First of all I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the patrons of Zingale’s New Village Inn. I am sure there are many questions that are running through your mind especially with the taboo that is affiliated to that location and all the other failed businesses that have come and gone. Let me take this time to explain to you why this profitable business had to close its doors.
First things first, I should probably explain my affiliation and background briefly. My name is Doug Theisen, and over the last 23 years have been extensively trained, in every job affiliated with in the hospitality industry, from doing dishes and prep-cook, running kitchens, multiple styles of service as a waiter, running restaurants, catering, sales, Food and Beverage Director, and finally consulting. My cliental list has been just as diverse from U.S. President George Bush Sr. and Jr., Presidential Candidates, Politicians, National Professional sports teams, Movie and TV stars, many Fortune 500 companies, Oil Barrens, and many very famous Billionaires that I cant mention, but can say one has his own TV show. I have started in local business here in this town such as Leffel’s and I am very sorry to hear about the doors closing and the loss of this landmark. My training has started from the origins of Antigo’s finest eateries to the 5+ star, 5+ diamond facilities across the United States. I have a proven track record for any business in which I have worked, increasing revenues to the point of tripling there revenues from the time I arrived, and decreasing expenses, while streamlining their business in order to give it an outstanding track record just like Leffel’s. Joe and Teresa Zingale were introduced to me through a mutual acquaintance and I was brought on board as a consultant, and decided to remain on board as one of the cooks.
The landlord to this facility is Bruce Biere, while the business owners were Joe and Teresa Zingale. Prior to me coming on board there were verbal promises that were made by both parties, which were explained to me when I joined the team. There was no formal contract just both parties words to each other about working towards and the development of this restaurant. As the weeks passed and we got closer to the opening, promises that were made by Bruce Biere were beginning to be very empty, In my opinion I could see a change that wasn’t good. Bruce was trying to become not just the landlord like they originally agreed but to be in control and make decisions that were not his to make. He dragged his feet on providing a contract until after the doors were open. The contract once again in my opinion was a very piss pour of an excuse for a contract, that was designed to really rake who ever would sign it over the coals, which I wouldn’t let them sign unless it was changed and overlooked by a lawyer. Bruce’s conduct towards the staff and Joe and Teresa was just becoming inexcusable. It was also Bruce Biere’s financial responsibility to have the facility cleaned up and ready for take over and operate so he was to pay the employees doing this until the day the doors opened up. A fellow employee and myself still have yet to collect the money owed to us which totals in the thousands. While spending time with Bruce listening to him and watching his conduct, I became convinced that he wanted the business for himself. It soon came to pass that my hunch was correct. This snake in the grass finally came out, he knew when the contract would be coming back from the Lawyers office, and the day before it came back, he refused to make good on any of the verbal agreements that he had made in the beginning to Joe and Teresa took advantage of them and wanted them out of the building and had the audacity to ask me to run this restaurant for him. He could not make a business go here in town on his own and needed someone to do it for him, Joe and Teresa relocated back to Antigo, to attend personal family matters and be close to help. This struck an all to familiar cord for me, after the passing of my father I also relocated to Antigo to assist my mother in any way that I could. Bruce found it as an opportunity to make an established business and then take control of it riding on their name and reputation to keep it going. It has been stated to me by Bruce that he is waiting for them to get out so that he can open it back up in less than a week after they are out. Bruce will try to open it up I have no idea who this man would be able to get to work for him. I am sure by writing this little blog I can wave goodbye to the thousands of dollars he owes me, but my father Tom Theisen taught me money comes and goes, and had to explain to me the virtue of right and wrong even though it came at the price of a sore hinder. There is a time to stand up for what is right, no matter what the cost. I have told many stories with tremendous pride of my home town, and its many endearing qualities being a boy growing up here. This situation is a travesty of injustice by an outsider who has come here to prey on this small town, attempting to swindle members of this town out of money for this restaurant that isn’t even his. So as a warning to all Bruce Biere a man of empty promises, who doesn’t pay his bills, and will take candy from a baby, is the real reason Zingale’s New Village Inn was closed so he could have this profitable business for himself. So no business will succeed at that location or any other location as long as this man is affiliated with it.
We have tried to make this restaurant blossom, Joe, Teresa, and all the staff have worked very hard to give this town something special with this restaurant, and in my travels and the many places I have assisted over the years, this team is one of the finest teams I have ever seen put together and it has been an honor and privilege to work beside each and every one of you, I am very proud to say I was part of this team.
Doug Theisen
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.images added by admin:
Zingale's New Village Inn Sign - now says For Sale or Lease
Zingale's New Village Inn - building again vacant
