Waukesha Grocers Ask For Respect Regarding Face Mask Policy

WAUKESHA, WI— The owners of a Waukesha grocery store have a message for customers: be respectful regarding the face mask policy or find somewhere else to shop.

Joe and Jody Nolan, owners of Good Harvest Market, 2205 Silvernail Road, sent a newsletter to customers on Sunday regarding some incidents involving the mandatory mask policy.

The first incident that took place early last week involved a person being asked to put a mask on. According to the account in the newsletter, as he left the store, the customer remarked, “aren’t you worried someone is going to come into the store with a gun and shoot up the place?”

On Sunday, an older man was politely asked to put on a mask or come back during the store's medical exemption days, the newsletter detailed. The man refused and pushed his cart into an employee while using vulgar expletives towards her. After threats of calling the police, he finally left, according to the newsletter.

"We are not sure who he is, but obviously he will never be allowed in our store again," the newsletter said.

Joe Nolan, one of the owners, told Patch police were not called during any of the incidents.

The owners of the store said while the "incidents are not frequent, they won't be tolerated".

"If you are one of the handful of people who disagree with our policy and can’t treat our staff with the respect they deserve, please find a different place to shop," the newsletter said.

In the newsletter, the owners said they have always had pride in their mission “to passionately serve and nourish our community with organic, local, and more sustainable options.”

"Over the past few months this has taken on even greater importance," the newsletter said. "Whether it was the hoarding madness of March, the state shutdown of April and May, or the mask mandate of August, we have been here for you."

The owners have made numerous changes to policies and procedures following the state's mandatory mask mandate. Those with medical conditions who are unable to wear masks can shop on Mondays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

"And so that these customers don't miss out on our weekly discount days of Tues, Wed, and Thurs, they may shop after 8 p.m. on those days. We also have Good Harvest Togo for our shoppers wanting curbside pickup or delivery," the newsletter said.

The owners said in the newsletter they have " a substantial number of customers with compromised immune systems". To protect both them and employees, during all other open hours they will continue to strictly enforce the mandatory mask policy.

The owners were appreciative of the continued business and support during "these trying times."