The Barstool Fund - Abbey Bar (De Pere, WI)
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As a reminder every time we hit the goal for a new small business we move to the next one. We want to help as many small businesses as we can. Your donations save these businesses from going out of business through no fault of their own.
Reader Email
Barstoolsports,
Wanted to drop a quick shout-out to you for what you're doing to help Small Businesses, especially those of us in the hospitality industry, which has been hit multiple times by various ever changing restrictions and requirements. I wanted to let you know what I've done at my independent "neighborhood/College bar" here in De Pere, WI (abbeybar.com)
My father originally opened in 1974 and we've seen several changes throughout the past 45+ years here, but nothing prepares you for a Health Emergency. I've been owner/operator for 30+ years myself, and as of March 17th we've seen a state mandated shutdown followed by various ever changing operating restrictions. Honestly we all need help, and I realized how serious it was that very 1st day we opened. With restrictions forcing us to transition to takeout service only, I served one customer takeout, and it was through a delivery agency, so we didn't even get 100% of the sale.
My social media thumbprint needed to grow, so I hit FaceBook hard. I was very fortunate to have a few former employees & customers send me cash out of the goodness of their hearts. What I did was turned that money into a "pay-it-forward" promotion. I took the $500 donation and bought gift cards that we handed out to customer when they ordered full price takeout, or when they purchased gift cards or clothing of a certain dollar amount. I didn't feel comfortable taking a donation either, but being able to pay that money forward, and entrusting our customers to help someone in need, whether front line or maybe just someone who needed a lift, was an awesome help. It brought attention to our business, and people wanting to help others began to buy from us. It furthered our media attention, as several new stations did stories on us helping others during a pandemic. Bottom line, it was something that helped keep us viable and on people's minds.
We all need help however, and my staff has been back to work almost from day one. I obviously am not able to pay myself, or our rent, but fortunately as the landlord I am able to play a "shell game" so long as my bank allows me to make Interest Only Payments. I have a feeling that won't last past our January mortgage, and I don't want to be waiting for another PPP round. We are all in it together, and I am determined to see the other side of this. One of my good friends and former employees forwarded me your Tweet, so I thought I'd take a stab.
45+Years is too long a time to just let dissolve. Any help you could provide would be immensely appreciated. We've set the bar a bit lower these days, and it's keeping our head above water, keeping my staff busy, and making sure the doors open tomorrow.
Me and with my 18 current staffers come to work daily hoping the door opens and we've got someone to make us smile.
Kerry Counard
The Abbey Bar & Grill
