban gatherings of 50 or more people.
The order exempts infrastructure and services such as grocery stores, food pantries, childcare centers, pharmacies and hospitals.
The governor's office didn't immediately respond to calls seeking comment on how the order would impact bars, restaurants and other private businesses.
His tweets also didn't indicate how long the ban will last.
"This isn't a decision I made lightly and we understand this will have an impact on Wisconsin workers, families, businesses and communities, but keeping folks safe and healthy has to be our highest priority," Evers tweeted.
-----
ON MARCH 15th, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommended that for the next 8 weeks, public gatherings be limited to 50 people or more to help limit the spread of COVID-19.
For our friends in Dane County, there are new restrictions on food service. Please click HERE for details.
The Department of Homeland Security has banned the entry of non-U.S. citizens who are from or recently been in China, Iran, or 26 European countries, as well as restricted US Citizens returning to this Country to fly through 13 approved airports.
Steps to help avoid spreading COVID-19:
If you are sick:
At Service Specialists, our entire staff has been instructed to take any necessary precautions to keep themselves, our business partners, friends and the general public safe from the spread of the virus (utilizing gloves, masks, etc.). So, if you see them taking extra precautions, they have been instructed by our office to do so based on their individual comfort level. We feel that it is best to error on the side of caution. Thank you! Your Friends at Service Specialists (We are all in this together!)
As the whole nation deals with this pandemic, restaurateurs and their suppliers are among the most vulnerable. We at the Wisconsin Restaurant Association want you to know that we care about you and the state of your business. It is more important than ever for our food service community to band together to come up with unique solutions to the challenges that we all are facing right now.
As each state enacts their own health crisis plan, here in Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has issued a Safer at Home Order. He has ordered all Wisconsinites to stay at home and has closed all non-essential businesses through April 24th. Fortunately, restaurants have been declared as essential businesses. This means that they can continue to operate with delivery, take-out, curbside, and drive-through during this emergency order.
As advocates for the food service and hospitality industry in Wisconsin, we want to communicate relevant information as it pertains to your customers here in our great state. When restaurants are struggling, we know you are too. One way that you can help is by sharing our resources with your food service contacts in Wisconsin. These resources can help them stay on top of the constant changes, learn about relief options and discover some new business modifications that can keep some revenue coming in for them.
ON MARCH 20th (AM), from the Wisconsin Restaurant Association (WRA), with the ongoing and increased uncertainty over the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), WRA will send daily updates to members with the latest information, resources and ideas to help our members make it through these challenging times. FYI from WRA...
TAKEOUT:
There has been some conflicting information about what is allowed regarding takeout according to the Governor's order that closed restaurant dining rooms.
We recently received clarification from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) on this.
Online and phone orders can be picked up and paid for in person, provided there is social distancing of 6 feet between customers.
Orders can be made onsite, limiting the total number of customers inside the establishment at one time to fewer than 10, if social distancing can be maintained during order, payment and pickup.
No food, alcohol or other beverages of any kind can be consumed on the premises.
TAKE-OUT TIPS FROM WRA:
1. Put X or tape on the floor where customers are to stand 6 feet apart
2. No chairs for seating – no beverages of any kind consumed while waiting – canned and bottled beverages or fountain beverages dispensed by employees can be handed to the customer while customer is waiting for the order but again not consumed on your premises.
3. Have folks wait outside - still 6 feet apart
4. Have folks wait in their cars until their order is ready
5. Make more use of your online ordering / drive up services
6. Offer a discount or coupon for their next order
ALCOHOL DELIVERY
As of right now, you are not allowed to sell alcohol with delivery. BUT, with take out or curbside it depends. With takeout, yes, as long as you have a class B liquor license you can sell unopened bottles of wine and beer. If your municipality allows, you can also sell unopened bottles of spirits to customers. Most municipalities do allow the sale of spirits by the bottle by restaurants.
If you do not currently have a license to sell beer, wine and spirits, you cannot sell them to your customers.
For curbside it is best to check with your local municipality for the ability to take alcohol from your building to your parking lot. The ability to accommodate curbside alcohol orders will depend on how your premise is defined on your liquor license. If your parking lot is included in the premise on your liquor license, then you can bring out the beer, wine and spirits to them – again if your municipality allows.
In many areas, local law enforcement is keeping an eye on this issue, so be sure you are following the law and make sure you are checking ID’s for all customers.
BUSINESS INTERRUPTION INSURANCE
Our (WRA) understanding is that most business insurance covers losses only due to a physical location issue (damaged building, fire, tornado, etc.) and pandemics are not covered in these policies. However, all policies are different so you should contact your broker directly about your specific coverage.
ON MARCH 18th (PM), The order from Governor Evers is currently in effect. There is currently no expiration to the order. The Governor’s order allows restaurants to stay open for the sale of food for pick up or delivery service. For food that is prepared for pick up by the customer – no seating is permitted and no food may be consumed at the restaurant. Restaurants shall preserve social distancing of 6 feet between customers during pick up.
