OUR PLACE

Random closings and altered hours are still happening two years after the pandemic and the shutdowns began.
Some Lake Geneva businesses are still struggling. Fast food chains struggled to get fully reopened after only offering drive-thru services during the pandemic, and then a lack of qualified staff hindered quick efficient service and led to inconsistent lobby hours. One fast food chain, KFC in Lake Geneva, has still not reopened its lobby. Many other businesses struggled with the same staffing issues. Surprisingly, Walgreens has been dealing with this very issue and has recently had to close its store unexpectedly and periodically. This has concerned and angered some patrons who count on 24-hour access to prescriptions.

The Dollar Tree, located in the Geneva Square Shopping Center near the properly named “PIG,”5 (appropriately named) has had its share of challenges as well, closing frequently over the past couple of weeks. Most potential patrons might think this is no big deal until they are the ones who are looking for a special cheap item that the dollar store has for a much cheaper price than the other stores. The sign on the door has been handwritten with altered hours and then sometimes simply not there as even the homemade sign changes so often. The rumor has been that the store is going out of business but former employees claim it’s merely a staffing issue. Long hours and inadequate pay have pushed employees to seek other employment, leaving the store unattended.

This problem isn’t limited to just the Lake Geneva Store, as other Dollar Tree locations have reported the same issues and have had to close their stores unexpectantly. This past weekend the Lake Geneva store was closed more than it was open. As of today, the Lake Geneva store is open, but for how long? The Dollar Tree Corporate office may need to rethink its pay scale and its appreciation of the people who make it all happen. This may be true for other businesses as well.

The new comptroller.
Lake Geneva has a new comptroller. Karen Hall held this position as comptroller from 2017 until recently when she left in late May of 2022. There were nine applicants for this open but important high-stress position. Laura Pisarick won the position and started as Lake Geneva’s Comptroller in early July. Laura brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience in finance and human resources. She previously worked as Finance and Human Resources Director for Huntley Park District in Huntley Il. So far Laura has been studying Lake Geneva’s books and getting the lay of the land. We look forward to getting to know her.

The local Taco Bell.
What can be learned from going to Taco Bell in Lake Geneva?  The first thing you may learn is that the food is better than it has ever been.  Ever!  The crunchy tacos are just that, along with a meat sauce that is terrific.  It was not always this way with Taco Bell and it is good to see that the franchise owner has made effective qualitative changes.

What else can you learn?  You can learn to order online.

If you order online, like the staff of the Geneva Shore didn’t do the other day, then you will discover that going into the store and paying cash will result in you paying almost one-third more in price.  Amazing.  There is no ordering online while you are in the store unless you somehow do that surreptitiously in the restroom or something.  The franchise does not participate in online coupons either.  That’s written exactly nowhere. Enjoy the new better Taco Bell but order online. They have to honor that price as part of the franchise agreement.  Pick it up and eat the great food elsewhere (like maybe sitting in your car if you can get a parking spot with a view on Wrigley).