Restaurants with a Class “B”/ “Class B” license in a municipality permitting sales for off-premises consumption may engage in alcohol beverage sales for off-premises consumption. Licensees must comply with local ordinances and can sell beer/wine/liquor for consumption off the premise. They may not engage in on-premises consumption sales, because alcohol beverages generally fall within the definition of food. Taverns/Bars that are not “restaurants” are ordered close, effectively suspending their ability to sell alcohol beverages.
Emergency Order #5
Governor Evers’ order Emergency Order #5, prohibiting mass gathering of 10 people or more. Effective 5:00 pm March 17th, all public and private mass gatherings are prohibited, pursuant to Wis. Stat. s. 252.02(3). This statute grants the DHS the power to “close schools and forbid public gatherings in schools, churches, and other places to control outbreaks and epidemics”. The order applies to all public and private venues.
“Mass Gatherings”
The most recent order prohibits gatherings of 10 people or more. It defines “mass gathering” as “any planned or spontaneous, public or private event or convening that will bring together or is likely to bring together 10 or more people in a single room or single confined or enclosed space at the same time.”
“Gatherings of less than 10 people”
The Act further orders “all gatherings that bring together or are likely to bring together less than 10 people in a single room or confined or enclosed space at the same time must: (a) Preserve social distancing of 6 feet between people, and (b) Follow all other public health recommendations issued by the Wisconsin DHS and CDC.
Taverns and Restaurants
EO 5 further specifically orders all bars and restaurants to close effective 5:00 PM on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. While an exception is created for restaurants, no similar exception is created for bars. The restaurant exception permits restaurants to “remain open for take-out or delivery service. No seating may be provided, and food may not be consumed at the restaurant.”
The order does not specifically order sales of alcohol beverage cease. Thus, a restaurant with a Class “B” in a municipality that permits sales for off-premises consumption may still engage in alcohol beverage sales.
ON MARCH 18th (AM), PER THE NIH, a recent preliminary study by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that SARS-CoV-2 can survive as droplets in the air after an infected person coughs for up to three hours. Were the droplets to be circulated in an unfiltered air conditioning system, they would only survive for a couple of hours.
SARS-CoV-2 can survive for up to 24 hours on cardboard, according to NIH study. The virus can persist for up to three days on stainless steel and plastic. This covers everything from flatware to door handles to kitchens to bathrooms in a bar, restaurant or nightclub. The study found that copper appears to kill SARS-CoV-2 in around four hours.
ON MARCH 17th (PM), Governor Evers issued an executive order closing all bars and restaurants to in house patrons. Carry out and delivery food is permitted as well as alcohol sales for consumption off the premise as long as the sale occurs on the premise. We were initially told by the Governor’s office the closing would take effect at 5 pm tomorrow (Wednesday, March 18th) At the press conference today, the Governor indicated the closing is to take effect at 5 pm today (Tuesday, March 17th).
ON MARCH 17th (AM), Governor Evers, similar to the previously issued CDC recommendation, announced that the State Department of Health Services has established a statewide moratorium on mass gatherings to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Bars and restaurants can stay open but must follow the requirements below. The order starts March 17th and there is currently no end date to the order. Bars and restaurants must comply with this DHS order.
The order requires the following:
- All public and private mass gatherings are prohibited beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17th
- Restaurants and bars are allowed to remain open if they “operate at 50% of seating capacity, or 50 total people, whichever is less”.
- In addition, bars and restaurants must establish a distance of 6 ft between tables, booths, bar stools, and ordering counters
- Prohibit the use of all self-service operations such as salad bars and beverage stations
ON MARCH 16th (12 NOON), Gov. Tony Evers announced via Twitter today that he has directed the state Department of Health Services to ban gatherings of 50 or more people.
The order exempts infrastructure and services such as grocery stores, food pantries, childcare centers, pharmacies and hospitals.
The governor's office didn't immediately respond to calls seeking comment on how the order would impact bars, restaurants and other private businesses.
His tweets also didn't indicate how long the ban will last.
"This isn't a decision I made lightly and we understand this will have an impact on Wisconsin workers, families, businesses and communities, but keeping folks safe and healthy has to be our highest priority," Evers tweeted.
-----
ON MARCH 15th, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommended that for the next 8 weeks, public gatherings be limited to 50 people or more to help limit the spread of COVID-19.
For our friends in Dane County, there are new restrictions on food service. Please click HERE for details.
The Department of Homeland Security has banned the entry of non-U.S. citizens who are from or recently been in China, Iran, or 26 European countries, as well as restricted US Citizens returning to this Country to fly through 13 approved airports.
Steps to help avoid spreading COVID-19:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
- Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily
If you are sick:
- Stay at home
- Cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze
- Wear a facemask if you have to be around other people
At Service Specialists, our entire staff has been instructed to take any necessary precautions to keep themselves, our business partners, friends and the general public safe from the spread of the virus (utilizing gloves, masks, etc.). So, if you see them taking extra precautions, they have been instructed by our office to do so based on their individual comfort level. We feel that it is best to error on the side of caution. Thank you! Your Friends at Service Specialists (We are all in this together!)
Thank You Customers - For Making Us Southern Wisconsin's #1 Commercial HVAC, Refrigeration, Ice Making, Food Service & Cooking Equipment Service Leader!
((!)) As of January 1st, 2018 ((!))
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